Laboratory Animal Technician

Advocate Aurora Health; Winston-Salem (NC); On-site; USD 28,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Advocate Health in Winston-Salem, NC is seeking a Laboratory Animal Technician Trainee to support general care and maintenance of laboratory animals and facilities in a research and teaching environment. Under supervision, you will perform essential tasks in animal housing, husbandry, and basic data/documentation.

The role requires a high school diploma or GED with lab animal experience; a valid state driver's license is required, and AALAS Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician certification is

Qualifications

• Requires High School diploma or GED with lab animal experience.
• Valid state driver's license required.
• AALAS Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician certification preferred.

Responsibilities

• Handle and restrain all animal species safely with proper identification and location.
• Assemble caging equipment to provide safe housing for all species.
• Complete and document supply and diet inventory weekly.
• Communicate information to clinical, supervisory, and management staff in writing and verbally.
• Provide species-specific environmental enrichment and assist with enrichment needs.

Skills

Care equipment operation

Effective communication

Documentation

Basic computer skills

Team & independence

Time management

Interpersonal skills

Mentoring

Education

High School diploma or GED with lab animal experience

Job description

Job Description:

Under general supervision, performs general care and maintenance of laboratory animals and facilities in a research and teaching environment.

Education/Experience:

• High School diploma or GED equivalent with previous lab animal experience.

Licensure, certification, and/or registration:

• Valid applicable state driver's license.
• American Association of Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) certification at the Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician level preferred.

Essential Functions:

• Capable of performing duties as specified for Laboratory Animal Technician Trainee (LATT) position.
• Safely handles and restrains all animal species while maintaining proper identification and location.
• Assembles caging equipment in order to provide comfortable, safe housing for all species.
• Completes and documents supply and diet inventory on a weekly basis.
• Communicates pertinent information to clinical, supervisory, and management personnel in writing and verbally.
• Provides species specific environmental enrichment items according to schedules and assist Environmental Enrichment coordinator with special enrichment needs.

Skills/qualifications

• Ability to operate routine animal care and use equipment (e.g., tunnel washer, rack washer, bulk sterilizer)
• Ability to communicate effectively
• Ability to perform necessary documentation and recordkeeping
• Ability to utilize simple computer skills e.g. email, training modules
• Ability to work as a team or independently
• Good time management skills
• Good interpersonal/human relations skills
• Ability to mentor LATT staff

Work environment:

• Indoor/outdoor work environment
• Work includes weekend and holiday work schedules
• Possible exposure to outdoor elements and odors
• Exposure to animal and human pathogens and potential allergens
• Exposure to animals that can inflict bites, kick, or scratch
• Bending and lifting of cages, feed and bedding
• The need to lift, push or pull heavy objects