Animal Care Technician I

University of Pittsburgh; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 10,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking an Animal Care Technician I to ensure the welfare of laboratory animals. This role involves providing essential care, including feeding, health observations, and maintaining cleanliness of animal housing. The successful candidate will work in a dynamic environment, demonstrating strong interpersonal skills and a commitment to animal welfare. With a focus on teamwork and adherence to protocols, this position offers the chance to make a significant impact in animal research while upholding the highest standards of care and documentation. Join a community dedicated to diversity and inclusion, where your contributions will be valued.

Qualifications

• Must demonstrate positive interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Proficient with technology to use common applications.

Responsibilities

• Provide husbandry and care of laboratory animals.
• Perform cage changes and maintain logs of animal care activities.

Skills

Interpersonal Skills

Customer Service Skills

Technology Proficiency

Fine Motor Skills

Effective Communication

Education

High School Diploma/GED

Tools

Microsoft Office

Pittworx

PRISM

CAMS

Job description

On March 10, the University of Pittsburgh announced the implementation of a strategic hiring freeze. Currently, the University is only accepting applications for positions that are essential or operationally critical. Those positions are listed on our website.

Job Description - Animal Care Technician I (25001081)

The Division of Laboratory Animal Resources (DLAR) Animal Care Technician I will provide husbandry and care of laboratory animals with a commitment to animal welfare and well-being. The candidate will:

1. provide food, water, and enrichment
2. perform cage changes including cleaning and sanitizing animal housing enclosures, equipment, and rooms
3. complete daily health observations and administer basic medical treatments, procedures, and unique diets
4. maintain logs documenting animal care activities and verification of environmental parameters and equipment function
5. provide facility support tasks including laundering scrubs, performing general cleaning, sweeping, mopping, stocking supply areas and assisting with cagewash operations

The successful candidate must consistently demonstrate positive interpersonal and customer service skills; be proficient with technology in order to use common applications (e.g. email, Microsoft Office, Pittworx); be available to work 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. Candidates working in the Rangos Research Building at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh will need to obtain Child Protection Clearances. Vaccinations and TB testing may be required.

Pay rate: $18.63/hour.

Job Summary:

Provides animal care to laboratory animals, including feeding, watering, enrichment, health observations, and basic medical treatments. Performs cage cleaning and facility sanitization procedures in accordance with standard operating procedures and maintains timely and accurate documentation.

Essential Functions:

1. read, understand, and follow DLAR and other institutional guidance documents (SOPs, policies), including IACUC approved animal protocols when applicable
2. follow written and verbal instructions
3. demonstrate sufficient fine motor skill to manipulate animals and equipment; negotiate around equipment within close quarters; move between rooms and workspaces
4. have sufficient visual acuity to observe animal behavior and recognize animals inadvertently left in cages as well as automated equipment notifications and printouts
5. have sufficient audible acuity to hear equipment alarms and other warnings
6. wear facility-specific Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for extended periods of time required by the job duties based on risk assessment from EH&S
7. work directly with live or dead animals and clean or soiled bedding and caging with reasonable accommodations if necessary
8. accurately and legibly document written information in English in a timely manner, including electronic formats and applications (e.g., PRISM, CAMS)
9. effective written and verbal communication in English, including the use of email
10. successfully enroll in University of Pittsburgh Animal Exposure Surveillance Program (AESP) and other medical surveillance/immunization programs as dictated by current research activities
11. 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:

1. stand for extended periods of time for the majority of the workday
2. 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
3. operate flatbed hand trucks or pallet jacks to push/pull heavier objects or weights exceeding 50 pounds
4. perform repetitive motion tasks that involve pushing, pulling, twisting, reaching, and/or bending
5. physically handle and restrain a variety of small and large laboratory animals
6. negotiate and navigate around animal facility caging, equipment, and the physical plant

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. Animal Care Technician I

Job Family: Research

Job Sub-Family: Animal Research

Campus: Pittsburgh

Minimum Education Level Required: High School Diploma/GED

Minimum Years of Experience Required: No experience required

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.

Additional details about Required Licensure/Certification: None required

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 7:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., some evenings/weekends and/or holidays

Work Arrangement: On-Campus: Teams that work on campus, in an office, or in a lab.

Hiring Range: $18.63/hour

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