Biocontainment Animal Technician, Animal Resource Center-Service Department

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

High School or equivalent. AALAS LAT certified or exam eligible (must successfully pass exam within 6 months of start date). Minimum of two years experience working in an animal facility or validated completion of the military occupational school (MOS: 68T  Animal Care Specialist).   This position requires DOJ clearance within six months.

JOB DESCRIPTION:

Within a biocontainment environment, provides for the research and veterinary support of laboratory animals in a humane, safe, and sanitary manner using appropriate equipment and established procedures up to ABSL4.

JOB DUTIES: 

• Maintains qualifications to enter ABSL2, ABSL3, and ABSL4 
• Performs veterinary functions utilizing bio-hazardous substances. 
• Assists in compilation of statistical data and engages in long-range planning of research support. 
• Maintains knowledge of biohazard operations and systems. 
• Determines appropriate animal housing systems according to specific regulations within a biocontainment environment. 
• Maintains an animal space allocations IAW regulatory statues. 
• Assists principal investigator and/or veterinarian(s) in preparation of a technical/surgical procedure(s) and may assist in procedure if required. 
• Provides daily husbandry care including feeding and sanitation for multiple small and large species as directed. 
•  Participates and assists in animal health checks. 
• Collects samples and processes diagnostic tests. 
• Monitors and cares for pre-operative and post-operative veterinary patients. 
• Performs anesthetic induction, maintenance, and monitoring. 
• Provides aseptic surgical support. 
• Cleans and sets up operating room and surgical packs. 
• Operates and maintains medical and surgical equipment. 
• Exposes and develops radiographs. 
• Maintains surgical and veterinary records. 
• Performs technical support with all levels of containment. 
• Effectively and professionally communicates with veterinarians, leadership, and research staff. 
• Adheres to internal controls and reporting structure. 
• Performs related veterinary or biocontainment duties as required or assigned. 

LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS OR CERTIFICATIONS 

• AALAS LAT certified or exam eligible (must successfully pass exam within 6 months of start date).

WORKING ENVIRONMENT/EQUIPMENT 
The environment includes a high containment animal facility where pregnancy may become a personnel safety factor in some laboratory animal support duties. Potential exposure includes radiation and/or biohazards. Job may require completion of appropriate vaccinations. 
Various personal protective equipment (PPE) including use of Personal Air Purifying Respirator (PAPR), positive pressure ventilated suit, and other support equipment used in a laboratory animal science containment facility. Standard office equipment, including computer systems.

SALARY RANGE:
Commensurate with Experience