Animal Technician

Arizona State University; Tempe (AZ); On-site; USD 38,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

Arizona State University is seeking an Animal Technician I at the Tempe Campus to provide routine husbandry, safety compliance, and administrative support for research projects in the vivarium. The position is an entry-level role reporting to vivarium supervisors, with potential for advancement within the Department of Animal Care & Technologies.

Training is provided to ensure quality care for laboratory animals.

Qualifications

• At least one year of animal husbandry experience or AALAS ALAT (or higher) certification.
• Experience working with rodents and non-human primates.
• Experience working with animals in a research setting.
• Evidence of effective communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Evidence of critical thinking and detail oriented skills.
• Experience using Microsoft applications (Word, Excel, Outlook) on Windows OS computers.
• Knowledge of husbandry techniques for a variety of animal species.

Responsibilities

• Perform daily husbandry for animals, including feeding, watering, changing cages, and providing enrichment.
• Monitor room conditions; complete written and electronic daily records.
• Clean cages, equipment, animal holding rooms, and other areas of the facility.
• Operate cage washing and autoclave equipment.
• Maintain a clean and orderly work environment to meet the standards of the institution.
• Observe health and behavior of animals, report injuries or abnormalities to the veterinary team, and administer treatments as directed.
• Operate computer software for health case monitoring, observation logs, email, videoconferencing, data entry, and more.
• Maintain a respectful and friendly team attitude with coworkers, veterinary team, researchers, and administration staff.

Skills

Animal husbandry experience

Rodents

Non-human primates

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Microsoft Office

Education

AALAS ALAT certification

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Job Profile:

Lab and Research Assistant 1 Non-Exempt

Job Family:

Lab and Research Support

Time Type:

Full time

Apply before 11:59 PM Arizona time the day before the posted End Date.

Minimum Qualifications:

High School Diploma; OR, Any equivalent combination of experience and/or training from which comparable knowledge, skills and abilities have been achieved.

Job Profile Summary:

Provides routine, technical, and administrative support to research projects to ensure established protocols and procedures are followed for the lab. Responsible for following lab safety standards.

Job Description:

Arizona State University and The Department of Animal Care & Technologies is looking to hire an Animal Technician.

The Animal Technician role is an entry level position - the first in a series of four vivarium staff positions which report to the vivarium supervisors (Animal Technician, Animal Technician Sr., Animal Technologist, Animal Technologist Lead). ASU’s Department of Animal Care and Technologies strives to develop our staff’s skills and promote within the department, so this is an excellent opportunity to join our animal care team in our mission to provide quality care for the animals who serve to advance science and medicine.

Applications will be accepted and reviewed each week until positions are filled

• Performing husbandry of laboratory animals (primarily rodents and non-human primates), including cleaning and preparing cages, cleaning rooms and equipment, providing food, water, and enrichment to animals, and completing documentation related to work activities.

• Monitoring and reporting animal health cases and administering medical treatments.

• Receiving animal and supply shipments.

• Assisting with rodent colony management, including humane euthanasia of rodents.

• Working individually and as part of a team to ensure that the animal care program remains compliant with all university, state, federal, and other regulations.

This position is primarily based out of the Tempe Campus; may include some work at the downtown Phoenix campus upon completion of essential training.

The standard work schedule is Monday-Friday, 8:00am-5:00pm with all vivarium staff sharing in coverage for weekends and holidays. Weekend work includes working one or two weekend days as part of the regular schedule with alternative day(s) off during the work week. Weekend and holiday shifts are assigned after completion of essential training.

The following screenings are required and provided by ASU upon hire:

• Physical exam and fit testing for an N-95 respirator

• MMR and tetanus vaccinations

• Negative TB test

Essential Duties:

• Perform daily husbandry for animals, including feeding, watering, changing cages, and providing enrichment.

• Monitor room conditions; complete written and electronic daily records.

• Clean cages, equipment, animal holding rooms, and other areas of the facility.

• Operate cage washing and autoclave equipment.

• Maintain a clean and orderly work environment to meet the standards of the institution.

• Observe health and behavior of animals, report injuries or abnormalities to the veterinary team, and administer treatments as directed.

• Operate computer software for health case monitoring, observation logs, email, videoconferencing, data entry, and more.

• Maintain a respectful and friendly team attitude with coworkers, veterinary team, researchers, and administration staff.

Desired Qualifications:

• At least one year of animal husbandry experience or American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) ALAT (or higher) certification

• Experience working with rodents and non-human primates

• Experience working with animals in a research setting

• Evidence of effective communication skills, both verbal and written

• Evidence of critical thinking and detail oriented skills

• Experience using Microsoft applications (Word, Excel, Outlook, etc.) on Windows OS computers

• Knowledge of husbandry techniques for a variety of animal species

Working Environment:

• Work activities are primarily performed in a climate-controlled animal research setting, with essential precautions in place for safely working with biohazards, toxins, or chemicals that may be present; operation of large machinery.

• May be required to wear personal protective equipment when working in animal rooms and support spaces, including but not limited to scrubs, closed toe shoes, gloves, face mask or respirator, wrap around gown, water resistant coveralls, waterproof boots, hair bonnet, shoe covers, face shield or goggles.

• Work activities include long periods of standing and low-demand walking with frequent bending, reaching, lifting up to 50 pounds, pushing and pulling large wheeled racks and cages.

• Daily use of shared computers in a small office setting.

• A dynamic work environment may require the ability to quickly adjust priorities throughout the day.

Department Statement:

ASU is committed to the ethical and humane treatment of animals in advancing research that benefits humans, animals, and the environment. ASU’s Animal Care and Use Program provides animal housing, husbandry, and veterinary care; trains researchers on safe and ethical procedures; and ensures compliance with federal, state, and university regulations. The Department of Animal Care and Technologies (DACT) provides exemplary care to all animals housed on campus and technical support to all investigators and instructors who use animals to advance education and knowledge. Learn more about ASU’s commitment to animal care at https://researchcompliance.asu.edu/animals/

Driving Requirement:

Driving is not required for this position.

Location:

Campus: Tempe

Funding:

No Federal Funding

Graduate Assistant, Intern and part-time positions are counted as half time for experience equivalency, meaning one year equals six months of experience.

Only electronic applications will be accepted for this position. By submitting an application, you confirm that the information provided is accurate and complete.

ASU Statement:

Arizona State University is a new model for American higher education, an unprecedented combination of academic excellence, entrepreneurial energy and broad access. This New American University is a single, unified institution comprising four differentiated campuses positively impacting the economic, social, cultural and environmental health of the communities it serves. Its research is inspired by real world application blurring the boundaries that traditionally separate academic disciplines. ASU serves more than 100,000 students in metropolitan Phoenix, Arizona, the nation’s fifth largest city. ASU champions inclusive excellence, and welcomes students from all fifty states and more than one hundred nations across the globe.

ASU is a tobacco-free university. For details visit https://wellness.asu.edu/explore-wellness/body/alcohol-and-drugs/tobacco

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other basis protected by law.

Notice of Availability of the ASU Annual Security and Fire Safety Report:

In compliance with federal law, ASU prepares an annual report on campus security and fire safety programs and resources. ASU’s Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is available online at https://www.asu.edu/police/PDFs/ASU-Clery-Report.pdf. You may request a hard copy of the report by contacting the ASU Police Department at 480-965-3456.

Relocation Assistance – For information about schools, housing child resources, neighborhoods, hospitals, community events, and taxes, visit https://cfo.asu.edu/az-resources.

Employment Verification Statement:

ASU conducts pre-employment screening which may include verification of work history, academic credentials, licenses, and certifications.

Background Check Statement:

ASU conducts pre-employment screening for all positions which includes a criminal background check, verification of work history, academic credentials, licenses, and certifications. Employment is contingent upon successful passing of the background check.

Fingerprint Check Statement:

A fingerprint check is not required for this position.