Biological Science Laboratory Technician (Animal)

These positions are located in the Research Service, Veterinary Medical Unit (VMU) and report directly to the VMU supervisor/Managing Director located in Cincinnati, OH. The Biological Science Laboratory Technician (Animal) will be responsible for the overall care, safety and well-being of the research animals housed in the VMU.

***THIS IS NOT A VIRTUAL POSITION, YOU MUST LIVE WITHIN OR BE WILLING TO RELOCATE WITHIN A COMMUTABLE DISTANCE OF THE DUTY LOCATION*** This position involves a multi-grade career ladder. The major duties listed below represent the full performance level of GS-06. At the GS-05 grade level, you will perform assignments of a more limited scope and with less independence. You will progressively acquire the background necessary to perform at the full performance level of GS-06. Promotion is at the discretion of the supervisor and is contingent upon satisfactory performance, availability of higher level work, and availability of funds. NOTE: This is a TERM appointment (not-to-exceed 4 years). Term appointments are non-status, nonpermanent appointments of limited duration (more than 1 year but not more than 4). Term employees are eligible to earn leave and generally have the same benefits as permanent employees including health and life insurance, within-grade increases and Federal Employees Retirement System and Thrift Savings Plan coverage. Term appointments may be extended without further competition (up to the 4-year maximum). The appointment to a Term position does not confer eligibility for promotion or reassignment to other positions or the ability to be non-competitively converted to permanent employment. Major duties include but are not limited to: Feeds and waters all animals in accordance with verbal and/or written instructions; prepares special diets as needed; Makes daily and routine observations of animals, recognizes deviations from normal health status and notifies supervisor; Participates in checking in new animals and setting up initial records; When necessary, weans and sexes animals in breeding colony and places animals in appropriate-sized cages; Maintains animals that require specialized care such as aseptic techniques in a pathogen free colony and Animal Biosafety Level 2 (ABSL- 2) housing. Maintains census records by room and investigator; Maintains records for animal care, feeding, treatment, disposal, and environmental monitoring; Maintains orderly and sanitary conditions throughout the VMU; Operates various equipment (cage washer, bottle washer, autoclaves, etc.) correctly; Oversees quality control procedures on equipment and microbiological monitoring of animal rooms and cages and reports deficiencies as required. Administers proper medical treatment according to protocol specifications; Humanely and safely restrains animals for research and clinical staff as needed; and Performs other related duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, 6:00am to 2:30pm Recruitment & Relocation Incentives: Not authorized Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not Approved

You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job To be considered for this position, you must complete all required steps in the process. In addition to the application and questionnaire, this position requires an online assessment. The online assessment measures critical general competencies required to perform the job. Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959 Physical Requirements: Work requires significant physical exertion. Most activity will be walking, but other activities will involve standing for extended periods, considerable bending, climbing of step stools/ladders, and carrying or lifting items weighing more than 50 lbs., which could include larger animals such as sheep, or pigs. Other situations may involve moving heavy equipment such as individually ventilated cage racks, portable machines or cage racks, while using appropriate mechanical assistance (cart, dolly, etc.). Subject to background/security investigation Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Required Documents" below for details. As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your probationary, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.