Job Description - Laboratory Animal Caretaker II (210003U6) **Job Description**

Laboratory Animal Caretaker II - ( 210003U6 ) **Description**

The Laboratory Animal Caretaker II provides animal husbandry and sanitation following standard operating procedures for rodent species, maintains cleanliness of animal and ancillary rooms, observes animal room environment and receives incoming shipments of animals. The Laboratory Animal Caretaker II observes animals for changes in behavior, dietary habits and signs of illnesses and follows protocol for euthanasia and disposal. The physical demands of this position require a healthy individual with dexterity required for handling small animals i.e. mice, rats, and swine and the ability to lift up to 50lbs.The workplace is an animal research facility and there is potential exposure to zoonotic diseases as well as possibilities of being bitten, scratched or kicked by animals. Allergic responses may develop to animal dander and animal procedures may sometimes involve exposure to anesthetic gases, radiation and chemicals used to sanitize instruments and room surfaces. **Qualifications**

**Minimum Education**

High School Diploma or GED (Required)

**Minimum Work Experience**

2 years At least 2 years in a laboratory animal science setting. (Required)

**Required Skills/Knowledge**

Evidence of specialized experience, which demonstrates possession of the knowledge, skills and ability to perform the duties of this position (must be supported by detailed description of experience on resume).

Knowledge of anatomy and physiology of all common laboratory animals.

Ability to recognize common signs of illness, variations in eating habits, abnormal stool and urine deposits and unusual behavior.

Knowledge of laws and regulations affecting the use of animals in biomedical research.

Knowledge of sanitation, sterilization and biohazard control techniques.

Physical demands require a healthy individual with dexterity; manual dexterity is required to handle small animals (i.e., mice, rats and swine).

Ability to stand for long periods of time (up to 6 hours) and lift up to 50 lbs.

**Required Licenses and Certifications**

AALAS certification at ALAT level (Required)

**Functional Accountabilities**

**Responsible Conduct of Research**

* Consistently demonstrates adherence to the standards for the responsible conduct of research.

* Plans, conducts and manages research projects within federal and institutional regulations and policies under the direction of the principal investigator.

* Uses research funds and resources appropriately.

* Maintains confidentiality of data as required.

* Meets all annual job-related training and compliance requirements.

**Husbandry Operations**

* Observes animals daily for signs of health; receives, examines, transfers and properly houses incoming animal shipments according to SOPs.

* Administers medication and treatment as prescribed by the veterinarian.

* Provides adequate food and water for all assigned cages.

* Maintains daily and weekly sanitation of cages, assigned rooms and common areas.

* Participates in animal handling and manipulation training when offered.

* Assists with cage wash duties as assigned.

**Communication**

* Promptly notifies manager of animal room temperature and humidity fluctuations.

* Completes animal room sheets, sanitation logs for common areas and animal health reports.

* Records accurate dates of birth, deaths and euthanasia requests.

**Technical Assistance**

* Maintains per diem inventory of animals.

* Monitors cleaning supplies and supplies used in conjunction with animals, animal rooms, cages, cage equipment and specialized animal care areas (Quarantine, ABSL II).

* Performs weaning duties as assigned.

* Collects diagnostic specimens (i.e., pelt, anal, fecal and swabs) following detailed schedule.

* Other technical tasks, such as handling and injections, as needed.

**Primary Location**

: District of Columbia-WASHINGTON **Work Locations**

: Sheikh Zayed Campus 111 Michigan Avenue Washington 20010 **Job**

: Research **Organization**

: OPHS Regular / Temporary : R (Regular) Position Status : FT - Full-Time Shift : Day Work Schedule : M- F **Job Posting**

: Feb 22, 2022, 11:44:40 PM