Research Animal Tech - Animal Resource Core

Responsible for the daily husbandry of laboratory animals, sanitation of primary and secondary enclosures, administration of treatments and pre and post-operative care as per the instructions of the veterinary staff and maintenance of husbandry, cage change and room supplies. All tasks should be accomplished in compliance with institutional, state and federal regulations. The position is expected to work holidays and weekends on a rotating assignment basis or as required by the management.

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Responsibilities:

Read, understand, and execute tasks as per institutional SOPs and policies.
• Observes each cage of animals on a daily basis to assure occupants are healthy and have an adequate supply of feed, water and clean bedding.
• Observe and record environmental conditions within each animal room to assure compliance with established standards.
• Communicate health status of animals to the principal investigator and veterinary staff.
• Clean the floors in large animal housing areas on a daily basis.
• Inventory and upkeep of husbandry supplies, drugs, equipment and surgical supplies as per institutional policies and SOPs.
• Prepares and uses disinfecting and sanitizing solutions.
• Collect colony census using barcode technology. Reconcile census and create/deactivate cage cards using enterprise vivarium management software (eTRAC).
• Implements established quarantine and conditioning procedures for incoming animals.
• Assures animals are identified by appropriate methods.
• Familiar with specialized animal housing considerations to include infectious agent containment and barrier concepts.
• Familiar with the use and sanitation procedures related to the proper operation of laminar flow hoods.
• Familiar with the breeding and reproductive behavior of the common laboratory species.
• Familiar with psychological enrichment procedures appropriate for the various laboratory animal species housed. Capable of recognizing evidence of pain and / or distress in common laboratory animals.
• Completes required OSHA chemical safety training, blood borne pathogen training and Tuberculosis prevention training on an annual basis.
• Knowledgeable of the safety precautions practiced by animal technician personnel when dealing with the various research animal species.
• Remains familiar with Animal Resources Core (ARC) emergency response procedures.
  
  ANCILLARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
• Operates and / or uses rack washer(s) and autoclaves to sanitize and / or sterilize animal cages, racks, and other related equipment.
• Performs preventive maintenance on racks and caging equipment.
• Conducts insect and rodent monitoring procedures.
  
• All other duties assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED

Education:

• High School Diploma required; Associate degree or higher preferred with two years experience working with animals in a research setting.
• Incumbent will be expected to achieve certification by the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS), at the Assistant Technician level, once AALAS length of employment eligibility requirements have been met.

Skills and Experience:

• Maintains a working knowledge of the policies and procedures as outlined in the National Research Council's Guide for The Care and Use of Laboratory animals; the ARC and RINCH Policies and SOPs.
• Ability to use Microsoft Word and Outlook (email).

MINIMUM PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Incumbent must test negative for Tuberculosis on an annual basis
• Maintains ability to lift bags of animal feed or equipment items weighing up to fifty pounds.
• The above list of duties is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by individuals assigned to this classification.
  
  EOE M/F/Disability/Vet
  US:OH:Columbus