Assistant Animal Technician (Onsite)

The University of California, Merced is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience. The full salary range for this position is STEP 1: 19.47- STEP 9: 22.82. The budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is STEP 1: $19.47.

Initial applicant review will begin on or around December 10th, 2024. Posting will remain open until filled.

This union position is represented by the bargaining unit AFSCME: Service - SX.

This position is 100% on campus.

The University of California, Merced, is the newest of the University of California system's 10 campuses and the first American research university built in the 21st century. With more than 9,000 undergraduate and graduate students, UC Merced offers an environment that combines a commitment to diversity, inclusion, collaboration and professional development. With bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree programs, strong research and academic partnerships, and community involvement, the UC Merced campus is continually evolving and requires talented, knowledgeable and dynamic educators, researchers, management and staff.

Ranked among the best public universities in the nation by U.S. News and World Report, UC Merced is uniquely equipped to provide educational opportunities for highly qualified students from the San Joaquin Valley and throughout California. The campus enjoys a special connection with nearby Yosemite National Park, is on the cutting edge of sustainability in construction and design and supports the economic development of Merced and the region.

The Merced 2020 Project, a $1.3 billion public-private partnership unprecedented in higher education and completed in 2020, nearly doubled the physical capacity of the campus, enhancing academic distinction, student success and research excellence. UC Merced also operates the Downtown Campus Center, a $33 million, three-story administrative building located in the heart of Merced.

The university's mission of educational excellence and rigorous inquiry is powered by three schools and numerous research institutes and centers that seek scientific and social solutions for the Valley, California and the world. In partnership with UC San Francisco, UC Merced is preparing the way for a rigorous medical education program.

The course of UC Merced's evolution is piloted by a long-range strategic plan. Enacted in 2021, the 10-year blueprint is guiding how the values of equity and justice influence our pathway to earning Carnegie R1 research status, growing enrollment, upholding our identity as a minority-serving institution, and operationalizing how commitments to equity, diversity and inclusion are enacted in each campus unit.

Aquatic duties will count towards 80% of the position, and terrestrial duties will be 20% of the position. The technician will mainly be providing routine care and husbandry of aquatic species, including zebrafish, lampreys, and cephalopods. Husbandry duties for both aquatic and terrestrial species include feeding, water exchanges, cleaning, and health monitoring. The technician will also provide support to the aquatic labs as needed. Interacting with faculty, staff, researchers, and other teams to provide high-quality, responsive animal care services is a must for this position. The daily operations for this position require maintaining accurate records, including room logs, health reports, animal census, and other records as needed. Weekend and holiday work will be required and will be on a rotational schedule. Our ideal candidate will have prior experience with aquatic animals and a basic understanding of system maintenance relating to aquaculture systems.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Maintaining various aquatic systems

• Maintaining and ensuring aquatic equipment is operating as it should, the incumbent will inform the supervisor of any issues that may require contacting the manufacturer.
• Troubleshooting any issues that arise on systems, will inform the supervisor of any issue that could not be rectified by the incumbent.
• Conducting routine water changes.
• Ability to independently take corrective action.
• Ensuring monthly and weekly tasks are completed in accordance the schedule.

Water quality testing

• Ensuring water parameters are within normal operating range for all aquatic species -Ability to independently take corrective action.

Aquatic husbandry duties

• Provide daily feeding to various aquatic species.
• Changing out dirty tanks and lids.
• Identify and report all sick animals (health monitoring) to the Attending Veterinarian, Principal Investigator, and Supervisor.
• Setting and performing water exchanges.
• Health monitoring

Terrestrial husbandry

• Provide backup support as needed, cage change, feed, water animals.
• Health monitoring of animals.

Housekeeping of aquatic rooms

• Ensuring rooms are cleaned and free of clutter.
• Routinely sweeping and mopping.

Other duties needed by aquatic labs

• Maintain open communications with all aquatic labs (zebra fish, lamprey, squid).
• Assistance with aquatic lab duties as needed.

All other duties assigned

• Recording keeping, disinfection/sanitation.

EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE

• High school diploma and/or equivalent certification/experience/training High School Diploma, General Equivalency Degree (GED), or High School Equivalency Diploma (HSED) or equivalent. (Required)

CRITICAL KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

• Graduation from high school; or an equivalent combination of education and experience and knowledges and abilities essential to the successful performance of the duties assigned to the position. In all of the above Minimum Qualifications, work experience evidencing reliability and the capacity to learn and assume responsibility for the routine animal caretaking functions may be substituted for high school education, on the basis of one year of work experience for one year of education.
• Must maintain valid CA DL, a clean DMV record and enrollment in DMV Pull-Notice Program.
• Prior animal handling experience in a research setting. (Preferred)
• 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)
• Knowledge of feeding, caging, and space requirements for all species of laboratory animals. (Preferred)
• Ability to apply knowledge of University policies is required.
• Capable of working in various environments on a constantly revolving basis.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Incumbents are responsible for accuracy, completeness and end products of work.

Background check will be required.

How to Apply:
An online application is required for each position to apply.The University of California, Merced is aware that some web-based application processes may be cumbersome for differently abled applicants. Where appropriate, alternative accommodations will be provided. For applicants with disabilities who need additional assistance using TAM, or reasonable accommodations during the interview or search process, please contact ucmjobs@ucmerced.edu.

Equal Employment Opportunity:
The University of California, Merced is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer advancing inclusive excellence. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, pregnancy, or status as a disabled veteran or Vietnam-era veteran, or other protected categories covered by the UC Nondiscrimination and Affirmative Action Policy. UC Merced intentionally promotes and maintains a discrimination- and harassment-free workplace by demonstrating it neither condones nor tolerates employment practices that discriminate against or harass any person or specific group of persons on the basis listed above. We seek candidates who will support our vision to cultivate a vibrant, equity-minded, inclusive excellence university community. When applying to UC Merced, we strongly encourage you to reflect on our Principles of Community and our 2021 strategic plan.

Vaccination Program Policy:

As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Vaccination Program Policy. All Covered Individuals under the policy must provide proof of Full Vaccination or, if applicable, submit a request for Exception (based on Medical Exemption, Disability, and/or Religious Objection) or Deferral (based on pregnancy) no later than the applicable deadline. For new University of California employees, the applicable deadline is 14 days after their first date of employment.

Smoke and Tobacco Free Policy:
The University of California, Merced is a smoke and tobacco free workplace. Information and the Smoke and Tobacco Free policy is available at http://smokefree.ucmerced.edu.

E-Verify:
All employers who receive Federal contracts and grants are required to comply with E-Verify, an Internet-based system operated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in partnership with the Social Security Administration (SSA). E-Verify electronically verifies employment eligibility by comparing information provided on the I-9 form to records in the DHS and SSA databases. Certain positions funded by federal contracts/subcontracts requires UC Merced to notify job applicants that an E-Verify check will be conducted and the successful candidate must pass the E-Verify check.

Pay, Benefits & Work Schedule:
For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University of California visit: http://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/compensation-and-benefits/

This position is eligible for the UC Merced Employee Referral Program (ERP). If you were referred by a UC Merced employee, please identify that employee by name in your application as follows:

Step 5 of 7 (on the application) Referrals

How did you hear about the job? (select) "other"

Additional information? (select) "other"

Specific Referral Source? (write in) first and last name of referring employee

Referring employee MUST be named on application for eligibility.