Primate Caretaker

University of Wisconsin Madison•Madison, WI

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The Primate Caretaker performs animal health checks on nonhuman primates; performs TB testing procedures; feeds animals and administers special diets when necessary; performs standard animal treatment procedures for minor illnesses; performs blood draw procedures; tattoos animals; cleans and sanitizes animal housing and other animal areas; handles animals including transporting, training and weighing; enter animals health data into database, and other tasks as assigned.

Requirements

Evidence of work-related experience with animals, or knowledge of the care of animals through care of household pets, farm animals, or 4-H animals is preferred but not required.
Incumbent will work with our training unit and experienced staff to learn the tasks to be performed, including but not limited to nonhuman primate handling and care techniques, utilizing standard safety practices and precautions, and recognizing nonhuman primate behavior considered symptomatic of an illness or injury.
The incumbent will undergo extensive training to obtain proficiency in the care of nonhuman primates to perform these tasks under limited supervision.
Applicants must have one-year previous nonhuman primate experience to qualify for higher pay rate.
Must have previous experience with animal husbandry, performing animal health observations, administering medications, etc
Requires the ability to lift a minimum of 65 lbs independently and physical and manual dexterity to perform specialized technical tasks
Physical ability to lift, sit, stand, bend, reach, squat, twist and push to safely handle and care for the nonhuman primates
Must be TB negative
Must be comfortable working with animals in a research setting, and around or directly with infectious diseases and hazardous materials
Applicant will be required to have a measles titer within the first week of employment.
Depending on the results of the blood test, applicant may need to be immunize
Allergies to animals must be controlled by medication
A criminal background check is required to ensure eligibility to work with animals
Detailed reference checks will be conducted prior to employment to verify prior good standing in animal care
Must possess a valid driver's license that meets standards of UW Risk Management in order to operate WNPRC vehicles
This is considered an essential position, and as such, applicant must be willing to fulfill the duties of the position
Employees are expected to act in the best interest of the University and to protect the University from both actual conflicts of interest and the appearance of conflicts of interest
University sponsorship is not available for this position, including transfers of sponsorship.
The selected applicant will be responsible for ensuring their continuous eligibility to work in the United States (i.e. a citizen or national of the United States, a lawful permanent resident, a foreign national authorized to work in the United States without the need of an employer sponsorship) on or before the effective date of appointment.
This position is an ongoing position that will require continuous work eligibility.
UW-Madison is not an E-Verify employer, and therefore, is not eligible to employ F1 STEM OPT Extension participants.
If you are selected for this position, you must provide proof of work authorization and eligibility to work.

Nice To Haves

AALAS - American Association for Laboratory Animal Science Technician Certification Preferred
American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) certification at the Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT) or Laboratory Animal Technician (LAT), or Laboratory Animal Technologist (LATG) is preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

Inventories, cleans, and maintains organization of animal holding spaces and supplies
Observes animal behavior, performs basic animal care, and reports concerns to the appropriate entities to contribute to the health and well-being of animals and promote research
Prepares food and formulas and feeds animals according to established schedules and specifications
Collects samples from animals and administers medications, injections, and treatments according to established protocols and procedures to be used for diagnostic tests and research
Inspects and reports equipment problems to ensure optimal and safe operation
Maintains organization of and updates records related to research procedures
Operation of automatic cage wash machine