Senior Animal Technician

Job Description

Job Description

Clearance requirement:  Candidates must be eligible to obtain and maintain a favorable suitability determination and pass an employment drug screening.

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SciTech Services, Inc. (SciTech) is seeking a Senior Animal Technician to provide animal care support services to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Research Service (ARS). The Senior Animal Technician serves as team lead to ensure the overall appearance and conduct of the staff. 

This role involves providing daily care for animals, including feeding, watering, cleaning enclosures, and monitoring overall wellbeing. 

Duties and Responsibilities: 

• Provide comprehensive animal caretaking services, including feeding, watering, cleaning, and health monitoring.
• Conduct daily animal health checks and report abnormal conditions to veterinary and research staff.
• Maintain accurate animal records, census data, and environmental parameter logs in accordance with facility SOPs and Animal Care and Use Protocols.
• Clean, sanitize, and disinfect animal housing areas, equipment, caging, and support spaces.
• Operate and maintain facility equipment including autoclaves, incinerators, floor scrubbers, and automatic watering systems.
• Conduct minor medical treatments as directed by veterinary staff.
• Assist with terminal study procedures in accordance with IACUC requirements.
• General laundry services and maintain steady supply of clean PPE.
• Adhere to all BSL-2 biosecurity protocols including proper donning/doffing of PPE and showering requirements. 
• Assist with animal transport between facilities in compliance with biosecurity and safety requirements. 
• Conduct standard hatchery operations as assigned.
• Assist with artificial insemination of poultry breeding colonies.
• Submit and manage facility and equipment work orders

Qualifications: 

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Candidates should possess skills in animal care, handling, and methodologies in a research, agricultural, or veterinary setting.
• Ability to follow detailed written and verbal instructions, SOPs, and AUPs.
• Ability to communicate effectively using scientific and medical terminology in written and verbal interactions.
• Must pass a federal Tier 2 background investigation.
• Must be willing to sign a No Avian Contact attestation form (no contact with outside avian species).
• Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs repeatedly.
• Must be available to work rotating schedules including weekends and federal holidays.
• Strong attention to detail, reliability, and organizational skills, with the ability to complete physical tasks such as lifting, cleaning, and standing for extended periods.
• Effective communication and teamwork skills to collaborate with research, veterinary, and facility staff.

Preferred Qualifications

• 6 months of experience working with poultry.
• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in animal science, biology, or related field.
• AALAS Certification (ALAT, LAT, LATg).

SciTech offers an excellent benefits package for full-time employees that includes: health, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, a great 401(k) package, vacation, and sick leave.  

Equal Opportunity Employer including Disability and Veterans.