Biological Science Laboratory Technician (Animal)

Job Title

*THIS IS NOT A VIRTUAL POSITION, YOU MUST LIVE WITHIN OR BE WILLING TO RELOCATE WITHIN A COMMUTABLE DISTANCE OF THE DUTY LOCATION*

This position involves a multi-grade career ladder. The major duties listed below represent the full performance level of GS-7. At the GS-6 grade level, you will perform assignments of a more limited scope and with less independence. You will progressively acquire the background necessary to perform at the full performance level of GS-7. Promotion is at the discretion of the supervisor and is contingent upon satisfactory performance, availability of higher level work, and availability of funds.

Duties may include, but not be limited to the following:

• Feeds and waters all animals in accordance with verbal and/or written instructions; prepares special diets as needed.
• Makes daily and routine observations of animals, recognizes deviations from normal health status, and notifies supervisor.
• Participates in checking in new animals and setting up initial records.
• Weans and sexes animals in breeding colony and places animals in appropriate-sized cages and removes them, as required.
• Maintains animals that require specialized care such as aseptic techniques in a pathogen free colony.
• Maintains orderly and sanitary conditions throughout the VMU.
• Cleans cages, racks, pans, floors and other areas (walls, trash barrels, ancillary rooms) of the facility according to schedule.
• Operates various equipment (cage washer, bottle washer, autoclaves, etc.) correctly.
• Administers proper medical treatment according to protocol specifications.
• Humanely and safely restrains animals for research and clinical staff as needed.
• Collects specimens (blood, urine, tissues) for chemical or histological examination.
• Prepares animals for experimental procedure to include anesthetization, surgical preparation and post mortem examinations as requested by the PI.
• Maintains complete records of animal care and treatment.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

NOTE: Intermittent employment is defined as non-fulltime employment in which employees serve under an excepted or competitive service appointment without a regularly scheduled tour of duty. A position with an intermittent work schedule is sporadic and unpredictable so that a tour of duty cannot be regularly scheduled in advance. Intermittent positions offer health insurance only if the employee is expected to work at least 130 hours per month for at least 90 days. NOTE: This is a TERM appointment (not-to-exceed 4 Years). Term appointments are non-status, nonpermanent appointments of limited duration (more than 1 year but not more than 4). Term employees are eligible to earn leave and generally have the same benefits as permanent employees including health and life insurance, within-grade increases and Federal Employees Retirement System and Thrift Savings Plan coverage. Term appointments may be extended without further competition (up to the 4 year maximum). The appointment to a Term position does not confer eligibility for promotion or reassignment to other positions or the ability to be non-competitively converted to permanent employment.

Work Schedule: 1 weekend a month, rotating weekends, 4 hours shifts per weekend or per weekend day

Recruitment & Relocation Incentives: Not authorized

Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not approved