Animal Technician I

Job Summary:

Explore an Animal Care Career at Harvard University Cambridge where our animal care program’s commitment to excellence in research is unparalleled. You would be working in a state-of-the-art award-winning rodent animal facility. The benefit package at Harvard is exceptional including a degree through the extension school.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

Perform animal husbandry duties in a complex research environment. Responsible for daily care of various species of laboratory animals including feeding, watering, health observations, and changing and washing cages as assigned. Specific duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Feed, water, and care for animals categorized as Biosafety Level 1 or 2 and/or have been administered hazardous chemicals
• Maintain animal rooms and facility in a clean and organized manner
• Administer special diets and water for research or veterinary purposes
• Perform treatments and assist research and veterinary staff as instructed
• Maintain accurate and legible documentation and records as needed
• Identify and report signs of animal illness, injury, and other abnormalities to appropriate personnel
• Prepare appropriate chemicals to sanitize and disinfect animal rooms, equipment, shipping containers, etc.
• Assist in animal quarantine and health monitoring programs
• Receive and house new animals while maintaining necessary paperwork and documentation
• Conduct animal census as needed
• Euthanize animals as directed
• Monitor and ensure availability of animal care supplies, food, bedding, chemical supplies, and equipment
• Assist with daily operation and coordination of cage wash as needed
• Rotate with co-workers to coordinate routine team tasks
• Comply with applicable federal, state, and municipal laws and regulations, institutional policies and accreditation standards for the humane care and use of laboratory animals
• Other projects, duties, and responsibilities as assigned.

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements:

• Capable of maneuvering and handling heavy equipment on wheels.
• Able to remain on feet, either walking or standing, for the duration of a work shift, with scheduled breaks.
• Comfortable with performing tasks that require repetitive motions.
• Able to lift up to 25 lbs. with frequent lifting, pushing, pulling and/or carrying of objects weighing up to 25 lbs.
• Willingness to work in an environment with animals and related materials.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• This position requires detailed and close visual inspection of animal cages;
• Must be able to detect and respond to fire and mechanical alarms;
• Ability to follow departmental policies and standard operating procedures (SOPs) in a reliable and safe manner;
• Basic proficiency with digital technology, including Microsoft Office and iPhones or their equivalents;
• Ability to communicate effectively in written and spoken English;
• Enthusiasm for working in a team-based culture;
• Respect for others and compassion for animals.

Certificates and Licenses:

Obtaining American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT) certification required within 18 months of start date.