Animal Caretaker

McConnell Group•Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD

13d•Onsite

About The Position

The McConnell Group is seeking an experienced Animal Caretaker to support a research environment, delivering high-quality care for laboratory animals. The Animal Caretaker performs all animal husbandry-related duties necessary to support laboratory animal research programs. This position is responsible for ensuring the health, welfare, sanitation, and proper care of research animals through the execution of routine and specialized husbandry procedures. The Animal Caretaker must possess a thorough understanding of animal care practices, facility operating procedures, regulatory requirements, and animal welfare standards while working in a fast-paced research environment. Candidate MUST pass a government background investigation (NAC), employment physical, drug/alcohol screening, and social media screening. Schedule: Variable hours to include weekends, holidays, and emergencies as requested.

Requirements

High School Diploma or equivalent required.
Valid, unrestricted motor vehicle driver's license required.
Ability to safely operate motor vehicles and transport equipment and supplies between facilities and buildings.
Certified at the AALAS Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT) level or higher, or able to obtain ALAT certification within twelve (12) months of contract start date.
Computer proficiency and strong organizational and record-keeping skills.
Ability to understand and operate sophisticated animal care equipment and facility systems.
Ability to learn and apply complex animal care policies and procedures.
Must pass a government background investigation (NAC), employment physical, and drug/alcohol screening.
Must be able to work in compliance with all biosafety, occupational health, and animal welfare requirements.

Nice To Haves

Minimum of one (1) year of laboratory animal care experience preferred.

Responsibilities

Perform routine animal husbandry activities, including feeding, watering, cage changing, sanitation, and daily health observations.
Provide handling, restraint, and care for all applicable species, including rodents, rabbits, swine, nonhuman primates, and fish.
Conduct comprehensive and detailed observations of animal health and behavior.
Monitor environmental conditions and maintain accurate records of animal health and room conditions.
Maintain clean, organized, and sanitary animal housing and support areas.
Uphold all institutional, federal, and regulatory requirements related to laboratory animal care and welfare.
Receive incoming animals and perform proper handling, unpacking, and placement into appropriate housing systems.
Apply permanent identification methods accurately and in accordance with established procedures.
Transport animals safely to designated housing rooms and research areas.
Understand and operate facility equipment and systems, including: Ventilated cage systems, Automatic watering systems, Cage wash equipment and chemical supply systems, Bulk bedding storage and dispensing systems, Biosafety cabinets and BSL-2 hoods.
Perform cage wash operations when required, including the operation of automated cage washing equipment and associated support systems.
Follow all site-specific Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
Complete and maintain required documentation, including: Animal health records, Room logs, Facility operational records, Regulatory documentation.
Assess signs of pain, distress, illness, or abnormal behavior in rodents, rabbits, swine, and nonhuman primates.
Communicate observations accurately and promptly to veterinarians and technical staff through verbal, written, telephone, or electronic communications.
Demonstrate strong verbal and written communication skills.
Work effectively within a team environment.
Demonstrate initiative and contribute ideas for process improvements and operational efficiencies.
Perform additional duties as assigned in support of the research mission.