Animal Care Technician (I, II, III, IV), Covington
Tulane National Primate Research Center - Veterinary Medicine
Location: Covington, LA
Summary
The Division of Veterinary Medicine houses four position levels of Animal Care Technicians. Each level requires a combination of years of animal husbandry and/or laboratory animal care experience and education. Selection for available positions will be determined by the hiring committee and Animal Care managers based on careful review of each candidate's resume and qualifications. Candidates will be provided with a full job description if selected for an interview.
Duties
Duties of the Animal Care Technician depend on the assignment of the level and include, but are not limited to:
- Perform routine duties associated with animal care in a research setting.
- Prepare food and feed animals, administer medications, maintain sanitary conditions, observe animal conditions and behavior, and collect animal specimens.
- Observe and monitor animals for signs of illness, trauma, or social instability.
- Assist in animal restraint, maintain animal housing, and perform minor cage maintenance.
- Assess and maintain security of animals in their primary enclosure.
- Assist veterinarians with pre- and post-operative animal care.
- Maintain daily records pertaining to animal care.
Work Environment
May be required to work with, take specific precautions against, and/or be immunized against potentially hazardous agents. Weekend work and overtime hours are a requirement of this position.
- Perform minor repairs and maintain animal housing facility.
- Drive utility vehicles to transport animals and supplies, ensuring safe operation, daily inspection, and vehicle cleanliness.
- Maintain adequate inventory of necessary supplies and equipment.
- May be designated as essential personnel during a storm/natural disaster and must maintain communication with TNPRC.
- May be required to carry a cell phone and be on after-hours call.
- Monitor environmental conditions in animal housing facilities and inspect the condition of facilities and equipment for cleanliness and proper operation.
- Comply with OSHA standards and other applicable federal and state regulations when working with hazardous chemicals, materials, animals, and power equipment.
- Ensure compliance with federal regulations for care and maintenance of research animals.
- Follow protocol in the proper containment and disposal of bio-hazardous waste and contaminants.
Research
Observe animal behavior and conditions, collect specimens, and provide technical assistance to research and veterinary personnel.
- Serve as a resource in the management of a particular technical specialty such as mice or primates.
- Provide technical assistance to research and clinical medical personnel in the performance of research and emergency procedures.
- Collect blood, urine, and other required specimens from animals as requested for medical research.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
ALL levels should have the required knowledge and skills listed below:
- Ability to follow oral and written instructions.
- Possess basic computer operating skills.
- Must have the ability to work with nonhuman primates and other laboratory animal species without jeopardizing their health.
The TNPRC maintains biosafety level 3 facilities and performs work on diverse infectious agents. Individuals may be offered, or required to have vaccinations against relevant agents.
Minimum Requirements
The education required for each level is listed below:
- High school diploma or equivalent and one year of animal husbandry or related animal care experience.
- High school diploma or equivalent and two years of animal husbandry or related animal care experience OR Bachelor’s degree in a biological science OR Graduation from a two-year veterinary technician program OR One year of laboratory animal experience and certification as an AALAS Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT).
- High school diploma or equivalent and four years of animal husbandry or related animal care experience, including one year of laboratory animal experience OR Bachelor’s degree in a biological science and one year of laboratory animal experience OR Graduation from a two-year veterinary technician program and one year of laboratory animal experience OR Three years of laboratory animal experience and certification as an AALAS Laboratory Animal Technician (LAT).
- High school diploma or equivalent and six years of animal husbandry or related animal care experience, including two years of laboratory animal experience OR Bachelor’s degree in a biological science and two years of laboratory animal experience OR Graduation from a two-year veterinary technician program and two years of laboratory animal experience OR Five years of laboratory animal experience and certification as an AALAS Laboratory Animal Technician Technologist (LATg).
Must have a valid and unrestricted U.S. Driver's license and must meet the Tulane University Motor Vehicle Policy criteria to become authorized as a driver.
Compensation Information
This position is classified as "non-exempt, hourly" and is assigned to pay grade 21. Tulane offers a variety of options to enhance your health and well-being. Learn more about Life at Tulane as well as our Benefits and Pay.
How to Apply
This position will close on the date it is filled.
Please Note: Depending on your role and the department in which you work, you may be expected to adhere to COVID-19 requirements, such as vaccinations and booster shots.
Click "Apply Now" to apply for this job.
Commitment to Diversity
Tulane University is committed to creating a community and culture that foster a sense of belonging for all. We are a recognized employer and educator valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities. We encourage all qualified candidates to apply. We are intentionally seeking candidates who are committed to fostering equity, diversity, and inclusion in support of Tulane’s Strategy for Tomorrow.
Tulane University is responsible for providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities throughout the applicant screening process. If you need assistance in completing this application or during any phase of the interview process, please contact the Office of Human Resources & Institutional Equity by phone at 504-865-4748 or email hr@tulane.edu.