Job Abstract

Under the direction of the Animal Care Supervisors and/or DLAM clinical veterinarians, the Senior Animal Technician will perform the daily husbandry and health tasks for the DLAM USDA Covered Species Health program to ensure the highest quality animal health care for USDA covered species housed in all DLAM facilities.

Salary: $25.89 - $31.98 hourly

Required:

• Working knowledge of animal husbandry procedures sufficient to care for laboratory animals in an experimental environment attested by the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science at the ALAT level or higher.
• Knowledge of habits and appearances of laboratory animals sufficient to notice deviations from normal.
• Skill in handling a variety of animals in a variety of situations sufficient to prevent injury or distress to the animal or self.
• Ability to lift 50 pound bags of feed, 60-70 pound animals, and to push 200-300 pound cage racks of animals.
• Knowledge of cleaning and sanitizing materials and techniques sufficient to maintain a healthful environment.
• Skill in reading English and numbers to be able to follow instructions, maintain records and identify specific animals.
• Skill in using basic English words and phrases to complete identification cards, and inventory forms.
• Ability to speak on a one-to-one basis using appropriate vocabulary and grammar to obtain information and instructions, explain changes in animal behavior and appearances, and to communicate with supervisors and co-workers.
• Ability to treat animals. Must be able to treat PO, SQ and IM. Knowledge of appropriate labeling and disposal of the animals euthanized, including bio-hazardous animals.
• Knowledge of and the ability to apply the concept of contamination control practices including engineering, administrative, and procedural controls for the containment of pathogens, including disinfection, and waste handling methods appropriate for work in biocontainment animal facilities up to BSL2 practices.
• Ability to participate in weekend/Holiday work rotations and occasional overtime duties.