Working under limited supervision, maintains the health and safety of an animal research colony. Performs duties to maintain animal health and safety according to the specifications outlined in the Animal Welfare Act (AWA), guidelines provided by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), and under the direction of the attending veterinarian. Assists in the completion of animal research studies under the guidelines of Good Laboratory Practices (GLP). Takes initiative to ensure work is done accurately and completely. Applies existing work methods to different known situations.
Essential Functions: Number and list the significant/essential duties, tasks or responsibilities which employees in this position are actually required to perform.
- Under limited supervision, maintains an animal colony while adhering to the guidelines of the Animal Welfare Act (AWA), United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) regulations, the standards of Good Laboratory Practices (GLP), the Association for the Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care International (AAALAC), and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
- Assists in maintain a preventative health and maintenance program for laboratory animals.
- Maintains animal health records and facility logs.
- Monitors animals for any health problems and/or behavior changes. Follows guidelines from the facilities’ Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’s), and follows instructions from the attending veterinarian for treatment of animals. Makes observations and advises veterinarian of animal’s conditions.
- Applies knowledge of animal restraint, husbandry, and nursing care when needed.
- Assist in data collection activities as required.
- Provides assistance in all aspects of research animal husbandry including, but not limited to, procurement, exams, medications, nutrition, handling and sanitation.
- Performs various clerical activities. This includes, but is not limited to, maintain animal health and study files, maintaining various logs, inventory, and purchasing.
Other Duties: Number and list important but non-essential and/or infrequent duties performed.
- Develops various schedules for procedures such as, but not limited to, socialization, job duty delegation, and kennel maintenance.
- May set-up/utilize special equipment.
- Notifies supervisor of the need to replenish supplies/materials and of any difficulties that cannot be readily corrected.
- Performs related functions, on occasion, as assigned.
Accountability/Supervision: Describe the significant problem solving/decision making responsibilities. Describe the type and extent of supervision received and exercised.
Works under limited supervision. Does not require instruction for routine assignments; requires some general instructions for new o special assignments. Errors will have an impact on studies. Takes initiative to improve work product and processes. May review work of lower-level employees for quality and content. Performs assignments of moderate complexity and solves problems that may have a variety of solutions. Adapts work methods to different situations. Can resolve unusual, nonstandard problems. Reports problems to supervisor or more senior level personnel.
Relationships: Describe contacts and purpose of relationships.
Internal: Interfaces with the laboratory employees and Research and Development staff to allow for seamless conduct of studies. Participates as a team member and contributes to achieving team goals.
External: May interact with outside vendors and support services.
Equipment: List the type of equipment the incumbent in this position is required to work with.
The employee must be familiar with the following equipment: IBM based computer programs, kennel maintenance equipment, weight scales, chart recording devices, and laundry equipment.
Working Conditions: Describe the work environment characteristics representative of those encountered by an employee performing the essential functions of this job.
The job location is a research lab facility, housing animals used in cardiovascular research. The site plan of the facility includes indoor kennels attached to laboratory support rooms. May require hearing protection to mitigate exposure to high decibel noises. May require safety and protective gear in order to perform routine functions of the job. May require protective gear while handling typical chemicals and reagents found in a research facility.
Physical Demands: Describe the physical demands representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
Job responsibilities require the use of correctable vision, full physical mobility, and a full range of arm movement as well as the regular application of acute hand/eye coordination. Must be able to handle and/or lift animals weighing up to approximately 60 pounds.
Qualifications: Describe the minimum education and experience, including knowledge, skills, and abilities, required to successfully perform the job. List any certificates, licenses, and /or registrations required.
Required: High School Diploma or equivalent. Typically a minimum of two or more years of related work experience in an animal research facility or comparable animal clinic/shelter. Demonstrated experience with the general and technical job aspects, including the provisions of the Animal Welfare Act and the U.S. Department of Agriculture guidelines as well as ability to handle animals on a daily basis. Must be able to multi-task and rotate through all tasks performed in the assigned laboratory as needed. Incumbents must also be able to meet deadlines on multiple assignments. Incumbents are required to have demonstrated spelling punctuation, grammar, basic math/numerical, organizational skills, and a familiarity with standard manufacturing/office equipment and procedures. The ability to read, write and communicate effectively in English is also required; this requirement includes clear, understandable speech and demonstrated comprehension skills. The ability to successfully pass a reading comprehension pre-employment examination is mandatory. The demonstrated ability to understand and comply with applicable Food & Drug Administration (FDA) regulations and Company operating procedures, processes, policies and rules is essential. Must be able to maintain regular and predictable attendance; the ability to work overtime is also required. Must have the ability to on occasion handle and/or lift animals weighing up to 70 pounds.
Desired: An Associate’s Degree in a related science discipline; registered Veterinary Technician (R.V.T.) certification. Possess a functional familiarity with computer operating systems (Windows) and software applications (Word, Excel).