Biological Science Laboratory Technician (Animal)

Veterans Health Administration • Cincinnati, OH

1d • Onsite

About The Position

This Biological Science Laboratory Technician (Animal) position is in the Research Service, Veterinary Medical Unit (VMU), in Cincinnati, Ohio, and reports directly to the VMU supervisor/Managing Director. The technician is responsible for the overall care, safety, and well-being of research animals housed in the VMU. This is a multi-grade career ladder position at GS-05 and GS-06. At GS-05, assignments are more limited in scope and performed with less independence; employees progressively gain the background needed for GS-06. Promotion is discretionary and depends on satisfactory performance, availability of higher-level work, and funding. This is a term appointment not to exceed four years. Term employees are non-status and nonpermanent, may earn leave, and generally receive benefits such as health and life insurance, within-grade increases, and Federal Employees Retirement System and Thrift Savings Plan coverage. The appointment may be extended within 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; employees must live within or be willing to relocate within commuting distance of the duty location. Work is Monday through Friday, 6:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Recruitment and relocation incentives are not authorized. The position requires significant physical exertion, including walking, prolonged standing, bending, climbing step stools or ladders, and lifting or carrying items over 50 pounds, potentially including larger animals. It may also involve moving heavy equipment with mechanical assistance. Employment is subject to a background/security investigation, onboarding requirements, seasonal influenza vaccination, and a one-year probationary period. Applicants must be U.S. citizens and complete the application process and online assessment.

Requirements

• For GS-05, meet the qualification requirements through one year of qualifying specialized experience equivalent to GS-04, qualifying education, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• GS-05 specialized experience includes animal husbandry; handling and caring for research animals; maintaining animal care and treatment records; and maintaining equipment used in animal care. Qualifying experience must generally be in a controlled environment.
• For GS-05, qualifying education may include a completed four-year bachelor's degree with a major or at least 24 semester hours in specified subjects, including at least 6 semester hours directly related to the position; qualifying combinations of post-high-school education and specialized experience may also be considered.
• For GS-06, meet the qualification requirements through one year of qualifying specialized experience equivalent to GS-05, qualifying graduate education, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• GS-06 specialized experience includes laboratory experience involving care, safety, and well-being of research animals; monitoring research regulatory compliance; maintaining records; collecting samples; using a variety of equipment; providing technical assistance; and preparing animals for experimental procedures.
• Experience must be documented on the resume with job title, duties, start and end dates by month and year, and hours worked per week.
• Submit transcripts if relying on education to qualify. Education must be from an accredited institution; foreign education requires a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with the transcript.
• Must be a U.S. citizen.
• Males born after December 31, 1959 must be registered with Selective Service.
• Must complete all required application steps, including the online assessment.
• Must participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program as a Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel requirement.
• Must complete a background/security investigation and online onboarding requirements.
• Must serve a one-year probationary period.
• Must live within or be willing to relocate within commuting distance of the duty location.
• Must be able to perform the stated physical duties, including lifting or carrying items weighing more than 50 pounds and moving heavy equipment with appropriate mechanical assistance.

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 the breeding colony when necessary and place them in appropriately sized cages.
• Care for animals requiring specialized care, including aseptic techniques in a pathogen-free colony and Animal Biosafety Level 2 (ABSL-2) housing.
• Maintain animal census records by room and investigator.
• Maintain records of animal care, feeding, treatment, disposal, and environmental monitoring.
• Keep the VMU orderly and sanitary.
• 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.
• Humanely and safely restrain animals for research and clinical staff as needed.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Term employees are eligible to earn leave and generally receive health and life insurance, within-grade increases, Federal Employees Retirement System coverage, and Thrift Savings Plan coverage.
• Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual based on prior work or military service, subject to approval before appointment.

What This Job Offers

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