Animal Technician 1

University of Washington•Seattle, WA

About The Position

DCM is hiring an Animal Technician 1 to perform cagewash room duties, animal care, and custodial care for animals and animal facilities. The position reports to the Animal Facility Program Supervisor and supports animal care and facility operations in a research environment. The role includes daily animal health checks and routine husbandry, including cage changes, feeding, watering, enrichment, animal handling, and maintaining accurate records. The technician also supports sanitation and facility maintenance, prepares clean cages, operates and maintains equipment, monitors supplies, and may occasionally operate departmental vehicles. The position requires working with a wide variety of animals and may involve biohazard facilities and precautions against potentially infectious agents. The regular 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. The employee must be able to meet physical requirements, pass a Washington State Patrol background check, follow health and safety policies, and report to work during certain conditions when other employees may not be required to do so.

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.
Ability to work Friday through Tuesday, 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.; future schedules and facility assignments may change.
Availability for some weekend and holiday work.
Ability to pass a Washington State Patrol background check.
Ability to work with and take specific precautions against potentially infectious agents, which may include wearing respirators or protective clothing, and to follow health, safety, and security policies and procedures.
Punctuality and regular attendance.
Ability to report to work under conditions such as inclement weather and UW suspended operations, as this is an essential position.

Nice To Haves

High school diploma.
Ability to communicate effectively in writing and speech.
Ability to take direction.
Ability to maintain records and ensure accurate data collection.
Ability to learn to operate 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 varying educational and professional backgrounds.
Current Washington driver's license.
Comfort working in biohazard facilities.
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).
Valid 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.

Responsibilities

Perform and document daily animal health checks; identify and report illness or abnormalities.
Perform routine husbandry, including cage changes, housing, feeding, watering, and providing enrichment.
Wean or separate animals; handle, restrain, weigh, and sex common laboratory animals.
Determine daily animal census.
Administer and document food and water, including specialized diets, and report deviations in administration or consumption.
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 animals within the facility.
Maintain accurate written and electronic records and logs; follow applicable SOPs and guidelines.
Communicate animal care issues to research personnel, supervisors, and coworkers, and maintain appropriate communication with research personnel.
Attend staff meetings and continuing education sessions.
Follow SOPs and working guidelines for cagewash, animal care, and housing.
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.