"Assistant Animal Technician (Limited Pool)"

Hiring Range

The University of California, Merced is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience. The salary or hourly range for this position is $21.05/hr. - $24.68/hr. Please note the realized minimum pay for this position will be $25/hr., steps less than $25/hr. will include an additional amount elevating to $25/hr.

Job Closing Date

Review of applications will occur as openings become available. Candidates will be selected for temporary employment in various departments as positions become available. This position is reopened every six months so please re-apply if you remain interested in the position. This position will close on 12/31/2025.

These union positions are represented by the bargaining unit AFSCME: Service - SX.

Please note: These are temporary positions.

Remote/Hybrid eligibility: Dependent on openings.

About UC Merced

The University of California, Merced, is the newest of the University of California system's 10 campuses and the first American research university built in the 21st century. With more than 9,000 undergraduate and graduate students, UC Merced offers an environment that combines a commitment to diversity, inclusion, collaboration and professional development. With bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree programs, strong research and academic partnerships, and community involvement, the UC Merced campus is continually evolving and requires talented, knowledgeable and dynamic educators, researchers, management and staff.

Ranked among the best public universities in the nation by U.S. News and World Report, UC Merced is uniquely equipped to provide educational opportunities for highly qualified students from the San Joaquin Valley and throughout California. The campus enjoys a special connection with nearby Yosemite National Park, is on the cutting edge of sustainability in construction and design and supports the economic development of Merced and the region.

The Merced 2020 Project, a $1.3 billion public-private partnership unprecedented in higher education and completed in 2020, nearly doubled the physical capacity of the campus, enhancing academic distinction, student success and research excellence. UC Merced also operates the Downtown Campus Center, a $33 million, three-story administrative building located in the heart of Merced.

The university's mission of educational excellence and rigorous inquiry is powered by three schools and numerous research institutes and centers that seek scientific and social solutions for the Valley, California and the world. In partnership with UC San Francisco, UC Merced is preparing the way for a rigorous medical education program.

The course of UC Merced's evolution is piloted by a long-range strategic plan. Enacted in 2021, the 10-year blueprint is guiding how the values of equity and justice influence our pathway to earning Carnegie R1 research status, growing enrollment, upholding our identity as a minority-serving institution, and operationalizing how commitments to equity, diversity and inclusion are enacted in each campus unit.

About the Job

The Department of Animal Research Services (DARS) is a 'self-supporting' unit within the Office of Research that purchases, provides space for, and maintains a variety of laboratory animals used in biomedical research and teaching. The role of this position is to work under supervision in a DARS space that houses animals and to provide adequate care including feeding, cleaning, and delivery of animals/supplies following all regulations set forth by federal, state, and university policies.

RESPONSIBILITIES

ANIMAL CARE

In a training capacity, incumbent will:

• Change cages, feed, and water a variety of animals used in biomedical research.
• Change racks two times per month per schedule.
• Set up rooms for incoming animals according to all federal, state, and UC requirements and regulations.

ANIMAL HEALTH

In a training capacity, the incumbent will:

• Learn to recognize sick and unthrifty animals and report such to the attending veterinarian, Research Investigator, and Supervisor using correct terminology as instructed.
• Weigh and identify animals in accordance with regulations.
• Learn technical skills such as injections and venipunctures.
• Euthanize animals according to approved IACUC protocols and AVMA Panel on Euthanasia.

DISINFECTION /SANITATION

In a training capacity, the incumbent will:

• Disinfect and sanitize rooms using different agents in and around the animal rooms prior to receipt of animals and during their setup on a scheduled basis.
• Utilize cage washers, rack washers, and autoclaves to sterilize cages, bedding, and water bottles.

RECORD KEEPING

In a training capacity, the incumbent will:

• Perform record-keeping duties such as per diem charges, feed logs, temperature and air exchange gauge charts.

MAINTENANCE

In a training capacity, the incumbent will:

• Learn to use small hand tools to repair racks
• All other duties assigned.

Qualifications

EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE

• High school diploma and/or equivalent certification/experience/training.

AND

• The applicant must possess the skills, knowledge, and abilities essential to the successful performance of the duties assigned to the position is required.
• Prior animal handling experience. (Preferred)

CRITICAL KNOWLEDGE and SKILLS

• Ability to learn feeding, caging, and space requirements for all species of laboratory animals.
• Ability to comprehend written orders and agency regulations.
• Ability to learn federal and other licensing agencies' regulations.
• Skill to distinguish between normal and sick animals, normal and abnormal behavior, and unthrifty animals. (Preferred)
• Skill to differentiate between cleaning, disinfecting, and sterilizing techniques and appropriately utilize learned methods. (Preferred)
• Ability to learn use of small hand tools.
• Ability to perform injections and venipunctures.