Animal Caretaker

Animal Caretaker

Location: Frederick, MD

Eligibility: Candidate must be a US Citizen with the ability to obtain a Secret clearance

Job Description:

Our client is seeking experienced Animal Caretakers to support the United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID). USAMRIID's mission is to provide leading-edge medical capabilities to deter and defend against current and emerging biological threat agents. Each Animal Caretaker works within a team to provide humane care and treatment of research animals. The Animal Caretaker provides animal husbandry support in Quarantine, Barrier, ABSL-2, ABSL-3, and ABSL-4 animal care and use areas. The Animal Caretaker shall independently select and apply appropriate procedures for the supported tasks. The Animal Caretaker shall assist in providing non-routine care, supporting changes in procedure, and addressing problems. In addition, the Animal Caretaker shall assist or independently perform glassware/cagewash support tasks. Schedule: Full-time. Variable hours to include weekends, holidays, and emergencies as requested. Duties: Contract Employee shall provide animal care and husbandry to the animals during experimental and non-experimental periods IAW SOPs and/or protocol. This includes, but is not limited to, cleaning/sanitizing the micro- and macroenvironment; transferring animals between cages/restraint devices/jump boxes; providing environmental enrichment; housing animals in appropriate size and types of cages; monitoring animals and reporting/documenting abnormal conditions or treatment failures; and ensuring food/water are available IAW SOPs or protocol. Contract Employees shall work independently IAW SOPs and apply practical knowledge and technical expertise to resolve problems independently and in cooperation with other personnel. Contract Employees shall report any SOP deviations to the Contract PM as soon as practicable. Contract Employee shall receive, exam, verify (i.e., determine sex), move to designated room and house of all incoming laboratory animals IAW SOPs and/or protocol. Contract Employee shall conduct daily cage counts and weekly head counts to the Contract PM IAW SOP. Contract Employee shall ensure all animals are properly identified and associated with specific experiments IAW SOPs. Contract Employee shall transport animals within the facility or to/from other facilities IAW SOPs. Contract Employee shall ensure proper room designations and entry procedures and update room entry order IAW SOPs. Contract Employee shall operate animal husbandry equipment and document operations IAW SOPs. Contract Employee shall store animal husbandry equipment and supplies IAW SOPs. Contract Employee shall observe and document temperature, humidity and light levels within animal care and use areas IAW SOPs and report excursions to the Contract PM immediately. Clearance Requirements: Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance, if required by the facility or research project. Must meet all requirements for the BPRP to access ABSL-3 and ABSL-4 containment areas. T3 investigation (NACLC/ANACI is acceptable if completed within 5 years prior to enrollment). A favorably adjudicated SECRET security clearance eligibility, with no access to classified, is required.

Qualifications:

Minimum Degree Requirements:

• Minimum of an associate degree or equivalent in veterinary technology or a related field.

Education and Certification Requirements:

• A minimum of 5 years of experience in a similar role within a research environment. A minimum of 3 years veterinary technical experience in support of nonhuman primates in a research setting
• AALAS LAT certification required within 12 months of hire
• Formal training and experience in handling Old World non-human primates, rodents, swine, ferrets, and rabbits
• Required certification in animal handling and care per the Animal Welfare Act and related guidelines.
• Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) or Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT) preferred.

Skills and Qualifications:

• Strong understanding of laboratory animal science and welfare.
• Familiarity with surgical suite maintenance and GLP requirements.
• Exceptional organizational, observational, and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a team-oriented environment.
• Commitment to maintaining compliance with regulatory standards and facility policies.

Responsibilities:

• Administer medications and substances by injection, orally, or topically.
• Monitor anesthesia and assist with surgical procedures.
• Perform euthanasia in compliance with applicable regulations.
• Support radiographic and surgical procedures.
• Collect blood and other bio samples as required.
• Maintain animal medical records, including Good Laboratory Practice (GLP)-compliant entries.
• Conduct routine health checks and ensure the handling and restraint of animals are conducted safely and humanely.
• Ensure proper maintenance of the surgical suite and learn additional relevant skills.
• Work collaboratively with research teams and provide technical expertise.
• Ensure compliance with the Animal Welfare Act, Public Law 99-158, Army Regulation 40-33, and applicable accreditation standards (e.g., AAALAC).

Work Environment and Physical Requirements:

• Work involves prolonged periods in auditory and physical isolation, including ABSL-3 and ABSL-4 containment areas.
• Exposure to hazardous infectious agents, biohazards, and other laboratory risks.
• Physical duties include standing, walking, lifting up to 50 pounds, and handling animals in various containment environments.