Vivarium Operations Associate I

Job title: Vivarium Operations Associate I
Location: Cambridge, MA (Onsite)
Pay Rate: ***/Hour - ***/Hour (Lowest would be better)
Shift timings: 7AM to 3 PM EST (Monday to Sunday) Days are not fixed


Job Purpose :
This role is an experienced animal care and vivarium operations position responsible for supporting research by providing high quality & consistent animal care/husbandry, vivarium operational service support and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards within a multi-building, multi-discipline research program.


Major Accountabilities:


Principally responsible for daily husbandry to animals (predominantly rodents, some small animal USDA), clinical observations, maintenance of the animal facilities (sanitation of animal rooms & equipment), receipt of incoming animals & supplies, fulfilling research requests, animal transfers and relocations.
Often responsible for ensuring compliance with all institutional and regulatory protocols, policies, and guidelines. Maintenance of relevant facility/animal records. Make independent decisions regarding operational standards/situations.
Responsible for pursing continuous learning/professional development opportunities and enhancing/expanding skill set as time allows.
Driven by the needs of our scientific partner/collaborator, limited routine technical procedures on animals may also be assigned.
Other duties and responsibilities as may be required.
Key Performance Indicators (Indicate how performance will be measured: indicators, activities...)
Provide consistent and high quality on-site animal care and vivarium maintenance
Effectively gain certification and proficiency on all applicable operational skills as required
Team oriented and interactive. Foster peer/team development and performance
Strong attention to completion of tasks in an efficient/consistent manner
Continuously support Vivarium Operations Management in maintaining compliance with all internal and external regulatory agencies in accordance with the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals
Continuously pursue educational and professional development opportunities to enhance and expand relevant skills and knowledge
Identify and resolve on-site vivarium operational issues/challenges
Execute detail-specific operational support
Ideal Background:
Education:
GED or High School degree required, 2-year degree in Veterinary Technology, 4-year Science degree, or a combination of experience with higher education preferred
ALAT Certification desirable or pursued after start
Working knowledge of federal, state, local (Animal Welfare) laws and departmental SOPs
Thorough understanding and comprehension of operational standards, processes, equipment, etc. as they relate to operational responsibilities
Clearance: HORUS clearance and an N95 respirator fit test are required before the selected contractor can start the contract.


Languages: English


Experience: Strong experience (2 - 4 years) working with animals or performing animal husbandry in a research setting.


Qualified candidates will have a strong commitment to providing quality research support, be dedicated to providing consistent, humane animal care in accordance with Laboratory Animal Care regulations/standards. Candidates must be reliable, independent, work well in a dynamic, fast-paced team environment and have well developed interpersonal & communication skills. Must be able to lift 50 lbs. and move heavy objects. Must be able work from a standing position for prolonged time periods and perform repetitive motion tasks. Able to work weekends, holidays and during inclement weather.


Competency Profile:
Characteristics
Strong commitment to providing humane, consistent, and high quality daily care to research animals
Strong interpersonal skills (transparency, professionalism, communication)
Strong sense of personal accountability, reliability and integrity
Team-oriented and interactive. Fosters peer/team development and performance.
Organized, effective time management, detail-oriented, thorough and consistent
Ability to independently identify and resolve standard vivarium operational issues/challenges
Self-starter requiring no daily oversight
Open to supporting transitional operations and schedule changes
Committed to professional development and continuous learning
Knowledge
Thorough knowledge of animal care expectations/responsibilities
Knowledge of facility operational parameters and standards
Recognition of typical/atypical animal health and behaviors
Effective time management/prioritization for operational expectations/responsibilities
Knowledge of Federal, state and local Animal Welfare regulations and recommendations
ALAT or higher certification desirable


Skills/Abilities
Strong communication skills (written and verbal required, presentation desirable)
Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Outlook required, database use desirable
Able to lift 50 lbs., move heavy objects, work from a standing position for prolonged periods and perform repetitive motion tasks
Able to perform standard animal care responsibilities.
Able to work weekends, holidays and during inclement weather