Lab Animal Technician II

Perform a variety of simple routine tasks related to the care, feeding, and maintenance of various laboratory animal species within animal care facilities at the University.

Essential Functions:

Perform routine animal husbandry activities in accordance with the National Institute of Health (NIH), the American Association for Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care (AAALAC), the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and established research protocols. Provide and maintain housing and food for all laboratory animal species. Observe, monitor, and report health status of laboratory animals.

Clean and disinfect animal cages, pens and heavy floor grates via water hosing method or automatic machine cagewashing device. Mix chemical cleansing agents and solutions (e.g. bleach, acid cleaner and tri-quat) to sanitize and disinfect bottles, pans, pails, cages, pens and entire work area. Sweep and mop floors using push broom, dry mop or wet-n-dry vacuum. Remove soiled bedding and feces into refuse cans to be incinerated or disposed of in dumpster. Place fresh bedding materials and animal enrichment materials in animal cages, pens and pans.

Receive animal feed, bedding, and supplies. Transport heavy animal feed and bedding bags using moving equipment to appropriate locations. Assist in animal identification procedures; maintain applicable charts and records; catch and restrain, light to heavy animal species ranging in weight from 70g-100 lbs. Store feed, bedding, and supplies. May assist in the transportation of animals and supplies via motor vehicle. Transport refuse and empty into large outdoor dumpsters.

Assist in the care of sick animals. May at times administer prescribed medications and treatments; collect laboratory samples as requested by principal investigator, clinical veterinarian or research personnel which requires utilizing a variety of medical apparatus and instruments, e.g. bandages, swabs, etc.

Attend departmental staff meetings. Participate in continuing education and employee training programs. May require rotation through several on-campus and off-campus research facilities.

Perform related work as assigned.

This description is intended to indicate the kinds of tasks and levels of work difficulty that will be required of positions that will be given this title and shall not be construed as declaring what the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position shall be. It is not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of any supervisor to assign, direct and control the work of employees under their supervision. The use of a particular expression or illustration describing duties shall not be held to exclude other duties not mentioned that are of similar kind or level of difficulty.