Biological Science Laboratory Technician (Animal)

Overview In this position you will be assigned to Research Service, - Ann Arbor ORD VISN 10 - VA Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, MI, performing husbandry, enrichment, cage wash duties, animal health checks, animal transfers and all other husbandry functions associated with maintaining a rodent and rabbit animal facility. Specialized Experience Applicants must possess one (1) year of specialized experience that equipped them with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of this position. The experience must have been equivalent to at least the GS-4 grade level in the Federal Service and must have been related to the work of the position. Examples of qualifying specialized experience include: research activity or control program work; nursery work that required the growing and maintenance of plants in a controlled environment; work comparable to that with a large dairy farm where production records, animal environment, and sanitary conditions were kept in accordance with modern dairy practice. Additional experience also includes performing animal husbandry; handling and caring for research animals; maintaining records for animal care and treatment; and maintaining equipment used in the care of animals. Substitution of Education for Experience Successful completion of a full 4‑year course of study leading to a bachelor's degree with major study or at least 24 semester hours in any combination of courses such as biology, chemistry, statistics, entomology, animal husbandry, botany, physics, agriculture, or mathematics. At least 6 semester hours of courses must have been directly related to the position to be filled. The successful completion of a full course of study of at least 12 months in a school for clinical laboratory technicians may be substituted for the 1 year of specialized experience required at the GS‑5 level for positions involving microbiology and biochemistry technician work. Combination of Education and Experience Combinations of successfully completed post‑high school education and experience, as specified above, may be used to meet total qualification requirements for the GS‑5. Physical Requirements / Working Conditions The work requires some physical exertion such as regular walking, bending, lifting (up to 50 lbs.), climbing ladders or step stools, and repetitive motion work. The duration of the activity contributes to the arduous nature of the job. Agility and dexterity (hand and eye coordination) is required. The work involves regular moderate risks or discomforts that require special safety precautions, e.g., handling various species of animals, working around moving parts, using carts, and using various machines needed to perform necessary functions in the Veterinary Medical Unit. Employees are required to use protective clothing or gear such as bonnets, masks, respirators, gowns, ear plugs, booties, eye protections, gloves, protective footwear, and/or face shields when working with various animal species, contagious diseases, and irritating chemicals. For more information on these qualification standards, please visit the United States Office of Personnel Management's website at #J-18808-Ljbffr