Animal Care Technician

University of Miami; Miami (FL); On-site; USD 25,568 - 30,307; Full time

Job summary

The University of Miami is seeking an Animal Care Technician to provide daily care for various species in our research facilities. The role includes observation, feeding, watering, cage sanitation and enrichment to support animal welfare and study integrity.

You may assist veterinary and research staff with procedures, collect samples and administer medications as directed. A high school diploma is required; ALAT certification is preferred.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• AALAS ALAT certification is preferred and encouraged.
• Experience in animal care and handling multiple species is valued.
• Ability to work evenings, nights, and weekends.

Responsibilities

• Provide daily animal care including observation, feeding, watering and enrichment.
• Maintain cages, equipment and facility cleanliness per SOPs.
• Assist with veterinary and research procedures and sample collection.
• Monitor animal health and report abnormalities to staff.
• Lift up to 50 pounds and work with multiple species including NHP.

Skills

Communication

Written skills

Computer literacy

Attention to detail

Time management

Teamwork

Flexibility

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

AALAS ALAT certification preferred

Job description

Base Pay Range: $18.56 - $22 Hourly, based on experience.

Job Summary

The Animal Care Technician provides daily care for various species of animals. Duties include daily observation; feeding and watering; sanitizing and/or sterilizing animal cages and equipment; exercising and providing environmental enrichment. May assist veterinary and research staff with procedures such as collection of biological samples and administration of medications and treatments. Receives and stores materials/supplies as well as maintains animal records.

Core Job Functions

• Provides animal husbandry to a variety of animals including non-human primates (NHP). This includes daily observation, feeding, watering, exercising and providing environmental enrichment to research animals housed in multiple facilities.
• Monitors animal room light cycles and documents room environment (temperature and humidity) on a daily basis.
• Sanitizes animal cages and equipment.
• Receives animals and supplies from vendors and properly houses the animals and stores supplies according to established SOPs.
• Prepares animal diets, cages and water for autoclaving. Operates autoclaves to sterilize animal food, water and equipment.
• Reviews and inspects the animal facility area and reports problems to Supervisor (and or Physical Plant, Facilities or Energy Management) so work orders for repairs can be prepared.
• Assists veterinary and research staff with animal procedures such as collection of biological samples and administration of medications/treatments.
• Observes animals for signs of injury, discomfort and disease and reports findings to Supervisors and/or Veterinary staff.
• Assists with treatment of sick animals as directed. Assists with monitoring animal health status through the use of established sentinel program.
• Monitors and changes ventilated cage rack filters and animal room filters. Provides preventive maintenance on ventilated racks.
• Cleans and maintains biosafety hoods and animal change stations in animal rooms.
• Participation in the department’s Emergency Response Team as Essential Personnel is required.

Qualifications

Education: High School diploma or equivalent required.

Certification and Licensing: American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) certification at the Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT) level is preferred and will be strongly encouraged.

Experience: Minimum 1 year of animal care experience. Animal research facility experience in the handling of multiple animal species including Non‑Human Primates (NHP) and Virus Antigen Free (VAF) rodents is preferred. Any appropriate combination of relevant education and/or work experience may be considered. Ability to work evenings, nights, and weekends is required. Must be able to lift/carry/push/pull up to 50 pounds without assistance.

Knowledge, Skills and Attitudes:

• Strong oral and written communication skills and computer literacy.
• Thorough knowledge of the handling and care of lab animal species.
• Ability to complete assignments accurately and with attention to detail.
• Ability to analyze, organize and prioritize work under pressure while meeting deadlines.
• Ability to process and handle confidential information with discretion.
• Ability to work evenings, nights, and weekends as required.
• Ability to work independently and/or in a collaborative environment.
• Commitment to the University’s core values.

The University of Miami is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Applicants and employees are protected from discrimination based on certain categories protected by Federal law. Click here for additional information.

Job Status: Full time

Employee Type: Staff