Lab Animal Care Tech

LAB ANIMAL CARE TECH I Position Summary

This position involves the care and husbandry of laboratory animals. Duties include providing feed, water and the daily care for multiple species of animals in support of research. The incumbent performs sanitation duties such as cleaning cages, animal rooms and ancillary areas. Observes animals daily for signs of sickness, abnormal behavior, social environment and overall health status. Records environmental conditions such as temperature, humidity and lighting conditions.

Advises supervisor regarding facility maintenance problems to assure equipment and facilities are functioning properly and animals are maintained appropriately. May operate mechanical cage washers, pressure washers and other animal care equipment. Follows all safety procedures and wears appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) as required. Maintains daily logs/records, animal census and performs other duties as assigned by supervisor. Participates in staff meetings, continuing education and training classes as directed.

All duties assigned must follow established applicable Standard Operating Procedures. Incumbent will work rotating schedule including weekends and holidays. Participation in UGA’s Occupational Health & Safety Program is involved and may include vaccinations, spirometry and respirator fit testing.

High school diploma or equivalent and 2 years of related experience.

• 60%:
  Performs daily animal care and husbandry duties for animals in a research vivarium; including feeding, watering, animal handling/transport, animal health checks, cage changing, providing enrichment and environmental monitoring. Assures animals are appropriately maintained and cared for in accordance with standard operating procedures and supervisors instructions.
• 25%:
  Cleans and sanitizes animal rooms, ancillary areas, primary enclosures and caging equipment following established procedures and schedules. Operates, prepares and transports equipment. Keeps work areas clean and organized. Maintains supply inventories, performs minor preventative maintenance tasks and IPM duties as directed by supervisor.
• 15%:
  Maintains essential records and logs. Performs animal treatments and other technical procedures as required. Participates in multiple training classes as prescribed and participates in UGA Occupational Health & Safety program. Performs weekend and holiday duties as scheduled. Participates in continuing education training and staff meetings. Provides assistance and resources to facility users and departmental staff. Performs other duties as assigned.

Upon completion of a prescribed training and instruction program, the incumbent should have the ability to perform routine husbandry and sanitation tasks following standard operating procedures. Applicants should be comfortable handling and caring for rodents and small animals. Ability to communicate effectively with co‑workers and researchers in a professional and courteous manner. Ability to understand and follow oral/written instructions. Excellent observation skills are very important.

Sustained periods of physical activity such as standing, bending, stooping, reaching above shoulder level and lift 50 pounds. Work sometimes under demanding conditions (high humidity, unpleasant odors, animal excreta and noise). Work environment involves some exposure to biohazards and/or physical risks. Wear PPE (protective clothing, safety glasses, face shields, steel toed safety shoes/boots, respirators, gloves, etc.) and stand on hard surfaces for prolonged periods of time.

Will restrain, handle, and treat multiple species of animals. Work may involve the transport, relocation and positioning of animal care and auxiliary equipment. Participation in the research occupational health and safety program which may include specific vaccinations before entering restricted facilities.

Yes

No

Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials (including reference checks) as they relate to the job-based requirements of the position applied for; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. You may also be subject to a pre-employment drug test for positions with high-risk responsibilities, if applicable.

For questions concerning this position or recruitment progression, please refer to the Recruitment Contact listed below.

Lynette Rowe

lrowe
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