GENERAL SUMMARY:
Under moderate supervision, performs a variety of routine tasks incident to the care, feeding and maintenance of various laboratory animal species within the animal care facility.
PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
* Perform simple routine animal husbandry activities in accordance with the National Institute of Health (NIH), the American Association for Accreditation of Laboratory
* Animal Care (AAALAC), the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and established research protocols. Provide and maintain housing and food for all laboratory animal species. Observe, monitor, and report health status of laboratory animals.
* Assist in providing regular communication to the Scientific and Veterinary staffs in the assessment and treatment of research animals. Assist in the care of sick animals by administering prescribed simple medications and treatments; collect laboratory samples as requested by principal investigator, clinical veterinarian or research personnel who requires utilizing a variety of medical apparatus and instruments, e.g. bandages, swabs, etc.
* Clean and disinfect animal cages, pens and heavy floor grates via water hosing method or automatic machine cage washing device. Mix chemical cleansing agents and solutions (e.g. bleach, acid cleaner and tri-quat) to sanitize and disinfect bottles, pans, pails, cages, pens and entire work area. Sweep and mop floors using push broom, dry mop or wet-n-dry vacuum. .
* Load animal cages, pans and racks into cage washer ensuring the acid and soap levels are full and replacing the barrels as needed. Monitor and record the water temperature of the cage washer to ensure that proper sterilization is achieved.
* Remove soiled bedding and defecation from cages into refuse cans to be incinerated or disposed of in dumpster. Incinerate deceased animals and dispose of remains accordingly. Transport refuse and empty into large outdoor dumpsters. Place fresh bedding materials in animal cages, pens and pans.
* Receive and store animal feed, bedding and supplies and transport heavy animal feed and bedding bags using moving equipment to appropriate locations.
* Assist in animal identification procedures; maintain applicable charts and records; catch, restrain and cage various extremely light to very heavy animal species ranging in weight from 70g-100 lbs.
* Assist in the transportation of animals and supplies via motor vehicle.
* Maintain safe working conditions at all times by using equipment and supplies following appropriate safety procedures; protect against controllable fairly predictable hazards wearing safety masks, goggles, gloves, boots and other protective clothing.
* Complete work assignments represented by frequent handling and transporting of semi-sedentary to very heavy animal species and other equipment and supplies.
* Attend departmental staff meetings. Participate in continuing education and employee training programs. May require rotation through several on-campus and off-campus research facilities.
EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:
* High school or G.E.D. graduate.
* Minimum of 2-5 years of experience in an accredited animal care facility, preferred.
* AALAS ALAT certification preferred.
* Possession and maintenance of a valid Michigan vehicle operator's license and satisfactory driving records.