Assistant Animal Technician (Limited Pool)

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.

Hiring Range

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.

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

Please note: These are temporary positions.