Position Description:

Provide animal husbandry, health monitoring, sanitation and/or support services for laboratory animals. Provide technical assistance to facilitate research, efficient operation of cage wash and/or clinical activities (e.g. manage breeding colonies). Train BRC Lab Animal Technician Is.

Primary Functions

• Sanitize animal rooms, cages, equipment, corridors and support areas, including specialized non-conventional areas, by using appropriate techniques to promote animal health and welfare and to comply with policies. Handle and restrain animals by using appropriate techniques to allow for the care and research to be performed in a safe and humane manner. Provide nutrition for animals by supplying feed and water.
• Assess animal health status by gathering and documenting data and observing animals in their environment to detect and report abnormal conditions. Administer treatments, euthanize animals and provide assistance during special procedures. Initiate process and maintain records as prescribed by standard operating procedures.
• Sanitize, organize and maintain animal cages and equipment by operating rack washers, tunnel washers, bedding dispensers, vacuum bedding disposal system and autoclaves. Sanitize corridors and support areas using proper techniques to promote animal health and welfare and comply with policies. Empty garbage dumpster and operate trash compactor. Package waste materials sent out for incineration to ensure proper procedures are followed.
• Train BRC Lab Animal Technician Is to perform animal husbandry and support related function, technical procedures, and animal health and welfare activities to ensure duties are performed in a manner that is consistent with established policies and regulations.
• Maintain records by collecting and recording data to facilitate management of the facility.
• Monitor machinery and environment by obtaining, documenting and comparing data against established standards. Troubleshoot problems as necessary, referring issues requiring outside service to team lead or supervisor. Perform routine maintenance and ensure proper operation of equipment and machinery.
• Cross-train in all areas of the facility and provide coverage on an as needed basis for team lead.
• Assist in providing on-going compliance with policy and procedures, and development of policies and procedures. Assist with special projects as needed.
• Attend in-house training classes to become more knowledgeable in laboratory animal science.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Preferred Schedule:
M-F Full time with daily overtime; weekends and holidays as scheduled required

Position Requirements:

Knowledge - Skills - Abilities

Knowledge of proper methods of care of research animals. Willingness to work hard and be open to learning new tasks. Ability to work independently and as part of a team. Excellent communication and problem solving skills. Ability to closely follow established procedures. Strong attention to detail. Basic computer proficiency, including Microsoft Word and mobile device operation.

Specifications

Appropriate education and/or experience may be substituted on equivalent basis

Minimum Required Education: High School Diploma

Minimum Required Experience: 2 years

Preferred Education: Associate Degree

Preferred Experience: Animal care in a laboratory animal facility or similar environment, previous training experience

Field: Animal Science, Veterinary Technology or related field

Certification: Certification as an Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT) by the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science at the time of hire is preferred. Certification must be achieved within 12 months of appointment.

Physical Requirements

Work requires movement of feed, bedding, cages, and other equipment require regular pushing, pulling and lifting of heavy objects. Must climb, balance, stoop, kneel and crouch and standing or walking continuously. Must be able to manipulate equipment using both hands. Perceive attributes of objects such as size and shape using fingers and hands. Many repetitive motions are required, including wrist rotations, stoops, body turns, reaching overhead and lifts.

Risk Potential

Frequent exposure to hazards such as dust, fumes, or extreme temperatures, airborne or blood borne pathogens, extreme temperatures, or allergens. Possibility of exposure to bites, scratches and zoonotic diseases. May be required to work in areas where biohazards or radioactive substances are used.

MCW as an Equal Opportunity Employer and Commitment to Non-Discrimination
The Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to fostering a diverse community of outstanding faculty, staff, and students, as well as ensuring equal educational opportunity, employment, and access to services, programs, and activities, without regard to an individual's race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, sex, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, predisposing genetic characteristic, or military status. Employees, students, applicants or other members of the MCW community (including but not limited to vendors, visitors, and guests) may not be subjected to harassment that is prohibited by law or treated adversely or retaliated against based upon a protected characteristic.

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