Animal Health Tech I

The Animal Health Tech I position is responsible for routine processing of clean and soiled cages and accessories, maintenance and janitorial duties in animal facilities, equipment maintenance, basic QA testing, processing deliveries from vendors, and performing basic rodent husbandry tasks based on standard operating procedures and training to ensure compliance with the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, the Animal Welfare Act, regulations, policies and guidelines, and all applicable federal, state, local, and institutional laws. AHT 1, LEVEL A Responsibilities Cleans, sanitizes/sterilizes, and maintains rodent cages, accessories, and equipment including large cage washers and sterilizing equipment. Maintains and verifies sanitization/sterilization parameters and prepares specialized caging when required. Maintains sufficient supply of clean cages and accessories for use by technicians and investigators. Maintains stock and cleanliness of animal rooms and common areas. Manages animal carcasses in soiled cage wash and other procedure rooms for disposal. Performs general janitorial duties including sweeping, mopping, disinfecting, and trash disposal. Performs other related duties as assigned by management. AHT 1, LEVEL B Responsibilities Cleans, sanitizes and/or sterilizes multi‑species (including NHP, amphibians and aquatics) cages, equipment and accessories. Removes and processes biohazard waste materials from caging and from facilities. Maintains storage rooms with appropriate levels of tools and caging materials. Manages USDA covered species carcasses in soiled cage wash, necropsy and other procedure rooms for disposal. Collects cages targeted for euthanasia and performs euthanasia as needed. Performs basic husbandry tasks which can include preparing disinfectant solutions, preparing caging supplies, and processing stock equipment and materials. Assists with creating Standard Operating Procedures and training lower level staff. AHT 1, LEVEL C Responsibilities Receives and processes all deliveries of equipment and materials from vendors. Assists with QA testing and tracking (e.g., luminometer/ATP, airflow). Performs husbandry health/line checks and cage changes, assists with additional equipment maintenance. Supports Rodent Sentinel health monitoring program with acquisition of bedding samples as assigned using approved techniques. Qualifications No prior experience or training (AHT 1, Level A). Minimum 6 months of related work experience (AHT 1, Level B). Minimum 1 year of related work experience (AHT 1, Level C). High school diploma or general education degree (GED), or one to three months related experience and/or training, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Preferred: AALAS Certification – ALAT or higher level. Preferred: Experience working in a lab animal environment. Computer skills required: Microsoft Office and Excel preferred. Must be able to work weekends and holidays as well as shift work weeks such as Wednesday–Sunday or Saturday–Wednesday. Occupational Health & Safety Program Requirements TB Testing/Clearance (once a year). Tetanus/Diphtheria (vaccination with proof of immunization and/or vaccination within 10 years). Measles (proof of immunization and/or vaccination). Periodic physical exams (may include respirator fit test). Other vaccines/tests as required by Occupational Health & Safety standards. Physical Requirements/Mental Activities/Environmental Conditions This position will require constant adjustment of focus, hearing, lifting 0–20 lbs, reaching, seeing, standing, communicating, and exposure to fumes, odors, mists, dust, noise, potential allergens, and working inside a controlled environment. Pay & Benefits The expected pay range for this position is $17.75 to $20.00 per hour. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, retirement, paid time off, tuition reimbursement, patient advocacy services, and transit/parking program. Equal Employment Opportunity Statement The Salk Institute for Biological Studies is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to providing equal access to opportunities for students, employees, applicants for employment and other visitors. Salk has also adopted and maintains a policy to encourage professional and respectful workplace behavior and prevent discriminatory and harassing conduct in our workplace. Accordingly, the Institute prohibits harassment and discrimination in employment on the basis of, and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to, actual or perceived race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), reproductive health decision making, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, veteran and/or military status (disabled veteran, veteran of the Vietnam era, other covered veteran status), political affiliation, and any other status protected by state or federal law. Discrimination is prohibited with any intersectionality of the above‑mentioned characteristics, including any combination of characteristics. #J-18808-Ljbffr