Lab Animal Technician II

Wayne State University; Detroit (MI); On-site; USD 23,000 - 33,000; Full time

Job summary

Wayne State University in Detroit is seeking an experienced Lab Animal Technician II to support the Laboratory Animal Resources program on campus. The role covers routine animal husbandry, housing and feeding, health monitoring, and adherence to NIH, AAALAC, and USDA standards, with duties including cage cleaning, supply transport, and record keeping.

Applicants should have a Vet Tech program, LAT/AALAS certification, or a Bachelor’s in science, plus experience with various species; strong

Qualifications

• Graduation from or enrollment in a veterinary technician program or LAT/AALAS certification or related Bachelor’s degree.
• Experience with care, feeding and handling of laboratory animals.
• Valid Michigan driver’s license with satisfactory driving record.
• Ability to transport animals of various sizes.
• Ability to perform basic medical procedures and collect samples.
• Good communication and teamwork skills.
• Must obtain security clearance.
• Knowledge of NIH/AAALAC/USDA standards preferred.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine animal husbandry and housing/feeding.
• Observe health status and report findings.
• Clean cages and sanitize work areas.
• Transport feed, bedding, and supplies; assist in animal handling.
• Assist in animal identification and record-keeping.
• May assist in administering medications and collecting samples.
• Attend staff meetings and continue education as required.

Skills

Communication skills

Driving license

Animal handling

Safety awareness

Education

Vet tech training or LAT/AALAS

Bachelor’s in science

Tools

None

Job description

Lab Animal Technician II

Wayne State University is searching for an experienced Lab Animal Technician II at its Detroit campus location.

Wayne State is a premier, public, urban research university located in the heart of Detroit, Michigan where students from all backgrounds are offered a rich, high-quality education. Our deep-rooted commitment to excellence, collaboration, integrity, diversity and inclusion creates exceptional educational opportunities which prepare students for success in a global society.

Position Purpose:

Perform a variety of simple routine tasks related to the care, feeding, and maintenance of various laboratory animal species within animal care facilities at the University.

Essential Functions:

Perform routine animal husbandry activities in accordance with the National Institute of Health (NIH), the American Association for Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care (AAALAC), the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and established research protocols. Provide and maintain housing and food for all laboratory animal species. Observe, monitor, and report health status of laboratory animals.

Clean and disinfect animal cages, pens and heavy floor grates via water hosing method or automatic machine cagewashing device. Mix chemical cleansing agents and solutions (e.g. bleach, acid cleaner and tri-quat) to sanitize and disinfect bottles, pans, pails, cages, pens and entire work area. Sweep and mop floors using push broom, dry mop or wet-n-dry vacuum. Remove soiled bedding and feces into refuse cans to be incinerated or disposed of in dumpster. Place fresh bedding materials and animal enrichment materials in animal cages, pens and pans.

Receive animal feed, bedding, and supplies. Transport heavy animal feed and bedding bags using moving equipment to appropriate locations. Assist in animal identification procedures; maintain applicable charts and records; catch and restrain, light to heavy animal species ranging in weight from 70g-100 lbs. Store feed, bedding, and supplies. May assist in the transportation of animals and supplies via motor vehicle. Transport refuse and empty into large outdoor dumpsters.

Assist in the care of sick animals. May at times administer prescribed medications and treatments; collect laboratory samples as requested by principal investigator, clinical veterinarian or research personnel which requires utilizing a variety of medical apparatus and instruments, e.g. bandages, swabs, etc.

Attend departmental staff meetings. Participate in continuing education and employee training programs. May require rotation through several on-campus and off-campus research facilities.

Perform related work as assigned.

This description is intended to indicate the kinds of tasks and levels of work difficulty that will be required of positions that will be given this title and shall not be construed as declaring what the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position shall be. It is not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of any supervisor to assign, direct and control the work of employees under their supervision. The use of a particular expression or illustration describing duties shall not be held to exclude other duties not mentioned that are of similar kind or level of difficulty.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education:

Graduation from or presently enrolled in an accredited Veterinary Technician training program, LAT level AALAS certification, or Bachelor’s degree in a related science field is a required minimum qualification.

Experience:

Reasonable experience and knowledge in the care, feeding and handling of various laboratory animal species is preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Possession and maintenance of a valid Michigan vehicle operator's license and satisfactory driving records as determined by University policy.

Ability to transport a variety of light to heavy laboratory animal species ranging in weight from (70g-100 lbs.)

Ability to perform a variety of medical procedures and treatments utilizing specialized instruments and apparatuses, e.g. syringe, thermometer, Electrocardiogram (EKG), swab, bandage, etc. is preferred.

Ability to communicate effectively with others.

Must obtain security clearance.

Knowledge of National Institute of Health (NIH), the American Association for Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care (AAALAC) and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) standards and guidelines is preferred.

School/College/Division:

The Division of Research & Innovation

Primary Department:

H6901 - Laboratory Animal Resources

Employment Type:

• Regular Employee
• Job type: Full Time
• Job category: Staff/Administrative

Funding/salary information:

• Compensation type: Hourly Wage
• Hourly rate:$20.59

Working Conditions:

Maintain safe working conditions at all times by using equipment and supplies following appropriate safety procedures; protect against controllable hazards by following applicable policies, including wearing safety masks, goggles, gloves, boots and other protective clothing. Complete work assignments represented by frequent handling and transporting of light to heavy animal species and other equipment and supplies. On your feet most of the day. Some exposure to animal noise and odor. This position must be filled pursuant to the provisions of a collective bargaining agreement, and as such may be filled by a qualified bargaining unit member, should one apply.

Job Openings:

• Number of openings: 1
• Reposted position: No

Background check requirements:

University policy requires certain persons who are offered employment to undergo a background check, including a criminal history check, before starting work. If you are offered employment, the university will inform you if a background check is required.