Animal Health Tech I

Staff Career•La Jolla, CA

9h•Onsite

About The Position

The Animal Health Tech I position is responsible for routine processing of clean and soiled cages and accessories, maintenance and general janitorial duties in animal facilities, equipment maintenance, basic QA testing, processing deliveries from vendors and performing basic rodent husbandry tasks based on standard operating procedures and training to ensure compliance with the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, the Animal Welfare Act and Regulations as well as all applicable federal, state, local and institutional laws, regulations, policies and guidelines. Who We Are The Salk Institute is an internationally renowned research institution that values all members of our scientific community. We seek bold and interactive leaders passionate about exploring new frontiers in science. Our collaborative community embraces perspectives across discipline, professional acumen, and unique life experiences, fostering innovation, and a sense of belonging. Together, we strive to improve the wellbeing of humanity through groundbreaking research. Founded by Jonas Salk, developer of the first safe and effective polio vaccine, the Institute is an independent, nonprofit research organization and architectural landmark: small by choice, intimate by nature, and fearless in the face of any challenge. Salk's vibrant community has many talented individuals from varied backgrounds, each playing a crucial role in driving our mission forward. From visionary leaders to dedicated administrators and brilliant faculty members , the Institute is united by a shared passion for scientific exploration and innovation.

Requirements

No prior experience or training (AHT I, Level A)
Minimum 6 months of related work experience (AHT 1, Level B)
Minimum 1 year of related work experience (AHT I, Level C)
High school diploma or general education degree (GED), or one to three months related experience and/or training, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Must be able to work weekends and holidays as well as shifted work weeks such as Wednesday – Sunday or Saturday – Wednesday.

Nice To Haves

AALAS Certification – ALAT or higher level.
Experience working in a lab animal environment
Computer skills required: Microsoft Office and Excel preferred

Responsibilities

Cleans, sanitizes/sterilizes, and maintains rodent cages, accessories, and equipment including large cage washers and sterilizing equipment.
Maintains and verifies sanitization/sterilization parameters and prepares specialized caging when required.
Maintains sufficient supply of clean cages and accessories for use by technicians/investigators.
Maintains stock and cleanliness of animal rooms and common areas.
Manages animal carcasses in soiled cage wash and other procedure rooms for disposal.
Performs general janitorial duties including sweeping, mopping, disinfecting, and trash disposal.
Cleans, sanitizes and/or sterilizes multi-species (including NHP, amphibians and aquatics) cages, equipment and accessories.
Removes and processes biohazard waste materials from caging and from facilities.
Maintains storage rooms with appropriate levels of tools and caging materials.
Manages USDA covered species carcasses in soiled cage wash, necropsy and other procedure rooms for disposal.
Collects cages targeted for euthanasia and performs euthanasia as needed.
Performs basic husbandry tasks which can include preparing disinfectant solutions, preparing caging supplies, and processing stock equipment and materials.
Assists with creating Standard Operating Procedures and training lower level staff.
Receives and processes all deliveries of equipment and materials from vendors.
Assists with QA testing and tracking (e.g.: luminometer/ ATP, airflow, etc.).
Performs husbandry health/line checks and cage changes, assists with additional equipment maintenance.
Supports Rodent Sentinel health monitoring program with acquisition of bedding samples as assigned using approved techniques.