Biological Science Laboratory Technician (Animal)

Veterans Health Administration • Portland, OR

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Biological Science Laboratory Technician (Animal) works in the Department of Research and Development at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Portland, Oregon, and is responsible for the overall care, safety, and well-being of research animals. The position is a multi-grade career ladder covering GS-05 through GS-06. At GS-05, assignments are more limited and performed with less independence; employees progressively develop the background needed to perform at the GS-06 full-performance level. Promotion is discretionary and depends on satisfactory performance, availability of higher-level work, and available funding.

This is a term appointment not to exceed four years. Term employees are non-status, nonpermanent employees and may be eligible for leave, health and life insurance, within-grade increases, and Federal Employees Retirement System and Thrift Savings Plan coverage. The appointment may be extended without further competition up to the four-year maximum, but does not confer eligibility for promotion or reassignment to other positions or noncompetitive conversion to permanent employment. The position is not virtual; the employee must live within or be willing to relocate within commuting distance of the duty location.

The work schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Work is performed in animal rooms, animal laboratories, operating rooms, and cage-wash areas. Protective clothing is worn while on duty, and a shower is recommended before changing back into street clothes. Work involves sitting, standing, walking, bending, stooping, and lifting; prolonged standing and lifting up to 60 pounds for short periods may be required.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship is required.
• For GS-05, qualify through one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-04, qualifying education, or a combination of education and experience. Specialized experience includes animal husbandry, handling and caring for research animals, maintaining animal care and treatment records, and maintaining animal-care equipment.
• For GS-05 education qualification, complete a four-year course of study leading to a bachelor's degree with at least 24 semester hours in specified relevant subjects, including at least six semester hours directly related to the position; education must be from an accredited institution.
• For GS-05 combination qualification, relevant education beyond the first 60 semester hours of a bachelor's-degree course of study may be combined with specialized experience. Directly related coursework and an accredited institution are required.
• For GS-06, qualify through one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-05, qualifying graduate education, or a combination. Specialized experience may include research-animal care and safety, monitoring regulatory compliance, maintaining records, collecting samples, using varied equipment, providing technical assistance, and preparing animals for experimental procedures.
• For GS-06 education qualification, complete one-half year of graduate education (nine semester hours) in directly related courses that demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed for the work.
• Experience must be documented on the resume with job title, duties, month and year start/end dates, and hours worked per week.
• Submit transcripts when using education to qualify; education must be from an accredited institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
• Complete the required application steps, including an online assessment.
• Male applicants born after December 31, 1959 must meet Selective Service registration requirements.
• Must undergo a background/security investigation and complete online onboarding and acceptable identity-document requirements.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is required for Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel.
• Must serve a one-year probationary period.
• Must be able to perform work involving sitting, standing, walking, bending, stooping, and lifting; prolonged standing and lifting up to 60 pounds for short periods may be required.
• Must live within or be willing to relocate within commuting distance of the Portland duty location.

Responsibilities

• Feed and water animals according to verbal or written instructions and prepare special diets as needed.
• Observe animals daily and routinely, recognize deviations from normal health, and notify the supervisor.
• Assist with receiving new animals and establishing initial records.
• Wean and sex animals in breeding colonies when necessary and place them in appropriately sized cages.
• Maintain animals requiring specialized care, including aseptic techniques in pathogen-free colonies and Animal Biosafety Level 2 housing.
• Maintain animal census records by room and investigator.
• Maintain records of animal care, feeding, treatment, disposal, and environmental monitoring.
• Maintain orderly and sanitary conditions.
• Operate equipment such as cage washers, bottle washers, and autoclaves correctly.
• Oversee equipment quality-control procedures and microbiological monitoring of animal rooms and cages, and report deficiencies as required.
• Administer medical treatment according to protocol specifications.
• Restrain animals humanely and safely for research and clinical staff as needed.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Term employees are eligible to earn leave.
• Term employees generally have access to health insurance and life insurance.
• Term employees may receive within-grade increases.
• Term employees are covered by the Federal Employees Retirement System and Thrift Savings Plan.
• Federal employees receive a comprehensive benefits package; specific eligibility depends on position type.
• Selected applicants may qualify for annual-leave accrual credit based on prior work or military service, subject to prior request and approval.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level