Animal Care Technician

About the Position :

This role is an on-campus, in-person position.

The Laboratory Animal Resource Center (LARC) oversees the care and use of vertebrate animals utilized as part of the research and teaching activities of SMU and serves as a source of expertise and support for investigators and administration on all issues related to laboratory animals.

The Animal Care Technician, working under general supervision by the LARC Facility Manager, plays an essential role in supporting SMU’s biomedical research program by providing daily husbandry and stable environmental conditions for laboratory animals, including the sanitation and maintenance of associated facilities.

Essential Functions :

Monitor animal health and welfare while performing standard daily observations and husbandry, including providing food and water, changing / cleaning cages, recording health concerns per SOP and / or specified protocols, and following up on concerns. Provide husbandry in quarantine, isolation, biohazard, conventional, and / or barrier areas. Prepare special diets / water in accordance with protocols.

Operate, monitor, and clean cage washing and processing equipment. Operate, monitor, and clean autoclave equipment. Clean and maintain all support areas (e.g. storage rooms, break rooms, procedure rooms). Perform housekeeping duties and laundry. Utilize appropriate techniques and chemicals to ensure sanitization of all surfaces.

Observe and promptly report problems with animal health / welfare, equipment, or environmental support systems to the LARC Facility Manager. Accurately sort and organize routine supplies to meet area needs. Provide supply requests to supervisor in a timely manner to ensure appropriate inventory.

May assist with basic handling, restraint, and / or manipulation of animals as directed by the LARC Facility Manager or veterinary staff. May provide minor medical treatments to animals as directed by veterinary staff. May assist in the maintenance of breeding programs. Maintain and provide care to rodent sentinels as required. Assist in environmental monitoring and health surveillance programs.

Comply with and wear all required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Review, comprehend, and comply with all policies / procedures and quality assurance standards pertaining to the work area. Use supplies and operate equipment according to safety guidelines.

Maintain accurate records on all animal health and usage, housing, and support areas.

Required ability to maintain attendance level and adherence to work schedule to ensure assigned duties are completed. Must have ability to work alternate shifts for weekends and / or holidays.

This position is considered an essential role when SMU declares an emergency, campus closure, etc and therefore must report to work unless relieved by their supervisor.

Perform other duties as assigned.

May be required to shower / change clothes between functions.

Qualifications

Education and Experience :

A high school diploma or equivalent is required.

A minimum of one year of work experience in an animal caretaker role is required. Some experience in laboratory animal care is preferred.

ALAT or LAT certification or in the progress of completion is preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities :

Candidate must demonstrate strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate broadly across the University and develop and maintain effective relationships with a wide range of constituencies. Must also demonstrate strong written communication skills.

Candidate must possess strong problem-solving skills with the ability to identify and analyze problems, as well as devise solutions. Must also have strong organizational, planning and time management skills.

Candidate must have the ability to work while wearing Personnel Protective Equipment (PPE) for prolonged periods of time.

Experience with Microsoft Office 365 Suite is preferred.

Physical and Environmental Demands :

• Bend
• Stand for prolonged periods of time
• Push / pull carts on weight bearing wheels.
• Reach above shoulders
• Carry / lift 25 lbs.
• Squat
• Handle objects (dexterity)

Kneel

Walk for long distances