Animal Care Assistant I

This position is represented by SEIU Local 2007 and the collective bargaining agreement between the university and SEIU Local 2007 governs the terms and conditions of employment.

About Us:

The Veterinary Service Center (VSC) at Stanford University provides Laboratory Animal Care and operates within the Department of Comparative Medicine. We are fully accredited by the Association for Accreditation and Assessment of Laboratory Animal Care (AAALAC). Our vision is to pioneer in laboratory animal care, driving research innovations from bench to bedside.

Position Summary:

Anticipated Work Schedule: Monday-Friday (6:45-3:15PM or 7:00-3:30PM). 

The Veterinary Service Center within the Department of Comparative Medicine is seeking an Animal Care Assistant I to perform duties and responsibilities relating to basic and routine custodial care of animals and equipment.

Additional Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (to the below under "Responsibilities):

• Must be able to read, write, understand, communicate and follow written and oral instructions in English. 
• Must be able to work with team members in a cooperative fashion and have good communication skills. 
• Basic desktop computational skills and familiarity with handheld device (e.g. iPad).

Physical Requirements:

• Often lift and carry materials weighing up to 40 lbs. 
• Frequently handle materials up to 20 lbs. 
• Occasionally carry/pull up to 60 lbs, push over 60 lbs. 
• Walk/stand for long periods. 
• Bend, squat, reach above shoulder level. 
• Often use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls. 
• Required vision abilities including close, distance, color, peripheral and depth perception. 
• Ability to talk and to hear. 
• Must be capable of lifting and moving cages, feed, supplies, and equipment of at least 50 lbs.

Working Conditions:

• May be required to work overtime, evenings and weekends, including Holidays, sometimes in inclement weather conditions. 
• Work in direct contact with animals and all components of animal housing and animal research environment. 
• May be exposed to dust, fumes or gases, chemicals or toxic substances. 
• Work occurs in a secured facility, in an environment where animals are used for teaching and research. 
• The incumbent should be free of animal-related allergies. 
• The incumbent will be required to complete an initial and annual Occupational Health Surveillance questionnaire and may be required to undergo a physical examination and/or immunizations. 
• Must observe and support good health and safety practices regarding the use of chemicals and equipment. 
• Expected to follow all safety requirements and procedures. 
• Must undergo regular hearing testing. 
• Must be able to work while using a PAPR (Powered Air Purifying Respirator).
• Responsible for the wearing, use and proper care of uniforms, supplies, and equipment provided by VSC. Including uniforms required for health & safety purposes. 

Working Standards:

• When conducting university business, must comply with the California Vehicle Code and Stanford University driving requirements. 
• Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrates the ability to work well with Stanford colleagues and clients and with external organizations. 
• Promote Culture of Safety: Demonstrates commitment to personal responsibility and value for safety; communicates safety concerns; uses and promotes safe behaviors based on training and lessons learned. 
• Subject to and expected to comply with all applicable University policies and procedures, including but not limited to the personnel policies and other policies found in the University's Administrative Guide, http://adminguide.stanford.edu, and the appropriate Collective Bargaining Agreement at https://cardinalatwork.stanford.edu/workplace-essentials/employee-labor-relations/labor-relations-collective-bargaining/seiu-higher.

Core Duties:

• Sanitize and/or sterilize animal care and cage equipment (including cages, feeders, water bottles) according to prescribed standard operating procedures.
• Complete and/or maintain standard forms and inventory records, as required.
• Transport animals, equipment, and supplies within the various animal care facilities. May do routine animal transfers.
• Organize and stage clean caging equipment.
• Assemble clean cage set ups.
• Disassemble dirty cages and prepare for disposal and/or recycling.
• Provide basic care and husbandry of a variety of animal species, including feeding and watering animals as well as cleaning and changing cages, according to standard operating procedures or research protocols.
• Check for, recognize, and report obvious signs of illness in or death of animals.
• Take animal census as needed and record information such as births and deaths.
   

Minimum Education and Experience

High School Diploma or GED.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to operate sterilizing equipment.
• Ability to handle small animals.
• Demonstrated habits of cleanliness and neatness.
• Ability to keep detailed records pertaining to animal census, cage inventory, and cage washing and sterilizing temperatures.
• Ability to follow oral and/or written instructions in English.
• Ability to learn the techniques and procedures required to care for and handle a variety of animals.
• Ability to operate a variety of equipment, such as cage washer or sterilizing equipment.
• Ability to lift and move a minimum of 50 pounds, e.g., feed bags or cages.
• Ability to work in direct contact with animals and all components of animal housing and animal research environment.
   

Certificates and Licenses Required

When driving, must have a valid California non-Commercial Class C license.