Animal Technician, Westwood (DLAM)

University of California - Los Angeles Health; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 10,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player in health and research is seeking a dedicated individual to join their team as an Animal Husbandry Technician. In this role, you will be responsible for performing essential animal care tasks, ensuring the well-being of laboratory animals, and adhering to strict protocols for animal handling and euthanasia. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to vital research efforts while working in a dynamic and supportive environment. If you have a passion for animal care and are looking to make a meaningful impact, this role is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of animal husbandry and laboratory animal care.
• Ability to lift heavy bags and animals safely.
• Skill in following SOPs for GLP studies.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine animal husbandry tasks under supervision.
• Monitor animal health and report deviations.
• Participate in weekend and holiday work rotations.

Skills

Animal husbandry procedures

Handling a variety of animals

Sample collection techniques

Contamination control practices

Basic English communication

Education

AALAS certification

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Outlook

Microsoft PowerPoint

Microsoft Excel

FoxPro

Job description

DescriptionUnder the direct supervision of the area supervisor, in this role, you will perform routine animal husbandry tasks at the operative level.


Salary range: $24.72 - $29.16 Hourly

QualificationsRequired:

• Working knowledge of animal husbandry procedures sufficient to care for laboratory animals in an experimental environment.
• Knowledge of habits and appearances of laboratory animals sufficient to notice deviations from normal.
• Skill in handling a variety of animals in a variety of situations sufficient to prevent injury or distress to the animal or self.
• Ability to lift 50 pound bags of feed, 60-70 pound animals and to push 200-300 pound cage racks of animals.
• Knowledge of techniques and ability to collect samples for laboratory study.
• Skill in reading English and numbers to be able to follow instructions, maintain records and identify specific animals.
• Skill in using basic English words and phrases to complete identification cards, and inventory forms.
• Ability to speak on a one-to-one basis using appropriate vocabulary and grammar to obtain information and instructions, explain changes in animal behavior and appearances, and to communicate with supervisors and co-workers.
• Ability to euthanize rats and mice using CO2 chambers. Must be able to follow the procedures for euthanasia including the use of the CO2 chamber, as well as be able to ascertain that death has occurred. Knowledge of appropriate labeling and disposal of the animals euthanized, including bio-hazardous animals.
• Knowledge of and the ability to apply the concept of contamination control practices including engineering, administrative, and procedural controls for the containment of pathogens, including disinfection, and waste handling methods appropriate for work in bio-containment animal facilities up to BSL2 level with BSL3 practices.
• Knowledge of and ability to accurately follow all SOPs associated with a GLP study, including required by study protocol and GLP documentation procedures.
• Ability to participate in weekend/Holiday work rotations and occasional overtime duties.

Preferred:

• AALAS certification at Assistant Lab Animal Technician level or higher.
• Skill in operating personal computer with working knowledge of Microsoft Windows environment including Word, Outlook, PowerPoint and Excel and FoxPro.