The Center for Animal Resources and Education (CARE) values Animal Care Technicians who are engaged, enthusiastic, and committed to humane and compassionate care of animals. Under the general supervision of a CARE Facilities Manager, the Animal Care Technician (ACT) performs a variety of duties related to the daily care of large and small laboratory research animals used for research purposes and maintenance of animal care facilities.  In accordance with established policies and standard operating procedures, the ACTs clean, feed and water research animals, check animals’ health status, complete daily work logs and health enrichment forms, support the receiving of new animals, and assist researchers and veterinarians with related duties.

Some weekend and holiday work required. Weekends are worked on a rotating basis, every 4 weeks. Availability and number of holidays to be worked is contingent upon staffing needs.

• · Feed and water many different species of research animals; monitor general health of animals.         

• Measures and mixes food following established policy and procedure or according to individual research protocols
• Supply food and water to animals as directed
• Re-stock supplies
• Monitors animal behavior and health status; is alert to and recognizes abnormal responses to behavior; informs supervisor and/or veterinarians of animal health issues in a timely manner.
• Complete daily work logs and health and enrichment forms in accordance with established policies and procedures
• Clean and change animal cages and rooms. Perform cage washing, disinfection and sterilization operations  
• Move animals to clean cages and rooms
• Remove soiled bedding, wash cages, prepare cages, sterilize cages, water bottles and rooms, clean support equipment in room and utility areas
• Monitor environmental conditions of animal rooms (light, temperature, humidity, etc.) according to established procedures and/or special conditions indicated in experimental protocols.  Corrects irregularities and alerts supervisor of situation as necessary.
• Performs routine duties associated with cage sanitation and preparation for reuse in a research setting including cage maintenance, monitoring equipment for proper functioning and maintaining sanitary conditions and daily records.
• Operates washers and ensures that cage washing and related equipment are in proper working order by cleaning, and preventive maintenance. Perform routine start-up and shut down procedures of all cage wash machines.
• Operates autoclave to sterilize or decontaminate caging equipment. Assist in receiving and storing materials, food and supplies. Transport caging supplies between animal rooms and cage washrooms.
• Maintain sanitary conditions of cage washing rooms and other ancillary areas, such as hallways and storage areas.
• Set up rooms and cages with proper equipment, food and bedding
• Put away new animals
• Organize cage cards
• Stock feed and bedding in room
• Maintains cleanliness of general animal care facilities; may assist in ordering, receiving, and stocking materials and supplies
• Complete miscellaneous tasks as assigned by supervisor

Education and Experience

• High School graduate or GED required or equivalent combination of education/experience
• AALAS certification at the Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT) level preferred
• 1-2 years’ related experience working with animals preferred
• AALAS certification at the Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT) level is strongly encouraged within the first year of employment