Lab Animal Technician/ Containment

Position Information

Classification Title Animal Care Veterinary/Animal Science Paraprofessional/Professional FLSA Non-Exempt FTE 1.0 Minimum Qualifications

Requires technical knowledge in the field acquired through an apprenticeship, a 2-year degree, or professional certificate. Please contact your Human Resources office for an evaluation of education/experience in lieu of the required minimum qualifications.

Preferred Qualifications Position Summary

This is an animal care position in an AAALAC accredited bio-containment animal facility, the Animal Health Research Center(AHRC). Incumbent will perform all aspects of animal husbandry utilizing multiple species of laboratory and agricultural animals in ABSL-2, ABSL-3 and BSL-3ag environments. This position will report to the Assistant Animal Resources Manager at the College of Veterinary Medicine.

Incumbent will provide for the daily care of animals including feeding, watering, animal health observations and providing environmental enrichment following established schedules and practices. Work requires performing sanitization duties such as; decontaminating, cleaning, disinfection and sterilization of cages, animal rooms, primary enclosures, ancillary areas and equipment. Job requires strict adherence to established standard operating procedures while performing duties; including the appropriate use of personal protective equipment (PPE). May perform technical services such as; blood, tissue, urine/feces collection, administering prophylactic treatments and injections.

Handles, identifies, receives and transports animals. Monitors and records environmental parameters and conditions. initiates and maintains animal room logs, autoclave/cage-washer logs, animal health records, census sheets, and other essential records. Restocks supply inventories, sets up equipment and processes bio-hazardous waste.Operates and maintains equipment such as; autoclaves, cage-washers, bedding disposal units, IVC racks w/HEPA units and bio-safety cabinets, auto water systems, etc.

Performs minor preventative maintenance duties and integrated pest management tasks following established schedules. Participates in pre-study meetings, continuing education and training classes as directed. Assist with rodent health surveillance,microbiological testing and quality assurance programs. Participates in standard operating procedures development.

Once hired, all personnel working with animals or bio-hazardous agents must be enrolled in and cleared to work through the UGA Occupational Health Program, https://research.uga.edu/ohsp/

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies

Ability and skills to perform animal husbandry duties in an ABSL-2, ABSL-3 or BSL-3ag vivarium utilizing multiple laboratory animal and agricultural species. Knowledge of the Guide for the Care & Use of Laboratory Animals.

Applicants must have the ability to communicate clearly and succinctly. This is a technical position and the job requires careful attention to detail; good listening and comprehension skills and the ability to follow verbal and written instructions. Keen observation skills.

Ability to promote and foster teamwork in order to meet program and research objectives are essential. Competency in basic containment principles/practices working at ABSL-3 and BSL3ag levels.

Once hired, all personnel working with animals or bio-hazardous agents expected be enrolled in and cleared to work through the UGA Occupational Health Program.

Physical Demands

Sustained periods of physical activity such as standing, bending, stooping, reaching above shoulder level, and lift 50 pounds. Work sometimes under challenging conditions (high humidity/temperature, unpleasant odors, animal excreta and noise). Work involves exposure to bio-hazards, chemicals and/or physical risks, which require following established safety procedures.

May take multiple showers each day and wear PPE (PAPRS, protective clothing, battery packs, respirators, gloves) and stand on hard surfaces for prolonged periods of time. Handle and treat multiple species of animals including large hoofstock in relatively confined spaces. Work may be physically demanding involving the transport, relocation and positioning of supplies and caging equipment.

Is driving a responsibility of this position? Yes Is this a Position of Trust?

Yes Does this position have operation, access, or control of financial resources? No Does this position require a P-Card? No Is having a P-Card an essential function of this position?

No Does this position have direct interaction or care of children under the age of 18 or direct patient care? No Does this position have Security Access (e.g., public safety, IT security, personnel records, patient records, or access to chemicals and medications) No Credit and P-Card policy

Be advised a credit check will be required for all positions with financial responsibilities. For additional information about the credit check criteria, visit the UGA Credit Background Check website.

Background Investigation Policy

Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including, a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials (including reference checks) as they relate to the job-based requirements of the position applied for; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. You may also be subject to a pre-employment drug test for positions with high-risk responsibilities, if applicable. Please visit the UGA Background Check website.

Duties/Responsibilities

Duties/Responsibilities

Performs daily animal care and husbandry duties for research animals in a bio-containment facility including feeding, watering, animal handling/transport, animal health checks, cage changing, providing enrichment and environmental monitoring. Assures animals are appropriately maintained and cared for in accordance with standard operating procedures and supervisors instructions. Possibly needed to transport animals across campus, or pick up supplies.

Percentage of time 50 Duties/Responsibilities

Decontaminates, cleans, and sanitizes animal rooms, ancillary areas, primary enclosures and caging equipment following established procedures and schedules. Operates equipment such as; autoclaves, bedding dump stations, IVC racks, chemical foamer/sprayers, biological safety cabinets, cage and pressure washers.

Percentage of time 30 Duties/Responsibilities

Maintains and stocks appropriate supplies and equipment inventories. Performs minor preventative maintenance duties on animal care and ancillary equipment ensuring it is maintained and functioning at optimal performance. Performs and assists with rodent health surveillance, animal facility quality assurance program and integrated pest management program.

Percentage of time 10 Duties/Responsibilities

Initiates and maintains records such as animal room logs, sanitation logs, autoclave logs, census activity sheets, etc. Assists in standard operating procedures development.

Performs and assists with technical services such as; blood/tissue collections and administering animal treatments. Participates in multiple training classes as prescribed and participates in UGA Occupational Health & Safety program. Performs weekend and holiday duties as scheduled; and other duties as assigned. Provides assistance and resources to facility users and departmental staff.

Percentage of time 10

Contact Information

Recruitment Contact

Contact Details

For questions concerning this position or recruitment progression, please refer to the Recruitment Contact listed below.

Recruitment Contact Name Jazmin Lynn Recruitment Contact Email jazmind7@uga.edu Recruitment Contact Phone 706-542-1189

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

• Resume/CV
• Cover Letter

Optional Documents

Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact University HR (hrweb@uga.edu).

The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, genetic information, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation or protected veteran status.