Animal Technician 1

University of Washington Medical Center • Seattle, WA

1d • $45,144 - $51,936

About The Position

DCM is seeking an Animal Technician 1 to perform cagewash duties, provide animal care in rooms, and maintain animals and animal facilities. The role reports to the Animal Facility Program Supervisor. The position involves animal husbandry and health monitoring; sanitation, cagewash, and facility maintenance; and logistics and operational support. The employee must follow facility procedures and maintain accurate records, communicate with research personnel and coworkers, and work with a wide variety of animals, including in biohazard facilities. The work schedule is Friday through Tuesday, 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.; schedules and facility assignments may change to meet departmental needs. Some weekend and holiday work is required. This is a regular, 100% FTE position and an essential position, including during inclement weather or suspended University operations. The pay range is $45,144 to $51,936 annually.

Requirements

• Physical ability to perform the required work; ability to read, write, and communicate orally in English.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and carry 30 pounds.
• Willingness and ability to work with a wide variety of animals and in biohazard facilities.
• Ability to pass a Washington State Patrol background check.
• Ability to take required precautions against potentially infectious agents and, when required, receive immunizations; precautions may include wearing respirators or protective clothing.
• Responsibility for following health, safety, and security policies and procedures; punctuality and regular attendance are critical.
• Must be able to report to work during conditions such as inclement weather and suspended University operations.
• Some weekend and holiday work is required.
• Must have a current Washington State driver's license that has not been suspended or revoked for any reason during the past three years.
• Ability to successfully complete University driver education and training.

Nice To Haves

• High school diploma.
• Ability to communicate effectively with others in written and spoken form.
• Ability to take direction and maintain records and ensure accurate data collection.
• Ability to learn to operate equipment such as autoclaves and tunnel or rack washers.
• Basic computer skills, including email, word processing, and internet navigation.
• Ability to learn to complete time reporting using an online database.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a research environment with culturally diverse populations and people with varied educational and professional backgrounds.
• Experience working with animals.
• Experience working in a research facility.
• Aptitude for machine and motor operations.
• Experience operating a box truck and a small car (Prius).

Responsibilities

• Perform and document daily animal health checks, identify illness or abnormalities, and report concerns.
• Perform routine animal husbandry, including cage changes, housing, feeding, watering, and enrichment.
• Wean or separate animals; handle, restrain, weigh, and sex common laboratory animals.
• Determine daily animal census and document food and water administration and consumption, including specialized diets; report deviations.
• Maintain separation of animals with different health or experimental statuses and prevent cross-contamination.
• Provide husbandry in biocontainment or bioexclusion areas, including ABSL2, ABSL2+, isolation, quarantine, and Helicobacter-free rooms.
• Monitor and record room environmental parameters and report deviations.
• Assist with animal deliveries to the facility and transport within the facility.
• Maintain detailed and accurate written and electronic records and logs; communicate animal-care issues to research personnel, supervisors, and coworkers.
• Follow SOPs and guidelines for animal care, cagewash, housing, and facility operations; attend staff meetings and continuing education sessions.
• Prepare clean cages and enclosures for a wide variety of animals.
• Clean and sanitize animal-use areas, including walls, floors, ceilings, windows, and food preparation rooms; perform custodial duties such as sweeping, mopping, and waste transport.
• Dispose of animal carcasses according to facility, state, and federal requirements.
• Assist with cagewash duties involving autoclaves, rack washers, and tunnel washers; operate equipment such as change stations, floor scrubbers, and animal racks.
• Maintain equipment, including ventilated racks, laminar flow stations, and biological safety cabinets, and maintain premises to required standards.
• Monitor inventory, stock and maintain supplies, and initiate supply and equipment orders.
• Occasionally operate departmental vehicles, including a car and box truck.
• Perform related duties as required.

Benefits

• The posting refers applicants to the University of Washington staff benefits website for information about benefits; specific benefits are not listed.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed