Technician, Animal Care

University of Massachusetts Medical School; Worcester (MA); On-site; USD 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent academic institution is seeking an Animal Care Technician to maintain the well-being of laboratory animals. This essential position involves observing animal health and performing husbandry duties, requiring weekend and holiday availability. Candidates should possess a high school diploma, basic computer skills, and be able to lift 60 lbs. Exposure to animal allergens is possible. This role ensures a clean, safe environment while adhering to regulatory compliance in animal care.

Qualifications

• Must be able to lift 60 lbs.
• Valid driver’s license required.
• Exposure to animal allergens and biohazards.

Responsibilities

• Observe and report animal health and behavior.
• Perform animal husbandry duties like feeding and cleaning.
• Maintain records and ensure compliance with regulations.

Skills

Animal husbandry

Observation skills

Basic computer skills

Communication

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Overview

POSITION SUMMARY:

Under the supervision of the Animal Facility Supervisor or Designee, the Animal Care Technician performs a variety of duties related to the care of laboratory animals. Primary responsibilities are to maintain a clean and healthy environment for laboratory animals and observe animals for their general health and well- being. The position is considered essential, and as such requires weekend, holiday and off hour’s coverage as needed.

Responsibilities

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Observe animal health and behavior, record and report atypical findings of the environment or physical plant. These observations include but are not limited to sick animals, maintenance problems, safety hazards, and reporting animal welfare concerns
• Perform animal husbandry duties; e.g., feeding, watering, cage/pen cleaning of all laboratory species
• Handle, restrain, and sex laboratory animals
• Maintain animal room records; e.g., census, sanitation, enrichment, feeding, and animal identification
• Prepare and distribute routine medications as directed; e.g., medicated drinking water or feed
• Perform routine maintenance and sanitization of rooms and associated equipment within the vivarium
• Operate commonly used equipment including machines used for washing and sterilizing items
• Maintain validation records of equipment and room maintenance records of assigned areas
• Keep assigned work areas stocked with supplies needed for routine operation of the area
• Collect and dispose of waste
• Record accurate documentation necessary for regulatory compliance
• Ensure compliance with all UMMS policies and local, state and federal laws governing the use of research animals
• Performs other duties as requred.

Qualifications

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• 0-1 year of related experience
• Valid driver’s license
• Basic computer skills e.g. familiar with Microsoft office and related hardware

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Bending, stooping, and lifting (Must be able to lift 60 lbs.)
• Use of PPE is required: scrubs, disposable gown, exam gloves, shoe covers, head/beard cover, surgical/N95 mask. Showering may be required. Exposure to animal allergens, anesthetic gases, biohazards, radiation, MRI, and sharps
• Shower may be required..