Job Abstract

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Position Summary

The Animal Resources Facility supports research development and innovation by providing services associated with the care and use of animals involved in research and teaching at Rice University. Under the direction of the Assistant Operations Director, the animal care technician is responsible for delivering exceptional animal care to the research animals at Rice University. They perform daily animal care and husbandry of laboratory animals in a research environment, and perform basic evaluation of the levels of sanitation/sterilization. The animal care technician is responsible for performing animal technical procedures and providing animal related care as directed by the Attending Veterinarian or designee. They support operations in the facility with all species in accordance with standard operating procedures and training to ensure compliance with the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, the Animal Welfare Act and Regulations as well as all applicable federal, state, local and institutional laws, regulations, policies.

Ideal Candidate Statement

The ideal candidate is a self-starter who has strong verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to interact with staff, and communicate animal health issues, compliance issues, training, facility issues, etc. in a professional collegial manner with Rice staff members.

Salary: $15.72 to $18.08 per hour

Workplace Requirements

This position is exclusively on-site, necessitating all duties to be performed in-person at Rice University. Per Rice policy 440, work arrangements may be subject to change.

Minimum Requirements

• HS Diploma or equivalent
• Two years of related experience handling multiple animal species
  • In lieu of the experience requirement, additional related education, above and beyond what is required, on an equivalent year for year basis may be substituted

Skills

• Ability to use word processing and spreadsheet software, Microsoft Office Suite
• Good organization skills and strong attention to detail
• Ability to listen and communicate effectively (verbal, written)
• Ability to work independently and in team environments
• Ability to maintain quality, safety, and/or infection control standards
• Ability to follow instructions
• Proficiency in relevant math

Preferences

• American Association for Laboratory Animal Science Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT) certification
• General knowledge of feeding, caging, and space requirements for multiple species of laboratory animals used in research
• Assists veterinary technician in basic treatment of sick and injured animals, including medication dosing
• General knowledge of environmental monitoring procedures to assess sanitation
• General knowledge of federal and other licensing agencies’ regulations

Essential Functions

• Performs animal husbandry duties to maintain the quality and health of research animals, including cage changing and cleaning, daily cage observations; provides appropriate food/water
• Monitors daily animal health and welfare while performing daily animal health observations, reports animal health concerns, animal handling, weaning, and sexing of laboratory animals
• Ability to identify animal health concerns and regulatory compliance for their assigned areas and to report conditions to veterinary staff, researchers, and compliance staff
• Records data in appropriate hardcopy or electronic system and completes all written documentation in clear and legible writing.
• Ensures ventilated cage rack system and automated drinking water system are operating and promptly reports malfunctions.
• Assists in the animal housing setup and daily care for various species of animals (e.g., sanitizing and/or sterilizing animal cages and equipment, exercising and providing environmental enrichment)
• Ensures cleanliness and sanitation of animal housing and ancillary areas (e.g, procedure rooms)
• Ensures supplies are adequately stocked
• Performs general housekeeping and adheres to safety procedures
• Disposes of animal carcasses following established procedures
• Performs all other duties as assigned

Additional Functions

• Establishes working relationships and communicates effectively with Rice University research staff, Assistant Operations Director, and Attending Veterinarian
• Reviews, comprehends and complies with all Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’s) and quality assurance standards pertaining to specific areas
• Records animal health concerns as described in the Department’s SOP and/or specified protocols
• Assists with restraint, handling, and manipulation of various animal species as assigned
• Ability to use basic computer skills (e.g. able to scan barcodes for census, sync PDA’s electronically, submit clinical concerns ), utilize email account for work-related communications, follow online training)
• Reports problems involving animal care equipment and environmental support systems
• Learns and assists in animal census data collection and other required documents
• Maintains accurate departmental animal housing and support area record-keeping
• Receives, inspects, and puts away received incoming animals
• Basic knowledge of disinfection, sanitation, and cleaning agents; knowledge and ability to use cage washers for cleaning and autoclaves for sterilization of cages
• Operates equipment and uses supplies according to safety guidelines
• Sanitizes facilities, animal housing units, and ancillary animal care equipment

Rice University HR | Benefits: https://knowledgecafe.rice.edu/benefits

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Rice University is an Equal Opportunity Employer with commitment to diversity at all levels, and considers for employment qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, disability or protected veteran status.