Laboratory Animal Technician - Veterinary Resources

The University of Maryland, Baltimore's Veterinary Resources is seeking a Laboratory Animal Technician to join its husbandry team. Under general supervision, the selected candidate coordinates the day to day activities of a laboratory animal facility. This position functions as a lead worker and oversees the care and treatment of animals to ensure compliance with federal rules and regulations and appropriateness to research conducted. This position may be used in one or all types of Biosafety Laboratories (BSL) ranging from level 1 to 3 environments.

NOTE: This is a husbandry animal caretaker position within Veterinary Resources.

Based on the duties of this position, selected candidates are eligible to participate in the Bargaining Unit (Union).

• Determines work priorities, plans, and schedules; assigns and reviews work; conducts hands-on training of animal care personnel.
• Observes, identifies, and reports animal health related problems.
• Coordinates animal care activities with other staff.
• Assists with the evaluation, maintenance, and monitoring of the health of laboratory animals. May assist with the breeding of animals and other activities to maintain animal rooms.
• Provides husbandry support as required by standard operating procedures, such as ensuring appropriate feeding and watering of animals, cleaning and changing cages, preparing special diets, and maintaining proper temperature, light, and humidity levels.
• Handles animal carcasses, tissues, and wastes following established policies and procedures.
• Maintains husbandry records pertaining to animal care, census, breeding, etc.
• Receives, inspects, and stocks supplies such as animal feed and bedding. Assists in maintaining inventory.
• Coordinates with general maintenance for repairs and regulates the lighting, ventilation, temperature and humidity levels of the animal room environment.
• Sterilizes cages, instruments and equipment.

Note: The intent of this list of primary duties is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities of this job. Incumbents perform other related duties assigned. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary based upon departmental needs.

Education: High School Diploma or GED

Experience: One (1) year in a laboratory animal facility supporting a research project similar to the type being recruited for.

Other: Except for qualifications established by law, additional related experience and formal education in which one has gained the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for full performance of the work of the job class may be substituted for the education or experience requirement on a year-for-year basis with 30 college credits being equivalent to one year of experience.

Conditions of Employment: Candidates selected for employment may be subject to medical inquiries and/or medical examinations to determine ability to perform the job. Certification by the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) as a Laboratory Animal Technician may be required. Biosafety Laboratory Level 3 have additional guidelines specific to working in BSL3 environments requiring the receipt of BSL3 training, ability to demonstrated proficiency in BSL3 practice and techniques, and participate in medical surveillance. May be required to have current tetanus and/or diphtheria shots. Incumbents may be required to obtain a measles titer or vaccine and annual TB tests dependent on assigned species.