Senior Animal Care Technician -RBL

The Division of Laboratory Animal Resources DLAR Senior Cagewash Technician will perform administrative and facility support functions to ensure optimal operations. In addition, the individual will perform cagewash, equipment maintenance and sanitation activities.

The candidate will:

process soiled animal caging, sterilize and prepare clean caging and equipment for distribution within the animal facility

operate and validate various types of sanitation equipment

perform specialized skills in the preventative maintenance and mechanical repairs to animal caging systems, sanitation and cagewash equipment

oversee and maintain appropriate documentation regarding equipment functioning

manage inventory, orders and receipts of supplies and services

standardize procedures and policies aimed at maximizing efficiencies, improving safety, and reducing operational issues

train, mentor and assist staff and provide leadership during the absence of facility supervisor

This individual may also be required to perform job duties that involve the provision of animal husbandry and care to a variety of laboratory animal species and/or facility operations such as providing food and water to animals, cleaning and changing animal cages, identifying and reporting animal health concerns to veterinary personnel, and maintaining appropriate records and documentation.

Due to the nature of biohazard research, the candidate must be capable of adequately performing all duties outlined while wearing respiratory protection and other personal protective equipment required to enter Biosafety Level 3 facilities.

The successful candidate must have related lab animal cagewash experience; must have ability to operate and perform routine maintenance procedures on mechanical equipment; consistently demonstrate positive interpersonal and customer service skills; be proficient with technology in order to use common applications e.g. email, Microsoft Office, Zoom and to learn CAMS DLAR business application software; be available to work occasional weekends and holidays; stand for extended periods of time; lift 50 pounds; push/pull heavy equipment; and pass the mandatory criminal and social background checks. Candidate must be able to complete and pass SRA Approval Department of Justice background check, Suitability assessment and a health screening required by Federal regulation.

Preferred candidate will have completed criteria in the DLAR Career Development Program. Child Protection Clearances, vaccinations and TB testing may be required.

Job Summary

Provides animal care to laboratory animals, including feeding, watering, enrichment, health observations and basic medical treatments. Performs cage cleaning and facility facility sanitization procedures, generates task schedules, and maintains timely and accurate documentation. Orders facility supplies and maintains accurate inventory. Performs floor supervision and ensures employees compliance with Standard Operating Proceures. Serves as a mentor, provides performance feedback, and in the absence of the supervisor, oversees facility operations.

Essential Functions

The employee must be able to:

read, understand, and follow DLAR and other institutional guidance documents SOPs, policies, including IACUC approved animal protocols when applicable

follow written and verbal instructions

demonstrate sufficient fine motor skill to manipulate animals and equipment; negotiate around equipment within close quarters; move between rooms and workspaces

have sufficient visual acuity to observe animal behavior and recognize animals inadvertently left in cages as well as automated equipment notifications and printouts

have sufficient audible acuity to hear equipment alarms and other warnings.

ear facility specific Personal Protective Equipment PPE for extended periods of time required by the job duties based on risk assessment f om EH&S work directly with live or dead animals and clean or soiled bedding and caging with reasonable accommodations, if necessary

accurately and legibly document written information in English in a timely manner, including electronic formats and applications e.g., PRISM, CAMS;

effective written and verbal communication in English, including the use of email

receive vaccinations and health assessments, including TB testing, required to work in some animal holding or procedure areas in accordance with DLAR and/or EH&S policies and practices.

Physical Effort

The employee must be able to:

stand for extended periods of time for the majority of the workday

lift and move objects weighing up to 50 pounds including, but not limited to, caging and equipment, bags or boxes of animal diet and animal bedding

operate flatbed hand trucks or pallet jacks to push/pull heavier objects or weights exceeding 50 pounds

perform repetitive motion tasks that involve pushing, pulling, twisting, reaching, and/or bending

physically handle and restrain a variety of small and large laboratory animals

negotiate and navigate around animal facility caging, equipment, and the physical plant

successfully enroll in University of Pittsburgh Animal Exposure Surveillance Program AESP and other medical surveillance/immunization programs as dictated by current research activities

The University of Pittsburgh is committed to championing all aspects of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility within our community. This commitment is a fundamental value of the University and is crucial in helping us advance our mission, which includes attracting and retaining diverse workforces. We will continue to create and maintain an environment that allows individuals to discover, belong, contribute, and grow, while honoring the experiences, perspectives, and unique identities of all.

The University of Pittsburgh is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and values equality of opportunity, human dignity and diversity. EOE, including disability/vets.

Assignment Category: Full-time regular Job Classification: Staff.Senior Animal Care Technician Job Family: Research Job Sub Family: Animal Research Campus: Pittsburgh Minimum Education Level Required: High School Diploma/GED Minimum Years of Experience Required: 1 Will this position accept substitution in lieu of education or experience: Combination of education and relevant experience will be considered in lieu of education and/ or experience requirement. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 7:00 a.m. 3:30 p.m. Some weekends and holidays Work Arrangement: Monday - Friday 7:00 a.m. 3:30 p.m. Some weekends and holidays Hiring Range: TBD Based Upon Qualifications Relocation_Offered: No Visa Sponsorship Provided: No Background Check: For position finalists, employment with the University will require successful completion of a background check Child Protection Clearances: Not Applicable Required Documents: Resume Optional Documents: Not Applicable PI256166830