Animal Care Technician III (Vivarum) - Atlanta, GA

Animal Care Technician III

The Division of Animal Resources at the Emory National Primate Research Center at Emory University is currently seeking a full-time Animal Care Technician III to join our dedicated Animal Care team to assist with husbandry and activities related to the daily operations of the rodent colony. Observing all established guidelines for proper care and welfare of the animals, the ideal candidate will be motivated, dependable, detail-oriented, have a positive attitude, and compassion for both animals and people. If you are someone with lab animal experience (preferably with rodents) who is familiar with animal observations, husbandry, and cage wash duties, this is an amazing opportunity to indirectly save and change lives and make a positive impact in the science and research community.

The Animal Care Technician ensures the cleanliness of the facility and the maintenance of adequate supplies of food and bedding materials, including PPE. The Animal Care Technician will work together with other technicians according to a schedule prepared by the Associate Operations Manager and must be willing and able to rotate through all Emory DAR facilities, including ABSL3. The Animal Care Technician ensures the highest quality of laboratory animal care and research support, and has good communication skills with co-workers, the management team, PI's, research staff, students, and other support services. This position reports directly to the Animal Care Supervisor. This position is considered essential and requires some weekend and holiday work as part of a rotating schedule.

Dedicated to discovering causes, preventions, treatments, and cures of disease, Emory National Primate Research Center (EPC) is improving human and animal health and lives worldwide. One of seven NPRCs funded by the NIH, EPC conducts studies that make breakthrough discoveries possible.

Key Responsibilities:

• Oversees the daily operations of an animal care facility including the routine care of animals and maintenance of equipment.
• Serves as a resource in the management of a particular technical specialty such as mice or primates.
• Provides technical assistance to research and clinical medical personnel in the performance of research and emergency procedures.
• Feeds animals and supervises the administration of special diets and medication.
• Assists veterinarians with grooming and pre- and post-operative animal care.
• Collects blood, urine, and other required specimens from animals as requested for medical research.
• Observes and monitors animals for signs of illness, trauma or social instability.
• Monitors environmental conditions in animal housing facilities and inspects the condition of facilities and equipment for cleanliness and proper operation.
• Ensures that the facility complies with federal regulations for care and maintenance of research animals.
• Maintains daily records pertaining to animal care.
• Complies with OSHA standards and other applicable federal and state regulations when working with hazardous chemicals, materials, animals, and power equipment.
• Follows protocol in the proper containment and disposal of biohazardous waste and contaminants.
• Assists in training other animal care providers.
• May act in a lead capacity in the supervisor's absence.
• Employees in this classification may be required to work with, take specific precautions against and/or be immunized against potentially hazardous agents.
• Performs related responsibilities as required.

Minimum Qualifications:

• A high school diploma or equivalent and three years of animal husbandry/care experience OR certification as Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT) and three years of animal husbandry/care experience OR five years of animal husbandry/care experience.
• The ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Positions in this classification may require a valid Georgia driver's license and an insurable driving record.

Preferred/Desired Qualifications:

• Demonstrated outstanding working habits, including the ability to work independently and in a team environment.
• Demonstrated ability to work in an animal research environment requiring continuous contact with animals.
• Demonstrated ability to understand established guidelines for humane care and welfare of laboratory animals as described by AAALAC.
• Working knowledge of hygiene principles, safety protocols, and basic animal husbandry.
• Communication skills, including the ability to write and understand English and to follow written and oral instructions.
• Certifications issued by the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS).
• Experience working in a biosafety environment.
• Experience working with animals in ABSL2 or 3 a plus.
• Demonstrated computer skills proficiency.

Working Environment:

• Hours/Weekends/Holidays: 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, alternating weekends and holidays.
• This position has an indoor/outdoor work environment that may require working in inclement weather conditions.
• This position also requires exposure to biohazards and potentially dangerous animals.
• Work environment involves some exposure to hazards or physical risks, which require following basic safety precautions.
• Maintains adequate inventory of necessary supplies and equipment.
• Assists with performing minor repairs and maintains animal housing facility.
• Work is normally performed in a typical laboratory environment.
• Requires the ability to lift up to 75 lbs. as well as move/push heavy racks a short distance.
• Requires the ability to bend, kneel, and/or squat.

Pre-Employment Screening Statement:

The Emory National Primate Research Center (EPC), in conjunction with Emory University, conducts pre-employment screenings for all positions. These screenings may include an Information Network Associates (INA) and criminal background check, and verification of work history, academic credentials, licenses, and certifications. In addition, the process may include a drug screening with health assessment, and review and mandate for various vaccinations. Updated COVID-19 vaccinations may be necessary for specific research projects.

Note: Position tasks are required to be performed in-person at an Emory University location; working remote is not an option. Emory reserves the right to change this status with notice to employee.

Additional Details

Emory is an equal opportunity employer, and qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by state or federal law. Emory University does not discriminate in admissions, educational programs, or employment, including recruitment, hiring, promotions, transfers, discipline, terminations, wage and salary administration, benefits, and training. Students, faculty, and staff are assured of participation in university programs and in the use of facilities without such discrimination. Emory University complies with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Vietnam Era Veteran's Readjustment Assistance Act, and applicable executive orders, federal and state regulations regarding nondiscrimination, equal opportunity, and affirmative action (for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities). Inquiries regarding this policy should be directed to the Emory University Department of Equity and Civil Rights Compliance, 201 Dowman Drive, Administration Building, Atlanta, GA 30322. Telephone: View phone number on click.appcast.io (V) | View phone number on click.appcast.io (TDD).

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