Animal Care Technician IIITNPRC Veterinary Medicine

Location: Covington, LA

Summary

May oversee the daily operations of a small animal care facility including the routine care of animals and maintenance of equipment. Serves as a resource in the management of a particular technical specialty such as mice or primates. Provides technical assistance to research and clinical medical personnel in the performance of research and emergency procedures. Feeds animals and supervises the administration of special diets and medication. Assists veterinarians with pre- and post- operative animal care. Collects blood, urine, and other required specimens from animals as requested for medical research. Observes and monitors animals for signs of illness, trauma or social instability. Monitors environmental conditions in animal housing facilities and inspects the condition of facilities and equipment for cleanliness and proper operation. Ensures that the facility complies with federal regulations for care and maintenance of research animals. Maintains daily records pertaining to animal care. Complies with OSHA standards and other applicable federal and state regulations when working with hazardous chemicals, materials, animals and power equipment. Follows protocol in the proper containment and disposal of bio hazardous waste and contaminants. May train and supervise new technicians (ACT Trainee to ACT Level II). May be required to carry a cell phone and be on after hours call. Performs related responsibilities as required. Employees in this classification may be required to work with, take specific cautions against and/or be immunized against potentially hazardous agents. Weekend work and overtime hours are a requirement of this position. Responsible for assessing and maintaining security of animals in their primary enclosure. May be designated as essential personnel during a storm/natural disaster. If required to work during a closure, employee must provide accurate and current contact information and is responsible for maintaining communication with TNPRC. Failure to report to work when requested by supervisor or manager will result in disciplinary action as outlined by the Staff Handbook.

Failure to meet established performance standards in the performance of the job duties and responsibilities outlined in this job description (or as otherwise assigned); and/or failure to interact courteously and tactfully with managers, co-workers, customers and/or vendors such that productivity or departmental morale suffers will result in management taking the appropriate disciplinary action as outlined in the Staff Handbook.

Employee attendance must meet established work schedules. Faithfulness in coming to work, being on time, planning absences in advance when possible, and calling in when unavoidably detained from reporting for work is an essential requirement of the job.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or general education degree (GED) and four years of animal husbandry or related animal care experience, which includes one year of laboratory animal experience

OR

• Bachelor's degree in a biological science and one-year laboratory animal experience

OR

• Graduation from a two-year veterinary technician program and one-year laboratory animal experience

OR

• Three years of laboratory animal experience and certification as an AALAS LAT (Laboratory Animal Technician)

Preferred Qualifications