Lead Animal Care Technician

Performs daily husbandry duties for laboratory animals in Biosafety Level 3 (BSL-3) environment, including routine health and welfare observations. The position involves routine exposure to laboratory animals exposed/infected with BSL-3 agents, their waste products, and potential chemical agents. Their duties also include providing husbandry care for laboratory animals in a Biosafety Level 2 (BSL-2) environment as needed. They will assist investigators and Veterinary Services personnel as needed and will ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and institutional regulations, policies, standard operating procedures (SOPs) governing the care and use of laboratory animals in research. Regular attendance is required to perform the functions of this position. Incumbent will maintain a customer-oriented awareness in acknowledging and responding to needs as they occur that customer satisfaction is met at all times. Essential Position Functions & Duties 78% Technical functions 44% of Technical functions (Animal Husbandry) Assure adequate and proper feed and water is provided on a daily basis to laboratory animals in his/her assigned area(s) in accordance with published Standard Operating Procedures and/or as directed by staff veterinarians. Receive, transport, and/or house laboratory animals in clean cages, pens, or runs by placing them in a primary enclosure appropriate to the species, size, and/or particular need tocontain them in a comfortable and safe surrounding, in accordance with Standard Operating Procedures, State Regulations and Federal Regulations. Personnel assigned to the ABSL-3 animal research facility are required to wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) to maintain biocontainment and ensure personnel safety. Required PPE includes dedicated facility clothing, gloves, eye and face protection, and dedicated footwear or shoe covers. Respiratory protection is required for animal handling, cage changing, or procedures with aerosol-generation risk and must be used in accordance with institutional respiratory protection programs. PPE must be donned and doffed in designated areas and used in compliance with IACUC-approved protocols, institutional biosafety policies, and accreditation standards. Sanitize and/or disinfect animal rooms, cages, animal use equipment, corridors, and support areas by using appropriate techniques and sanitizing agents to promote animal health and welfare, and to comply with established Standard Operating Procedures. Dispose of waste and hazardous items in accordance with established Standard Operating Procedures. Sterilize equipment and waste using an autoclave, after proper training. Additional duties may include containment and monitoring of animals during disease outbreaks or other biocontainment situations. Performs animal husbandry and health monitoring in a bio-containment facility while adhering to established protocols for chemical and biological hazards. 34% of Technical functions (Animal Health and Welfare) Observe animals for clinical signs of ill health and/or disease and report observations in accordance with Standard Operating Procedures. Handle and restrain animals in a safe and humane manner using appropriate and approved handling techniques. Identify and mark animals using accepted methodologies to meet specific needs, requirements, policies, rules, and/or regulations throughout his/her areas of responsibility. 20%Administrative functions Maintain animal census and inventories by counting and documenting numbers of animals animal cages, supplies and other materials. Monitor environmental conditions throughout his/her area{s} of responsibility by obtaining, documenting, and comparing data, then reporting discrepancies to supervisor as needed and according to standard operating procedures {SOPs}. The Lead Animal Care Technician BSL-3 will be responsible for monitoring inventory levels of rodent feed, caging, bedding, water bottles, cleaning supplies, personal protective equipment and related materials. Inventory needs will be communicated to the Assistant Director to facilitate timely procurement of supplies. The Technician will coordinate with the Assistant Director to ensure waste disposal is conducted in accordance with university policies and procedures. MARGINAL FUNCTIONS: 2% Performs other related duties and responsibilities as assigned.