LABORATORY ANIMAL TECHNICIAN

Position Summary
The Laboratory Animal Technician performs semi-routine or diversified work that requires the ability to differentiate established principles and practices from unique occurrences, which may necessitate adapting or modifying methods.

Position Responsibilities
The Laboratory Animal Technician (LAT) will carry out routine animal care activities (which may include various species, but not limited to nonhuman primates, dogs, pigs, rabbits, guinea pigs, rodents and aquatics), keep records such as noting general signs of health, fecal and urinary output, food intake, receiving, and room logs and perform other duties of an equal or lesser nature. The Level administering injections related to the clinical care of animals, and injections for tuberculin tests, as directed by supervisory staff. Provide exercise and/or environmental enrichment for various species. Assist in or demonstrate proper work procedures to trainees and other personnel as requested. Follow good laboratory practice and good housekeeping procedures, in accordance with established departmental Standard Operating Procedures, health, safety, and environmental policies. Employee will also work under isolation conditions, using specialized caging units such as microisolation cages, ventilated cage racks, etc., and using room isolation units, such as flexible film or rigid isolators, or restricted access barriers while adhering to aseptic techniques and disease prevention principles. May be required to assist with administering routine treatments. Maintain colonies of animals, may be assigned to perform components of the process of breeding and developing breeding colonies (e.g., make and record animal observations, offer special feedings, assist with weaning), and may be required to perform data collection. Employee will routinely perform the work described in Veterinary Sciences departmental Standard Operating Procedures including but not limited to: weigh, sort, and examine animals for obvious physical defects; identification; sex; house animals in proper locations, quarantine and isolation; assist with the collection of clinical samples (e.g., blood, feces and urine) with fecal analysis, which may require the use of syringes, needles or other appropriate collection devices, under supervisory direction. Devote more than average attention to observing the animals, recognize abnormal symptoms and behavior and report problems to his or her supervisor. Prepare food and feed the animals correct portions, according to specifications. Monitor and record environmental conditions and changes as required and change air filters related to laboratory animal equipment and facilities, as necessary. Use facility security systems and evaluate watering and environmental monitoring equipment as required. Clean and sterilize animal cages, feeders, bottles, and other equipment using autoclaves and other sanitization equipment, and assist in planning workflow priorities and staging of materials. Clean animal rooms and maintain general cleanliness of the animal quarters and ancillary spaces. May be required to perform minor assembly of equipment, lubricate equipment and make minor adjustments and repairs to cages and other equipment, as needed, using hand tools if required. Record the readings of machine function indicators such as temperature tapes, autoclave test ampoules, etc. Receive and store feed, bedding and other supplies. Keep storage and animal areas stocked, as needed. Handle and restrain animals using appropriate techniques and assist others in restraint and handling as required. Assist with procedures, for example, provide health care by administering routine clinical treatments, including animal grooming, cutting teeth and nails, and euthanatizing animals using appropriate techniques, and administering injections related to the clinical care of animals, and injections for tuberculin tests, as directed by supervisory staff. Provide exercise and/or environmental enrichment for various species. Assist in or demonstrate proper work procedures to trainees and other personnel as requested. Follow good laboratory practice and good housekeeping procedures, in accordance with established departmental Standard Operating Procedures, health, safety, and environmental policies.

In addition, will work under guidance and direction, but demonstrate conceptual understanding and ability to initiate tasks. They must follow operational procedures in the performance of daily tasks and work cooperatively with other employees in efforts to achieve departmental goals. The employee will minimize losses by reporting all errors promptly to their supervisor. The employee will have direct contact mostly with his or her immediate supervisor, with other departmental employees and will have direct contact with research personnel. The employee must be able to exert moderate physical effort in moving and lifting equipment and animals.

Requirements:
Employee must be a high school graduate or equivalent and be certified by AALAS at the ALAT level or higher.

Describe Exposure to Any Hazards/Disagreeable Conditions in the Work Environment:
Moderate physical effort required. May involve intermittent heavy lifting. Medical screening prior to initial placement in Veterinary Sciences is required to evaluate for history of allergy, asthma or physical problems which could endanger an employee in this work environment and to evaluate for the presence of zoonotic diseases e.g. Tuberculosis, which endanger laboratory animals and may require subsequent reassignment. The employee will have frequent exposure to biohazards and disagreeable conditions, including odors, heat, noise, animal excrement and will have potential exposure to toxic test compounds.