Assistant Animal Technician (Limited Pool)

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/hr - Step 9: $22.82/hr. The budgeted hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is Step 1: $19.47/hr.

Remote/Hybrid eligibility:

Review of applications will occur as openings become available. Candidates will be selected for temporary employment in various departments as positions become available. This position is reopened every six months so please re-apply if you remain interested in the position. This position will close on 12/31/2024.

These union positions are represented by the bargaining unit AFSCME: Service - SX.

Please note: These are temporary positions.

Remote/Hybrid eligibility: Dependent on openings.

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.

The Department of Animal Research Services (DARS) is a "self-supporting" unit within the Office of Research that purchases, provides space for, and maintains a variety of laboratory animals used in biomedical research and teaching. The role of this position is to work under supervision in a DARS space that houses animals and to provide adequate care including feeding, cleaning, and delivery of animals/supplies following all regulations set forth by federal, state, and university policies.

RESPONSIBILITIES

ANIMAL CARE

In a training capacity, incumbent will:

• Change cages, feed, and water a variety of animals used in biomedical research.
• Change racks two times per month per schedule.
• Set up rooms for incoming animals according to all federal, state, and UC requirements and regulations.

ANIMAL HEALTH

In a training capacity, the incumbent will:

• Learn to recognize sick and unthrifty animals and report such to the attending veterinarian, Research Investigator, and Supervisor using correct terminology as instructed.
• Weigh and identify animals in accordance with regulations.
• Learn technical skills such as injections and venipunctures.
• Euthanize animals according to approved IACUC protocols and AVMA Panel on Euthanasia.

DISINFECTION /SANITATION

In a training capacity, the incumbent will:

• Disinfect and sanitize rooms using different agents in and around the animal rooms prior to receipt of animals and during their setup on a scheduled basis.
• Utilize cage washers, rack washers, and autoclaves to sterilize cages, bedding, and water bottles.

RECORD KEEPING

In a training capacity, the incumbent will:

• Perform record-keeping duties such as per diem charges, feed logs, temperature and air exchange gauge charts.

MAINTENANCE

In a training capacity, the incumbent will:

• Learn to use small hand tools to repair racks
• All other duties assigned.

EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE

• High school diploma and/or equivalent certification/experience/training.

AND

• The applicant must possess the skills, knowledge, and abilities essential to the successful performance of the duties assigned to the position is required.
• Prior animal handling experience. (Preferred)

CRITICAL KNOWLEDGE and SKILLS

• Ability to learn feeding, caging, and space requirements for all species of laboratory animals.
• Ability to comprehend written orders and agency regulations.
• Ability to learn federal and other licensing agencies' regulations.
• 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)
• Ability to learn use of small hand tools.
• Ability to perform injections and venipunctures.

Background check 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/