Lab Animal Care Tech I

Minimum Qualifications

High school diploma or equivalent and 2 years of related experience

Position Summary

This is an entry level laboratory animal care position performing animal care and husbandry duties for laboratory animals. Duties include but are not limited to providing feed, water and the daily care for multiple species of animals in support of research. Incumbent performs sanitation duties such as: cleaning cages, animal rooms and ancillary areas. Observes animals daily for signs of sickness, abnormal behavior, social environment and overall health status. Records environmental conditions such as temperature, humidity and lighting conditions. Advises supervisor regarding facility maintenance problems to assure equipment and facilities are functioning properly and animals are maintained appropriately. May operate mechanical cage washers, pressure washers and other animal care equipment. Follows all safety procedures and wears appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE). Maintains daily logs/records, animal census and performs other duties as assigned by supervisor. Participates in staff meetings, continuing education and training classes as directed. All duties assigned are expected to follow established applicable Standard Operating Procedures. Incumbent expected to be able to work rotating schedule including weekends and holidays. Participation in UGA’s Occupational Health & Safety Program is expected and may include vaccinations, spirometry and respirator fit testing.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies

Upon completion of a prescribed training and instruction program the incumbent should have the ability to perform routine husbandry and sanitation tasks following standard operating procedures. Applicants should be comfortable handling and caring for rodents and small animals. Employees have the ability to communicate effectively with co-workers and researchers in a professional and courteous manner. This position depends upon the ability to understand and follow oral/written instructions. Excellent observation skills are very important.

Physical Demands

Sustained periods of physical activity such as standing, bending, stooping, reaching above shoulder level and lifting 50 pounds. Employee may work sometimes under demanding conditions (high humidity, unpleasant odors, animal excreta and noise). Work environment involves some exposure to biohazards and/or physical risks, which depends upon following established safety procedures. At times, employees may be asked to wear PPE (protective clothing, safety glasses, face shields, steel toed safety shoes/boots, respirators, gloves, etc.) and stand on hard surfaces for prolonged periods of time. Candidate will be expected to restrain, handle, and treat multiple species of animals. Work may be physically demanding involving the transport, relocation and positioning of animal care and auxiliary equipment.

Duties/Responsibilities

Performs daily animal care and husbandry duties for animals in a research vivarium; including feeding, watering, animal handling/transport, animal health checks, cage changing, providing enrichment and environmental monitoring. Assures animals are appropriately maintained and cared for in accordance with standard operating procedures and supervisors instructions.

Percentage of time: 60

Cleans and sanitizes animal rooms, ancillary areas, primary enclosures and caging equipment following established procedures and schedules. Operates, prepares and transports equipment. Keeps work areas clean and organized. Maintains supply inventories, performs minor preventative maintenance tasks and IPM duties as directed by supervisor.

Percentage of time: 25

Maintains essential records and logs. Performs animal treatments and other technical procedures. Participates in multiple training classes as prescribed and participates in UGA Occupational Health & Safety program. Performs weekend and holiday duties as scheduled. Participates in continuing education training and staff meetings. Provides assistance and resources to facility users and departmental staff. Performs other duties as assigned.

Percentage of time: 15