Animal Care Technician II CMU

Minimum Education
High School Diploma or GED (Required)

Minimum Work Experience
2 years High school graduate or equivalent with at least two years experience in laboratory animal care required. (Required)

Required Skills/Knowledge
Documented evidence of specialized experience demonstrates possession of the knowledge, skills, and ability to perform the duties of this position. (must be supported by a detailed description of experience on a resume).
Ability to perform within a team-oriented work environment.
Basic computer skills required, including familiarity with navigating web-based applications.
Knowledge of the biology and physical characteristics of animals used in research and the ability to recognize signs of illness and abnormalities
Knowledge regarding the methods and materials used in laboratory work
Ability to work and communicate professionally with investigators, supervisors and caretakers
Ability to make accurate observations, keep current, accurate, and complete records
Ability to read, understand, and interpret written and oral instruction and perform math calculations in conduct of experimental procedures
Ability to recognize common signs of illness, variations in eating habits, abnormal stool, urine deposits, and unusual behavior.
Knowledge of laws and regulations affecting the use of animals in biomedical research.
Knowledge of sanitation, sterilization, and biohazard control techniques.
Physical demands require a healthy individual with dexterity; manual dexterity is required to handle animals
Ability to stand for long periods of time (up to 6 hours) and lift 50 lbs.
Ability to communicate clearly via e-mail, phone, and text message.

Required Licenses and Certifications
AALAS certification at ALAT level (Required)

Functional Accountabilities
Responsible Conduct of Research

• Consistently demonstrates adherence to the standards for the responsible conduct of research.

• Uses research funds and resources appropriately.

• Maintains confidentiality of data as required.

• Meets all annual job-related training and compliance requirements.

Husbandry Operations

• Observe animals daily for signs of health; receive, examine, transfer, identify, and properly house incoming shipments according to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

• Administers medication and treatment as prescribed by the Veterinarian.

• Provides adequate food and water for all assigned cages.

• Maintains daily and weekly sanitation of cages, assigned rooms, and common areas.

• Maintains adequate inventory of necessary supplies and equipment.

• Observes animal behavior and conditions, collects specimens and provides technical assistance to research and veterinary personnel.

• Assists with cage wash duties as assigned.

• Minimize cross-contamination per SOPs

Communication

• Promptly notify management of fluctuations in temperature and humidity.

• Correctly document room sheets, sanitation logs for common areas, inventory, health reports, and document technical assistance provided.

Technical Assistance

• Maintains per diem inventory of animals.

• Monitor cleaning supplies and supplies used in specialized care areas (Quarantine, Barrier, ABSL II).

• Performs minor repairs and maintains animal housing facility.

• May train and direct new technicians.

• Performs weaning duties as assigned.

• Participates in animal handling and manipulation training when offered.
• Performs other technical tasks, such as handling and injections, as needed.
• Anticipate and responds to customer needs; follows up until needs are met

Teamwork/Communication

• Demonstrate collaborative and respectful behavior

• Partner with all team members to achieve goals

• Receptive to others' ideas and opinions

Performance Improvement/Problem-solving

• Contribute to a positive work environment

• Demonstrate flexibility and willingness to change

• Identify opportunities to improve clinical and administrative processes

• Make appropriate decisions, using sound judgment

Cost Management/Financial Responsibility

• Use resources efficiently

• Search for less costly ways of doing things

Safety

• Speak up when team members appear to exhibit unsafe behavior or performance

• Continuously validate and verify information needed for decision making or documentation

• Stop in the face of uncertainty and takes time to resolve the situation

• Demonstrate accurate, clear and timely verbal and written communication

• Actively promote safety for patients, families, visitors and co-workers

• Attend carefully to important details - practicing Stop, Think, Act and Review in order to self-check behavior and performance