Production Animal Caretaker

SUMMARY: Perform duties in accordance with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and with local, state, and federal regulations. Attend to and care for animals in a laboratory animal research facility by performing the following duties:

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following:

• Follow all SOP pertaining to the area of work.
• Have complete understanding of Bio Security Protocol and follow its instructions/practices.
• Understanding of the proper feed and water intake amounts, feeding schedules, feeding techniques and ability to follow these as instructed.
• Ensuring daily that all animals have access to water and/or water delivery systems are functioning properly.
• Inspect floors for any potential fall hazards and foreign material that may wash down and/or cause obstruction to the drains, and remove prior to cleaning.
• Inspect all equipment and/or cleaning products before use for safe operation and understanding of their proper uses.
• Clean animal enclosures and accessories daily along with support and/or common areas; and/or participate in daily sanitation procedures of animal housing, transportation vehicles, according to schedule or as instructed. (The caretaker shall maintain cleaning and sanitation standards and methodologies as set forth by management in accordance with the Animal Welfare Act.)
• Analyze and record information according to instructions such as husbandry duties, environment, socialization, census and/or vermin control activities in designated facility record books.
• Ensure that support areas are organized, free of clutter, and appropriate supplies are available. Store chemicals, feed, equipment and enrichment supplies in designated areas and assure labeled appropriately and as directed.
• Examine and report any animals showing signs of illness and/or injury. Fill out sick animal notification cards promptly when appropriate and deliver to the treatment Supervisor and/or Veterinary support staff.
• Assist in the transfer and/or shipment of animals between quarters or facilities while utilizing best practices, proper handling techniques, and personal protect equipment set forth by Management.
• Operate Company equipment as on grounds in a safe manner as required by Supervisor.
• Understanding of the BES Program and participate/assist in the grooming and socialization of animals as required.
• Report any and all inappropriate room temperatures, ventilation issues, facility defects, lighting, safety hazards, and/or mechanical problems promptly to the Supervisor.
• Perform light facility maintenance tasks and occasionally help with renovation/construction work of buildings and grounds.
• Properly dispose of facility wastes, biological hazards, and composting materials regularly, in proper area, and/or as instructed.
• Participate regularly in weekend duties and/or hours outside of normal schedule as required.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

COMPETENCIES (refer to job matrix if available):

• Problem Solving/Analysis.
• Project Management.
• Customer/Client Focus.
• Collaboration Skills.
• Communication Proficiency.
• Ethical Conduct.
• Time Management.
• Thoroughness.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: None.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE: High school diploma or general education degree (GED); or one to three months related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience. Management will determine the Animal Caretakers employment level by measuring employment performance and seniority.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS: It is desirable for the Animal Caretaker to be working toward an AALAS Laboratory Animal certification level or equivalent.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee frequently is required to stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance, talk or hear, or smell. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move over 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to wet and/or humid conditions. The employee occasionally works near moving mechanical parts and in outside weather conditions and is occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate, but occasionally, the noise level can be elevated.

POSITION TYPE/EXPECTED HOURS OF WORK: This position is classified as Non-Exempt and qualifies for overtime pay. Position may be full-time or part-time. If full-time position the employee is required to work at least 80-hours each two-week pay period. Due to the nature of our business employee’s must be present at SRC 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, which results in varying work hours. This position may require punctuality, regular attendance, long hours and weekend work. All employees in this position will be assigned work as production and other needs require, and employees must be flexible in moving between job assignments and work schedules.

TRAVEL: Some travel may be necessary for this position including conventions and off-site meetings. Travel is primarily local during the business day.