LAB ANIMAL CARE TECH I

Chartered by the state of Georgia in 1785, the University of Georgia is the birthplace of public higher education in America and is the state’s flagship university (https://www.uga.edu/). The proof is in our more than 240 years of academic and professional achievements and our continual commitment to higher education. UGA is currently ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report. The University’s main campus is located in Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 3,100 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University’s enrollment exceeds 41,000 students including over 31,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 19 schools and colleges, including our newly established School of Medicine.

The Office of Research encourages and supports innovative interdisciplinary research, scholarship and creative activities that contribute to the physical, emotional and economic well-being of the people of Georgia, the nation and the world. Through partnerships and collaborations, we seek to share knowledge, increase innovation, and deliver the products of our research to the marketplace.

Monday – Friday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Additional hours may be scheduled as needed at the supervisor’s discretion. Potential for holiday and weekend hours 

The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status or other protected status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR ([email protected]).

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 25 institutions of higher education and learning, as well the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 08.02.18.01.02.

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 06.05 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom.

High school diploma or equivalent and 2 years of related experience

This position involves the care and husbandry of laboratory animals. Duties include but are not limited to providing feed, water and the daily care for multiple species of animals in support of research. Incumbent performs sanitation duties such as; cleaning cages, animal rooms and ancillary areas. Observes animals daily for signs of sickness, abnormal behavior, social environment and overall health status. Records environmental conditions such as temperature, humidity and lighting conditions. Advises supervisor regarding facility maintenance problems to assure equipment and facilities are functioning properly and animals are maintained appropriately. May operate mechanical cage washers, pressure washers and other animal care equipment. Follows all safety procedures and wears appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE). Maintains daily logs/records, animal census and performs other duties as assigned by supervisor. Participates in staff meetings, continuing education and training classes as directed. All duties assigned will follow established applicable Standard Operating Procedures. Incumbents will be able to work rotating schedule including weekends and holidays. Participation in UGA’s Occupational Health & Safety Program and may include vaccinations, spirometry and respirator fit testing.

Ability to perform routine husbandry and sanitation tasks following standard operating
procedures. Ability to handle and care for small and large animals. Ability to communicate effectively with coworkers and researchers in a professional and courteous manner. Ability to understand and follow oral/written instructions. Excellent observation skills are very important.
Ability to restrain, handle, and treat multiple
species of animals.

Withstand sustained periods of physical activity such as standing, bending, stooping, reaching above shoulder level and lifting 50 pounds. Sometimes work under demanding conditions (high humidity, unpleasant odors, animal excreta and noise). Work environment involves some exposure to biohazards and/or physical risks, which follows established safety procedures. Job may wear PPE (protective clothing, safety glasses, face shields, steel toed safety shoes/boots, respirators, gloves, etc.) and stand on hard surfaces for prolonged periods of time. Work may be physically demanding involving the transport, relocation and positioning of animal care and auxiliary equipment. This position will participate in the research occupational health and safety program which may include specific vaccinations before entering restricted facilities.

Be advised a credit check will be required for all positions with financial responsibilities. For additional information about the credit check criteria, visit the UGA Credit Background Check website.

Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including, a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials (including reference checks) as they relate to the job-based requirements of the position applied for; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. You may also be subject to a pre-employment drug test for positions with high-risk responsibilities, if applicable. Please visit the UGA Background Check website.

Performs daily animal care and husbandry duties for animals in a research vivarium; including feeding, watering, animal handling/transport, animal health checks, cage changing, providing enrichment and environmental monitoring. Assures animals are appropriately maintained and cared for in accordance with standard operating procedures and supervisors instructions.

Cleans and sanitizes animal rooms, ancillary areas, primary enclosures and caging equipment following established procedures and schedules. Operates and transports equipment. Keeps work areas clean and organized. Maintains supply inventories, performs minor preventative maintenance tasks and IPM duties as directed by supervisor.

Maintains essential records and logs. Assists in quality assurance and standard operating procedures development. Performs animal treatments and other technical procedures. Participates in multiple training classes as prescribed and participates in UGA Occupational Health & Safety program. Performs weekend and holiday duties as scheduled. Participates in continuing education training and staff meetings. Provides assistance and resources to facility users and departmental staff. Performs other duties as assigned.

For questions concerning this position or recruitment progression, please refer to the Recruitment Contact listed below.