Animal Care Technician I or Animal Care Technician II

Universities of Wisconsin•Madison, WI

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Biomedical Research Model Services (BRMS) is seeking an Animal Care Technician for its Rodent Breeding Core, which supports research across campus and breeds more than 700 strains of mice. The position performs routine and specialized animal husbandry and general facility maintenance for the Mouse Breeding Core. Animal Care Technicians interact with researchers and veterinary staff as needed. The role is onsite at a designated campus work location. Applicants are considered for Animal Care Technician I or Animal Care Technician II; the title is determined by the finalist’s experience and qualifications. The responsibilities described in the posting are for Technician I. Technician II staff perform tasks more independently, assist with training students and new staff, and collect animal samples and administer medications, injections, and treatments according to established protocols and procedures. The standard schedule is Monday through Friday and every other weekend, 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., with one weekday off. Holiday work may be required, and the exact schedule will be determined at hire. Flexible hours are available after the probationary period. Weekend hours worked receive an hourly differential, and additional hourly pay is provided for each level of AALAS certification. The starting wage is $19.00 per hour and is negotiable based on experience and qualifications. The position offers vacation, holidays, and sick leave; competitive insurance and savings accounts; and retirement benefits.

Requirements

Physical ability to sit, stand, bend, reach, squat, twist, and push carts, bedding, feed bags, and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.
Ability to follow verbal and written instructions.
Proficient computer skills, including email, website use, Microsoft Excel, and Microsoft Word.

Nice To Haves

At least six months of animal care experience.
Knowledge of acceptable animal husbandry procedures.
Familiarity with University requirements concerning Responsible Use and Care of Animals in Research and Training and the Guide to the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals.
Knowledge of animal health records maintenance and ability to perform animal health checks.
AALAS certification (ALAT, LAT, or LATG).
High school diploma preferred.

Responsibilities

Perform breeding and colony management.
Maintain and update records related to research procedures.
Inventory, clean, and organize animal holding spaces and supplies.
Inspect equipment and report problems to support safe and optimal operation.
Observe animal behavior, provide basic animal care, and report concerns to appropriate personnel to support animal health and research and teaching.
Prepare food and formulas and feed animals according to established schedules and specifications.
Perform routine and specialized animal husbandry, including feeding and watering animals, weaning, and sampling for genotyping.
Monitor animal room environments and clean primary and secondary enclosures.
Receive animals and prepare them for transport; restrain and handle animals; and report sick or injured animals.
Perform general facility maintenance and housekeeping.
For Technician II, perform tasks more independently, assist with training students and new staff, and collect animal samples and administer medications, injections, and treatments according to established protocols and procedures.