JOB SUMMARY:
The Animal Care Technician is responsible for all aspects of the humane care, handling and restraint of various species of research laboratory animals in accordance with standard operating procedures, experimental protocols and all applicable state and federal laws, regulations and guidelines in the FDA animal research facility in Jefferson, Arkansas. In this position it is essential that individuals work as a productive, cooperative team member in accomplishing tasks.

BASIC REQUIREMENTS:

• Must have a High School Diploma. AA/AS degree or BA/BS degree in animal science or related field preferred.
• Certification by the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) at the Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT) level or higher is desired.
• Demonstrated proficiency in advanced techniques and have the ability to perform those tasks per Standard Operating Procedures and Study Protocol with minimal direct supervision.
• Continue training to maintain and build proficiency in techniques in accordance with customer needs and/or requirements.
• Possess a valid state motor vehicle license if operating a government or company vehicle to complete work assignments.
• Should have good interpersonal skills and have the ability to understand and follow directions and follow through on instructions.
• Must have the ability to function in a customer-client atmosphere such as assisting the company in providing positive responses to customer needs and delivery of quality services to the customer.
• Good knowledge of both spoken and written English.
• Must be a legal resident of the United States.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Perform daily health checks and animal room environmental checks according to established procedure. Promptly report any animal health or room conditions issues to the area supervisor.
• Properly handle and restrain various species of laboratory animals.
• Feed (ad libitum or restricted) and provide water to animals as directed.
• Complete animal cage changes and sanitation as required, or as special conditions warrant.
• Properly mix and handle solutions used for a variety of purposes, but primarily for cleaning and sanitation
• Maintain required levels of sanitation by sweeping, mopping, dusting and scrubbing on a daily, weekly and quarterly basis as instructed. Properly and safely operate mechanical sanitation and sterilization equipment.
• Input various types of information into the appropriate computerized or manual animal data collection system.
• Monitor animal rooms, area and vehicle reports on a daily, weekly and/or monthly basis as required.
• Assist staff veterinarians in surgical and necropsy procedures. Perform animal treatments as prescribed by staff veterinarians. Properly record treatments and/or results.
• Must wear/utilize protective equipment required for entry into restricted areas and performance of tasks as specified in applicable safety regulations and/or Standard Operating Procedures.
• Perform euthanasia (humane death) of laboratory animals as directed. Dispose of carcasses in accordance with applicable regulations.
• Decontamination of animal cages, associated equipment and dosing appliances as directed by experimental protocol or the NCTR Safety Office.
• Set up breeding pairs of animals. Verify mating by observation of sperm checks, vaginal plugs and/or vaginal smears. Records information such as pregnancies, births, number of neonates by sex and total number in litter.
• Maintain aquatic housing systems and animals including completing required feedings, filter changes, probe calibrations and other assigned tasks.
• Responsible for the collection of environmental (water, air, feed, bedding, waste, etc.) and diagnostic (blood, saliva, feces, urine, etc.) samples and completion of required sample collection reports and other submission forms.
• Operate government and company vehicles in a safe and proper manner.

NON-ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Perform other related duties as assigned.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Occasionally: Squatting/Crouching, Climbing, Kneeling
• Often: Reaching, Standing, Sitting, Walking, Stooping, Pushing, Pulling, Talking, Hearing, Seeing
• Lifting/Moving Requirements Minimum of 50 pounds occasionally; repetitive lifting/manipulation of up to 15 pounds; applying up to 20 pounds constantly to move/roll objects.

ENVIRONMENTAL/WORKING CONDITIONS:
Work is performed both indoors and outdoors, regardless of weather. Indoor work is in a laboratory environment and/or in an Animal Care, barrier facility, surgical or test procedure facility, diet/water prep facility, or animal housing/bedding cleaning and prep areas. Work may require use of personal protective equipment (PPE) in both areas. Work area may be prone to hot and humid conditions, and subject to objectionable odors, aerosols, dust, animal dander, and noise.