Animal Care Technician (ANML TCHN)

Animal Care Technician

Under supervision in an area of TRACS space that houses animals, provide adequate care following all regulations set forth by federal, state and university policies. Provide animal care by feeding, watering, and cleaning various animal caging and equipment used in biomedical research and teaching. Assess animal health by identifying and reporting all sick animals to veterinary staff. Perform rodent euthanasia. Keep animal rooms/areas clean by utilizing different agents to clean, disinfect and sanitize animal rooms. Maintain and repair animal housing equipment. Perform recordkeeping and transport animals and supplies. These duties may be performed in a BSL 1, BSL 2 and/or BSL 3 facility.

Apply By Date

10/16/2024

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

For full consideration, applicants are encouraged to upload license, certification and/or educational degree if required of the position.

• Experience and skill with the care and welfare of laboratory research animals and/or other related experience in animal care.
• Experience and/or solid skills to understand and follow written and verbal instructions; experience understanding and following written and verbal instructions regarding cage cleaning and supporting animal care is highly preferred.
• Knowledge of various species of laboratory animals used in academic or pharmaceutical research.
• Skills to communicate effectively in verbal and written form and maintain legible records.
• Basic computer skills to use email and log into various UC Davis software systems.
• Skill to understand the physical, behavioral and environmental requirements of individual species and be able to recognize common medical problems in laboratory animals.

Preferred Qualifications

• AALAS certification at the ALAT level or higher.
• Experience with husbandry procedures for standard lab animal species and the skills to recognize sick animals, report the condition to veterinary staff, and assist with their treatment and/or perform rodent euthanasia.
• Experience with following Standard Operating Procedures and instructions, as well as understanding and following animal husbandry and welfare systems, policies, procedures, guidelines, and regulations. TRACS-specific knowledge in this area is highly preferred.
• Knowledge of the Guide for Care and Use of Laboratory Animals.

Key Responsibilities

• 55%, ANIMAL CARE
• 15%, ANIMAL HEALTH
• 15%, ROOM/AREA SANITATION
• 15%, MAINTENANCE & REPAIR; RECORDKEEPING; TRANSPORTATION OF ANIMALS, SUPPLIES AND EQUIPMENT

Department Overview

Under the direction of the campus Attending Veterinarian, TRACS ensures humane care and use of animals used in teaching and research and is a leader in UC Davis' Animal Care Program. TRACS is dedicated to helping conduct animal experiments in accordance with the highest scientific and ethical principles and assisting with the advancement of scientific knowledge and the future of research goals set forth by the University of California and the UC Davis campus.

Position Information

• Salary or Pay Range: $23.84 - $28.07 /hour
• Salary Frequency: Bi-weekly
• Salary Grade: 187
• UC Job Title: ANML TCHN
• Number of Positions: 1
• Appointment Type: Career
• Percentage of Time: 100%
• Shift Hours: Manager will advise
• Location: Davis, Ca
• Union Representation: TX - Technical
• Benefits Eligible: Yes
• Hybrid/Remote/On-Site: On-site

Benefits

Outstanding benefits and perks are among the many rewards of working for the University of California. UC Davis offers a full range of benefits, resources and programs to help you bring your best self to work, as well as to help you and your family achieve your health, wellness, financial and career goals. Learn more about the benefits and eligibility rules by visiting Benefits Summary for UC Davis Health Employees or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Employees and our Benefits Page.

If you are represented by a union, benefits are negotiated between the University of California (UC) and your union and finalized in a contract. Read your bargaining unit's employment contract, stay abreast of current negotiations and learn about collective bargaining at UC: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/labor/bargaining-units/index.html

• High quality and low-cost medical plans to choose from to fit your family's needs
• For eligible roles, UC pays for Dental and Vision insurance premiums for you and your family
• Extensive leave benefits including Pregnancy and Parental Leave, Family & Medical Leave
• Paid Holidays annually as stipulated in the UC Davis Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
• Paid Time Off/Vacation/Sick Time as stipulated in the UC Davis Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
• Continuing Education (CE) allowance and Education Reimbursement Program as stipulated in the UC Davis Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
• Access to free professional development courses and learning opportunities for personal and professional growth
• WorkLife and Wellness programs and resources
• On-site Employee Assistance Program including access to free mental health services
• Supplemental insurance offered including additional life, short/long term disability, pet insurance and legal coverage
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSFL) Qualified Employer & Student Loan Repayment Assistance Program for qualified roles
• Retirement benefit options for eligible roles including Pension and other Retirement Saving Plans. More information on our retirement benefits can be found here
• UC Davis cares about building a community, which is why we provide resources to enhance diversity, equity and inclusion as well as Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) to support our staff

Physical Demands

• Reasoning - Constantly, Verbal Communication - Frequently
• Attendance - Constantly, Pulling - Occasionally, Pushing - Occasionally, Sitting - Occasionally, Squatting, Stooping, Bending - Occasionally, Standing - Frequently, Walking - Frequently
• Up to 50 Pounds (Medium) - Occasionally
• Moderate Noise Conditions - Constantly
• Blood - Occasionally, Chemicals - Occasionally, Dirt - Occasionally , Hazards - Occasionally
• Bend, squat, kneel, stand, reach above shoulder level, and move on hard surfaces up to 7 hours/day.
• Push, pull, maneuver heavy objects and equipment weighing up to 125 lbs.
• Required to wear protective clothing and respirator in circumstances that require personal protection from infectious disease.
• May use protective equipment such as safety glasses, shoes, clothing, gloves, etc.
• Work in a dusty and odorous environment created by the nature of various animal species and their related needs, work with dander and hay.
• Must be willing to perform assigned duties in Biosafety Level (BSL) 1, 2 or 3 facilities including but not limited to where non-human primates may be either naturally or experimentally infected with potentially hazardous diseases such as HIV, SIV, or Herpes B virus.BSL-3 access requires additional background check by Federal Agency.
• Position may, at times, require employee to work with or be in areas where hazardous materials and/or infectious diseases are present.
• Gown/Apron/Protective Clothing - Constantly
• University fleet vehicles (such as vans, trucks, livestock trailer, etc.)

Work Environment

• SCHEDULE
• Incumbents must be able to work flexible hours, weekends, holidays, and occasional overtime.
• There is restricted vacation during peak holiday times.
• Position will rotate to different TRACS locations in Davis and Sacramento, as needed, on short notice. This may include working under different supervisors and working with different animal species.
• Parking rates may vary and are based on parking zones.
• Incumbent will be responsible for parking costs should they elect this transportation method.
• More information about parking and other transportation options can be found on the UC Davis and UC Davis Health Transportation Services websites.
• May be required to work in the case of an emergency or major event.
• Incumbent may be assigned to an alternate work schedule to include weekends and holidays based on business needs. Will occasionally work weekends and holidays as a backup for TRACS maintained facilities.
• DRIVING
• Valid CA driver's license required. Position will participate in the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Pull Notice System. Some driving of campus vehicles involved. Must take Campus Drivers Safety course.
• OTHER WORK ENVIRONMENT/SAFETY
• Work under Medical Surveillance procedures and review in accordance with Federal and State Laws and Regulations and University Policy, including the Occupational Health Program.
• Position may, at times, require employee to work with or be in areas where hazardous materials (may include biohazards, chemical hazards, and radioactive material) and/or infectious diseases are present such as BSL-2 or BSL-3 projects.
• Must qualify for Department of Justice (DOJ) clearance for ABSL-3 laboratory access and UCDMC/Shriners Hospital Access, as needed.
• No smoking, eating or drinking in cage wash areas and animal areas.
• Promote a safe work environment.
• Substantial contact with animals.
• Work with all lab animal species housed in TRACS facilities.
• Communicate directly with PI's (principal investigators) in a professional and respectful manner.
• OTHER EXPECTATIONS
• Complete AALAS certification of Assistant Lab Animal Tech (ALAT) within 1 year of hire.
• Read and follow all the expectations for an Animal Care Technician.
• Must review and adhere to the TRACS Employee Handbook and all applicable UC policies, processes, and programs.
• Required attendance at training classes at department's discretion.
• The department does not offer compensatory time off (CTO), but overtime pay will be offered in accordance with applicable policy and/or collective bargaining agreements.
• The Smoke and Tobacco Free Environment policy is intended to provide a healthier, safer, and more productive work and learning environment for the entire UC community. The University of California prohibits smoking and tobacco use at all University owned or leased properties, or facilities operated by UC staff or faculty. Smoking and tobacco use are strictly prohibited in indoor and outdoor spaces, parking lots, residential space, and University vehicles. https://ucdavispolicy.ellucid.com/documents/view/271

Special Requirements

Background Check

This position is a critical position and subject to a background check. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of background investigation including criminal history and identity checks.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging

At UC Davis, we're solving life's most urgent challenges to bring a fuller, healthier, and more resilient world within reach. We grow from every challenge we take on and we don't just maintain - we improve. We recognize that creating an inclusive and intellectually vibrant organization means understanding and valuing both our individual differences and our common ground. The most comprehensive solutions come from the most diverse minds, and you belong here. As you consider joining UC Davis, please explore our Principles of Community, our Clinical Strategic Plan and strategic vision for research and education, and our latest efforts to outgrow the expected. The University of California, Davis is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status.

For the University of California's Affirmative Action Policy please visit:https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4010393/PPSM-20.

For the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination.

Because we want you to be seen, our recruiting process at UC Davis fosters authenticity, diversity, and inclusion. Studies have shown that some people may not apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. Each unique role at UC Davis has a set of requirements and you could be perfect for this role, or you could be perfect for the next role! Don't meet all the requirements? We still encourage you to apply! #YouBelongHere