Animal Technician

Arizona State University•Tempe, AZ

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Arizona State University’s Department of Animal Care and Technologies is hiring an entry-level Animal Technician, the first role in a four-position vivarium staff series. The department develops staff skills and promotes within the department, and this position contributes to its mission of providing quality care for animals that support advances in science and medicine. The technician provides husbandry and related technical support primarily for laboratory rodents and non-human primates. Duties include feeding and watering animals, changing and preparing cages, cleaning rooms and equipment, providing enrichment, documenting work, monitoring animal health, reporting health concerns, administering directed treatments, receiving animal and supply shipments, and assisting with rodent colony management, including humane euthanasia. The technician works independently and as part of a team to maintain compliance with university, state, federal, and other regulations. The position is primarily based at ASU’s Tempe Campus and may include work at the downtown Phoenix campus after essential training. The standard schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; vivarium staff also share weekend and holiday coverage. Weekend work involves one or two weekend days as part of the regular schedule, with alternative days off during the work week. Weekend and holiday shifts are assigned after essential training. ASU provides required screenings upon hire: a physical exam and N-95 respirator fit test, MMR and tetanus vaccinations, and a negative TB test. The work takes place mainly in a climate-controlled animal research setting and may involve biohazards, toxins or chemicals, large machinery, required PPE, extended standing, walking, bending, reaching, lifting up to 50 pounds, and pushing or pulling large wheeled racks and cages. The role also involves daily use of shared computers in a small office setting and adjusting priorities as needed.

Requirements

High school diploma, or an equivalent combination of experience and/or training providing comparable knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Complete the physical exam and N-95 respirator fit testing provided by ASU upon hire.
Have MMR and tetanus vaccinations and a negative TB test, as required screenings provided by ASU upon hire.
Work one or two weekend days as part of the regular schedule, with alternative weekday(s) off; weekend and holiday shifts are assigned after essential training.
Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and push or pull large wheeled racks and cages.
Ability to wear required personal protective equipment when working in animal rooms and support spaces.

Nice To Haves

At least one year of animal husbandry experience or AALAS ALAT certification or higher.
Experience working with rodents and non-human primates.
Experience working with animals in a research setting.
Effective verbal and written communication skills.
Critical-thinking and detail-oriented skills.
Experience using Microsoft applications such as Word, Excel, and Outlook on Windows computers.
Knowledge of husbandry techniques for a variety of animal species.

Responsibilities

Perform daily animal husbandry, including feeding, watering, changing cages, and providing enrichment.
Monitor room conditions and complete written and electronic daily records.
Clean cages, equipment, animal holding rooms, and other facility areas.
Operate cage-washing and autoclave equipment.
Maintain a clean and orderly work environment that meets institutional standards.
Observe animal health and behavior, report injuries or abnormalities to the veterinary team, and administer treatments as directed.
Receive animal and supply shipments.
Assist with rodent colony management, including humane euthanasia of rodents.
Use computer software for health-case monitoring, observation logs, email, videoconferencing, and data entry.
Work individually and with a team to support compliance with applicable university, state, federal, and other regulations.