Animal Support Technician

BASIC SUMMARY:

Perform temporary assignments of caretaking, cage wash, and other duties as assigned at any IS government, commercial or academic contract site.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Performs any combination of following duties in CSS client facilities, as assigned by site supervisor or client POC in accordance with research requirements and established site SOPs/practices:

· Review, comprehend and comply with all SOPs and quality assurance standards pertaining to specific area.

· Follow all procedures necessary to properly maintain animal housing areas, including room or facility personnel entry; personnel protective equipment use, and sanitation/decontamination of equipment and materials.

· Operate equipment and use supplies per safety guidelines; perform general housekeeping and adheres to safety procedures.

· Predominant area of support is cagewash and animal care to include, monitor animal health and welfare while performing daily animal health observations; animal husbandry duties to include: perform daily equipment checks; provide appropriate food and water; perform cage changes, record animal health concerns, administer treatment as prescribed. Cagewash support includes, but is not limited to, process soiled caging/tanks and prepare new caging, ensure that parameters are met to meet sanitation, prepare and set autoclave loads to designated cycle, and maintain cage wash areas in a clean an organized manner. Animal care may include a variety of lab animal species.

· Provide environmental enrichment appropriate to species per site Standard Operating Procedures (SOP).

· Maintain accurate records of animal breeding, health, and housing/isolator or support areas via database or written records/logs.

· Assist with restraint, handling and manipulation of various animal species as assigned by the on-site supervisor or facility/attending veterinarian.

· Perform euthanasia on rodent and aquatic models per site SOPs.

· Properly dispose of animal carcasses and waste.

· Receive, inspect and house incoming animals.

· Maintain facility equipment and perform routine preventative maintenance on cagewash and autoclaves, including routine inspection of cleaning filters, roto-arms, and other critical control points as directed.

· Assist with the receipt, stocking and maintenance of supply inventories, feed, bedding, etc.

· Interact with customers as directed to resolve customer requests, inquiries, and complaints.

· May be tasked to assist with breeding and weaning procedures to ensure appropriate production levels.

· May be tasked to assist with technical procedures, such as providing treatments, blood and/or tissue collection, injections, surgical prep, administering anesthesia, and assisting with surgical procedures.

· May be tasked to assist with diagnostic services such as necropsy, health surveillance, etc.

· May be tasked to assist with administrative support services.

· Performs all other duties as assigned.

· Maintain required attendance level and adherence to work schedule.

QUALIFICATIONS:

· Education: AA/AS in Biology, Animal Science or related field required (Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science, Biology or Biological Science preferred.)

· Experience: Six (6) months of animal care and handling in a laboratory or similar environment desired OR Associates in Veterinary Technology and 6 months of animal care experience.

· Certification/Licensure: Obtain AALAS certification at the Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician level (ALAT) upon eligibility.

· Other (Knowledge, Skills & Abilities): Computer literacy in Microsoft Outlook, word processing and database record keeping required. Ability to develop and maintain positive, professional working relationships with all levels of management, clients and staff. Ability to organize and prioritize multiple responsibilities and function independently, as well as within a team environment, with minimal supervision. Ability to effectively resolve problems or issues by using judgment that is consistent with standards, practices, policies, procedures, and industry regulations. Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Demonstrated ability to adapt and respond timely to the needs of the assigned contract to ensure that excellent customer service is provided at all times.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

· While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; and reach and perform multiple repetitive tasks with hands and arms. The employee frequently is required to walk and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee is occasionally required to sit.

· The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds.

· Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

· While performing the duties of this job, the employee frequently works near moving mechanical parts; is exposed to fumes or airborne particles, laboratory animal caging of various species including but not limited to mice, rats, rabbits, hamsters, guinea pigs, swine, goats, sheep, equine, cats, dogs, fish, reptiles, amphibians and non-human primates and is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, toxic or caustic chemicals, biohazard materials/agents, infectious disease and risk of electrical shock.

· Depending on the assignment, the noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

COMMENTS:

· Normally 40 hours per week Mon-Fri; however, there is a probability of altered work schedules, weekend and holiday coverage based on site staffing needs. May be required to work later hours to complete duties.

· Frequent regional and periodic domestic travel required. Travel may require weekend departures/returns. Domestic travel assignments may last up to 3 months.

· A driver’s license is required.

· A mode of personal transportation to contracts in the DC Metro/Baltimore area is required.