Sr. Animal Care Technician

University of Miami; Miami (FL); On-site; USD 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Miami seeks a Senior Animal Care Technician to oversee animal husbandry and train staff. Responsibilities include monitoring animal health, maintaining facilities, and ensuring compliance with SOPs. Ideal candidates have extensive experience with multiple species and strong communication skills.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years of animal care experience, including 2 years in Lab Animal Care.
• AALAS certification at the ALAT level preferred.

Responsibilities

• Monitor fellow technicians for proper animal husbandry procedures.
• Provide animal husbandry for various species including non-human primates.
• Train Assistant Animal Care Technicians in animal handling.

Skills

Communication

Attention to Detail

Computer Literacy

Education

High School Diploma

Associate's Degree

Job description

Join to apply for the Sr. Animal Care Technician role at University of Miami

The Division of Veterinary Resources (DVR) has an exciting opportunity for a seasoned Sr. Animal Care Technician to work at the Medical Campus.

Summary

CORE JOB SUMMARY

The Senior Animal Care Technician is responsible for training and monitoring fellow technicians in appropriate animal husbandry procedures, providing assistance in training technical staff, students, and investigators on the proper handling of research animals, ensuring the animal facilities are adequately stocked, and addressing facility/physical plant issues promptly. Must demonstrate experience with a variety of species, including large animals. The Senior Animal Care Technician also maintains related records as defined by husbandry SOPs.

Core Job Functions

1. Monitor fellow technicians to ensure appropriate animal husbandry procedures are followed.
2. Provide animal husbandry for a variety of animals including non-human primates (NHP), including daily observation, feeding, watering, exercising, and environmental enrichment.
3. Inspect animal facilities, perform building rounds, and report updates to the Supervisor. Submit work requests to Physical Plant, Facilities, or Energy Management and follow through until completion.
4. Report workplace injuries and share concerns or action items with the supervisor.
5. Assist in preparing weekly and weekend work schedules.
6. Prepare animal diets, cages, and water for autoclaving.
7. Operate and maintain autoclaves, sterilizers, and cage wash equipment according to SOPs.
8. Assist veterinary and research staff with animal procedures such as sample collection and administering treatments/medications.
9. Observe animals for signs of injury, discomfort, or disease, and report findings. Assist with treatments and monitor animal health status.
10. Monitor environmental conditions such as light cycles, temperature, and humidity, and document accordingly.
11. Sanitize animal cages and equipment.
12. Receive and house animals and store supplies per SOPs.
13. Maintain records such as animal door sheets and health reports.
14. Monitor and replace filters and ventilated cage racks.
15. Perform preventive maintenance on ventilated racks and maintain biosafety hoods and animal change stations.
16. Train Assistant Animal Care Technicians, staff, students, and investigators in animal handling and equipment use.
17. Participate in the department’s Emergency Response Team as Essential Personnel.

This list of duties is not exhaustive and may be expanded as necessary.

Qualifications

CORE QUALIFICATIONS

Education: High School Diploma or Equivalent required. Associate's Degree preferred.

Certification and Licensing: AALAS certification at the ALAT level is preferred and encouraged.

Experience: Minimum 3 years of animal care experience, including at least 2 years in Lab Animal Care. Experience with multiple species, including swine, NHP, and VAF rodents, is preferred. Must be able to lift/carry/push/pull 50 lbs without assistance. Valid Driver’s license required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Attitudes

• Strong communication skills and computer literacy.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Thorough knowledge of handling and caring for lab animal species.
• Ability to adapt to changing duties and locations.
• Attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to prioritize and organize work under pressure.
• Discretion in handling confidential information.
• Willingness to work evenings, nights, and weekends on a rotating basis.
• Commitment to university values.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.

Additional Information

The University of Miami is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Applicants and employees are protected from discrimination based on federal law. For more details, click here.

Job Details

Status: Full time

Type: Staff

Pay Grade: A5

Additional Tags

• Seniority level: Mid-Senior level
• Employment type: Full-time
• Job function: Other
• Industry: Higher Education