Animal Technician

Animal Technician

Location: Durham, NC 27703-8481 Duration: 12+ Months (Possible Extension)

Job Summary:

Performs daily laboratory animal care duties including animal health monitoring, animal husbandry, and routine cleaning and sanitation. All work assignments are performed in accordance with SOPs and protocol instructions. Maintains positive working relationships with co-workers and customers, works independently to perform tasks, and ensures regular attendance.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Perform animal husbandry duties to maintain quality and health of research animals, including daily feed/water/enrichment, and cage or room cleaning.
• Report all animal welfare concerns to management and/or others as required.
• Ensure compliance with animal welfare guidelines, and maintain buildings and equipment for IACUC inspections and AAALAC accreditation.
• Conduct euthanasia as trained according to AVMA guidelines and complete all associated documentation.
• Clean assigned animal rooms, isolator environments, animal care equipment, and facility areas daily.
• Maintain facility areas clean and orderly.
• Assist in maintaining and stocking inventory; communicate when items need ordering.
• Maintain accurate records.
• Assist with handling and manipulations as per SOPs and protocols.
• Operate equipment and use supplies according to safety guidelines; perform general housekeeping.
• Observe equipment and report failures.
• Maintain required attendance and adhere to work schedule; weekend and holiday coverage on rotation required.
• Work extended hours occasionally due to workload; overtime eligible.
• Take initiative to complete tasks and anticipate upcoming tasks.
• Adhere strictly to non-contamination procedures.
• Maintain good working relationships with others.
• Demonstrate excellent written and oral communication skills.

Job Qualifications:

• Education: AA degree required.
• Experience: Lab animal or agricultural experience desired.
• Ability to lift 50 lbs, roll heavy objects, use ladders, and work in temperatures up to 90°F or down to freezing.
• Ability to stand for long periods, squat, bend, stoop, twist, and turn.
• Manual dexterity and visual acuity required.
• Subject to objectionable odors, aerosols, dust, animal dander, and noise.
• Not allowed to own poultry or swine.
• Multiple showers per day may be required for biocontainment, including washing hair. Hair must be completely covered within hairnet.
• Nails must be short for safety and fine motor tasks.
• Work requires appropriate PPE including Tyveks, hairnets, respirator/PAPR, gloves, safety glasses, uniforms, and shoes.
• Personal phones and jewelry are not allowed in the vivarium.