Biological Science Laboratory Technician (Animal)

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Portland (ME); On-site; USD 42,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a Biological Science Laboratory Technician (Animal) at the Portland, OR Veterans Affairs Medical Center.

The role focuses on the overall care, safety and well-being of research animals and supporting day-to-day laboratory operations. Responsibilities include maintaining animal records, assisting with husbandry activities, and ensuring compliance with animal care standards.

Qualifications

• General and specialized experience requirements for federal service are listed.
• Experience in day-to-day operations of a research laboratory or animal care facility.
• Volunteer and paid experience credited as relevant.

Responsibilities

• Care for research animals and ensure safety and well-being.
• Maintain records of animal care and treatment and equipment.
• Follow established procedures for animal husbandry and laboratory operations.

Skills

Animal care

Laboratory assistance

Education

Two years of post-secondary study with biology/chemistry

Biology/chemistry coursework

Accredited school transcripts required

Job description

These positions are located in the Department of Research and Development at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center located in Portland, Oregon. The Biological Science Laboratory Technician (Animal) will be responsible for the overall care, safety and well-being of the research animals.

EXPERIENCE:

Possess 6 months of general experience and 6 months of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level in federal service. General Experience is any type of work that demonstrates your ability to perform the work of the position, or experience that provided a familiarity with the subject matter or processes of the broad subject area of this occupation. Specialized experience is experience assisting with the day-to-day operations of a research laboratory or animal care facility, performing animal husbandry; handling and caring for research animals; maintaining records for animal care and treatment; and maintaining equipment used in the care of animals. Farming experience that was not performed in a controlled environment, or experience as a laborer who was not responsible for planning and scheduling his/her own work, but only performed assigned tasks, would not qualify as specialized experience. NOTE: This must be listed in your resume as we may not assume anything.

OR

EDUCATION:

Successfully completed two years of study above high school that included at least 12 semester hours in any combination of the following scientific or technical courses: biology, chemistry, statistics, entomology, animal husbandry, botany, physics, agriculture, or mathematics. At least 6 semester hours of courses must be directly related to this position as a biological laboratory science technician (animal). NOTE TO APPLICANTS: This education must have been obtained in an accredited business or technical school, junior college, college or university for which high school graduation or the equivalent is the normal prerequisite. One year of full-time undergraduate study is defined as 30 semester hours, 45 quarter hours, or the equivalent in a college or university or at least 20 hours of classroom instruction per week for approximately 36 weeks in a business or technical school. (UNOFFICIAL TRANSCRIPTS REQUIRED - If you do not submit a copy of your transcript, your application may not be processed.)

OR

COMBINATION OF EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION:

Possess equivalent combinations of experience and education as described above to fully meet the requirements of this position. (UNOFFICIAL TRANSCRIPTS REQUIRED)

• Animal Husbandry
• Biomedical Equipment Technology
• Clerical

IMPORTANT:

A full year of work is considered to be 35-40 hours of work per week. All experience listed on your resume must include the month and year start/end dates. Part-time experience will be credited on the basis of time actually spent in appropriate activities. Applicants wishing to receive credit for such experience must indicate clearly the nature of their duties and responsibilities in each position and the number of hours a week spent in such employment.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Physical Requirements:

Work is a mixture of sitting, standing, walking, bending, stooping, and lifting. May be required to stand long periods of time and may be required to lift weights of up to sixty (60) pounds for short periods of time.

For more information on these qualification standards, please visit the United States Office of Personnel Management's website at https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/.