Animal Health Technician

Title: Animal Health Technician

Employee Classification: Lab Animal Technician

Campus: University of North Texas Health at Fort Worth

Division: HSC-Div of Rsrch & Innovation

SubDivision-Department: HSC-Div of Rsrch & Innovation

Department: HSC-Laboratory Animal Medicine-390010

Job Location: Fort Worth

Salary: $55,008

FTE: 1.000000

Retirement Eligibility: TRS Eligible

About Us - Values Overview

Department Summary

The Department of Laboratory Animal Medicine (DLAM) is committed to providing UNT Health faculty, staff, students and other partners with high quality, cost-effective research bio-resources. DLAM has a dedicated and experienced staff that contributes to the HSC’s exemplary program of animal care and use. DLAM provides veterinary and personnel training and expertise in laboratory animal medicine and technology.

DLAM is dedicated to support the University’s research and teaching goals, to promote and assure humane care and use of animals through compliance with the Animal Welfare Act, Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare, Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care (AAALAC) International and University policies for the humane care and use of animals.

DLAM advises and educates researchers, staff, students and other professionals on animal experimentation issues and promotes best practices for the responsible use of animals.

Our primary concern is the welfare of the animals used in the facility. We maintain vigilance in ensuring that the animals experience proper care and handling with minimal discomfort or pain, as well as live in an enriching environment. We adopt and abide by the American College of Laboratory Animal Medicine’s Position Statement regarding animal experimentation.

There are state-of-the-art facilities totaling approximately 40,000 square feet. DLAM is equipped to house multiple species and strains, including immunocompromised and genetically modified animals. DLAM provides husbandry and veterinary care for animals 365 days per year.

Position Overview

The Laboratory Animal Health Technician supports veterinary and husbandry staff by providing skilled care and handling of research animals, ensuring health concerns are addressed promptly and in compliance with regulatory standards. This role involves routine health checks, surgical assistance, treatment administration, and accurate recordkeeping to meet regulatory guidelines. The technician also contributes to animal welfare through enrichment programs, pain assessments, and monitoring environmental conditions. Additionally, they assist with training and mentoring junior staff, help maintain and sterilize surgical equipment and serve on committees dedicated to animal welfare. By providing hands-on support in all areas of animal health care, this position enhances team capacity, ensures animal well-being, and helps maintain the smooth operation of daily activities.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree and one year of related experience; or any equivalent combination of education and experience.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Ability to follow protocols and ensure compliance with state, federal, and university regulations.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to work with research staff, faculty, and other personnel.
• Basic understanding of animal behavior, welfare, and handling procedures.
• Ability to operate and maintain laboratory animal care equipment.
• Ability to lift and move heavy equipment and animal cages.
• Ability to stand for long periods, walk, bend, and kneel.
• Knowledge of research animal care, including quarantine, biohazard, or barrier areas.
• Experience with record-keeping and maintaining detailed logs related to animal care.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in animal science, Biology, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in laboratory animal care or animal husbandry.
• Minimum 4 years of veterinary experience.
• Rodent handling and basic procedures (examination, blood collection, anesthesia, minor surgical procedures, etc.) experience.
• Experience in handling and caring for a wide range of laboratory animal species.

Required License/Registration/Certifications

• Certification by the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) at the Laboratory Animal Technician (LAT) level, or ability to obtain within a year.
• Certified Veterinary Assistant (CVA) level or ability to obtain within a year required.

Job Duties

• Support Veterinary Team with Health Monitoring and Treatment: Assist veterinary staff with routine health checks, surgical assistance, treatments, handling, and restraint. Perform USDA weekly health checks, conduct pain assessments, and identify and report common ailments/illnesses to the Veterinarian and Licensed Veterinary Technician. In the absence of the Veterinary Technician, respond to animal health concerns, ensuring immediate attention, treatment, and follow-up care.
• Skilled Husbandry Care: Provide skilled husbandry care for research animals in both conventional and specialized housing areas, including observing, feeding, watering, sanitizing, handling animals, and monitoring care areas. Ensure proper environmental conditions, nutrition, and enrichment for all species, in compliance with State, Federal, and University regulations.
• Regulatory Compliance and Recordkeeping: Maintain precise and up-to-date animal health records in accordance with regulatory agency guidelines. Perform regular audits to verify compliance and ensure accuracy. 
• Surgical Assistance and Care: Under the guidance of the Veterinarians and the Licensed Veterinary Technician, assist in surgical and medical procedures, including preparation, instrument sterilization, anesthesia monitoring, and post-surgical care and monitoring of animals. 
• Training and Mentorship: Provide training and mentorship to junior staff, ensuring proper animal care techniques, recordkeeping, and compliance with health and safety standards
• Enrichment Program Support: Participate in developing, implementing, and evaluating enrichment programs for all species. Conduct behavioral and enrichment assessments, suggest improvements, and trial new materials or methods. 
•  Surgical and Procedure Room Maintenance: Organize, clean, and sterilize surgical instruments and equipment. Ensure the surgical suite is properly maintained and meets health and safety standards.
• Responding to Animal Health Issues: Address animal health concerns in the absence of the veterinary technician, ensuring immediate attention and follow-up care. 
• Continuing Education and Professional Development: Participate in ongoing education to stay current on best practices for laboratory animal care, health monitoring, and enrichment strategies. 

Physical Requirements

• Repeating motions that may include the wrists, hands and/or fingers.
• Moving self in various positions to perform tasks in tight and confined spaces.
• Lifting and Moving objects up to 20 pounds.
• Lifting and Moving objects up to 50 pounds.
• Communicating with others to exchange information.

Environmental Hazards

• Noisy environments.
• Exposure to fumes or airborne particles.
• No adverse environmental conditions expected.

Work Schedule

M-F 8am-5pm

Driving University Vehicle

No

Security Sensitive

This is a Security Sensitive Position.

Special Instructions

Applicants must submit a minimum of two professional references as part of their application. If needed, additional references can be added after the application has been submitted. 

Benefits

For information regarding our Benefits, click here.

EEO Statement

The University of North Texas System is firmly committed to equal opportunity and does not permit –and takes actions to prevent – discrimination, harassment (including sexual violence, domestic violence, dating violence and stalking), and retaliation on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, or veteran status in its application, employment practices, and facilities; nor permits race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, veteran status, or sex discrimination and harassment in its admissions processes, and educational programs and activities. UNT System Administration promptly investigates complaints of discrimination, harassment, and related retaliation and takes remedial action when appropriate. System Administration also takes actions to prevent retaliation against individuals who oppose any form of harassment or discriminatory practice, file a charge or report, or testify, assist, or participate in a related investigation or proceeding.