Animal Care Technician III (Vivarum) - Atlanta, GA

Emory University•Atlanta, GA

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Division of Animal Resources at the Emory National Primate Research Center at Emory University is seeking a full-time Animal Care Technician III to assist with husbandry and daily operations of the rodent colony. The ideal candidate will be motivated, dependable, detail-oriented, have a positive attitude, and compassion for animals and people. This role offers an opportunity to impact science and research by providing essential animal care. The Animal Care Technician ensures facility cleanliness, maintains adequate supplies of food and bedding, and adheres to Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) guidelines. This position requires collaboration with other technicians on a schedule set by the Associate Operations Manager and involves rotation through all Emory DAR facilities, including ABSL3. The role demands excellent communication skills with colleagues, management, PIs, research staff, students, and other support services, ensuring the highest quality of laboratory animal care and research support. This position reports directly to the Animal Care Supervisor and is considered essential, requiring weekend and holiday work on a rotating basis.

Requirements

A high school diploma or equivalent and three years of animal husbandry/care experience OR certification as Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT) and three years of animal husbandry/care experience OR five years of animal husbandry/care experience.
The ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
Positions in this classification may require a valid Georgia driver's license and an insurable driving record.

Nice To Haves

Demonstrated outstanding working habits, including the ability to work independently and in a team environment.
Demonstrated ability to work in an animal research environment requiring continuous contact with animals.
Demonstrated ability to understand established guidelines for humane care and welfare of laboratory animals as described by AAALAC.
Working knowledge of hygiene principles, safety protocols, and basic animal husbandry.
Communication skills, including the ability to write and understand English and to follow written and oral instructions.
Certifications issued by the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS).
Experience working in a biosafety environment.
Experience working with animals in ABSL2 or 3 a plus.
Demonstrated computer skills proficiency.

Responsibilities

Oversees the daily operations of an animal care facility including the routine care of animals and maintenance of equipment.
Serves as a resource in the management of a particular technical specialty such as mice or primates.
Provides technical assistance to research and clinical medical personnel in the performance of research and emergency procedures.
Feeds animals and supervises the administration of special diets and medication.
Assists veterinarians with grooming and pre- and post-operative animal care.
Collects blood, urine, and other required specimens from animals as requested for medical research.
Observes and monitors animals for signs of illness, trauma or social instability.
Monitors environmental conditions in animal housing facilities and inspects the condition of facilities and equipment for cleanliness and proper operation.
Ensures that the facility complies with federal regulations for care and maintenance of research animals.
Maintains daily records pertaining to animal care.
Complies with OSHA standards and other applicable federal and state regulations when working with hazardous chemicals, materials, animals, and power equipment.
Follows protocol in the proper containment and disposal of biohazardous waste and contaminants.
Assists in training other animal care providers.
May act in a lead capacity in the supervisor's absence.
Employees in this classification may be required to work with, take specific precautions against and/or be immunized against potentially hazardous agents.
Performs related responsibilities as required.
Maintains adequate inventory of necessary supplies and equipment.
Assists with performing minor repairs and maintains animal housing facility.