Animal Care Technician II

Job Description

Job Description

Animal Care Technician (ACT) II

*This position is based in San Diego

JOB SUMMARY

Mispro fosters and ensures the responsible and humane use of in vivo research models within our network of AAALAC-accredited contract vivariums (primarily rodent). The Animal Care Technician (ACT) II is an experienced animal care position focused primarily on animal care and vivarium operations/maintenance, including engagement with clients, oversight of local vivarium physical plant and assuring compliance with federal, state, local and accrediting regulations. It’s for those who have the experience/knowledge of lab animal care and are seeking greater operational opportunities and independence. This position reports directly to a Site Operations Site Supervisor. 

MAJOR ACCOUNTABILITIES & ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Responsible for providing appropriate daily husbandry to various laboratory animal species in accordance with all guidelines, regulations, and SOPs pertaining to Laboratory Animal Care. Primary duties are performance of daily animal and vivarium physical plant and animal husbandry & maintenance duties (i.e. cage changing, animal & supplies receipt, stocking, vivarium sanitation). In addition to primary duties described, responsibilities for this role will also involve programmatic oversight for specific vivarium operational responsibilities, performing in an associate Site Lead role, ordering/receipt of supplies, special projects, and coordination of vivarium/research support activities under the guidance of the Site Supervisor and/or Animal Care Technician III/Site Lead(s). 

Animal Care

• Perform animal husbandry (daily checks, cage changes, clinical follow up) for predominantly rodent species
• Recognize and respond to standard rodent clinical conditions; perform basic veterinary care/treatment functions
• Receive and house animal deliveries while confirming conditions of animal shipment (animal health, genders, numbers of animals, IDs)
• Ensure animal care standards
• Perform euthanasia as required to ensure animal welfare and appropriate colony management

Vivarium Operations 

• Recognize and report environmental deviations (temp, humidity, lighting, HAVC, noise, odor)
• Perform facility sanitation and participate in decontamination efforts
• Support waste management practices/compliance (RMW, Path/Chemo, lab waste, recycling, composting)
• Receive and maintain common consumables (PPE, caging, diet, etc)
• Submit animal orders and print cage cards
• Support Client service needs/equipment usage
• Provide ad interim site leadership in absence of Site Lead and Supervisor

Client Interaction 

• Maintain on-going communications with Clients within assigned spaces
• Recognize and escalate Client concerns with animal care, environment and Mispro services
• Provide regular updates to Clients regarding animal conditions and basic support requests (clinical updates, breeding progress, restocking of consumables, waste management, sanitation)
• Maintain cage change schedules in alignment with in-room Client activity

Regulatory Compliance

• Ensure appropriate entries into sign-offs and accurate documentation of activities
• Support compliance with all institutional (IACUC, QA), governmental (EPA, PHS, USDA) and accrediting (AAALACi) protocols & policies
• Develop familiarity with Mispro SOPs and maintain standards with updates/revisions
• Remain current with company trainings and professional development expectations

Additional

• Able to lift 50 lbs, move heavy objects, work from a standing position for prolonged time periods and perform repetitive motion tasks
• Must be available to support weekend, holiday, emergency, and after-hour operational responsibilities 
• Assisting in supporting the program through other requested duties as necessary

QUALIFYING CANDIDATE PROFILE 

• Dedicated to providing humane animal care
• A strong commitment to providing quality research service support
• Familiarity/exposure with operating practices for in vivo environments and models 
• Familiarity of regulatory standards (local, industry, federal, AAALAC) governing the care and use of animals in research
• Ability to identify non-compliant animal care/facility operations and report to local leadership
• Effective communication (verbal, written, response to emails, appropriate chain of command, escalation of emergencies), interpersonal (transparency, professionalism, integrity, trust) and organizational skills (prioritizing, time management, scheduling, attention to detail)
• Team focus supporting local site culture
• Able to work reliably in independent situations
• Able to travel locally as needed

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE 

• Minimum of two (2) years animal care/vivarium operations (husbandry or related)

• High school degree required; 2-year degree in general science, animal science, or veterinary science desirable

• ALAT preferred; encouraged upon employment

• Prior animal care experience within Pharma, Biotech and/or academic in vivo research environments