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The Geneva Foundation · 3 months ago

Animal Care Technician (Laboratory Tech) - Evergreen

VA Puget Sound

Full-time

Onsite

New Grad, Entry Level

$21.25/hr - $21.25/hr

0+ years exp

The Geneva Foundation is seeking an Animal Care Technician to provide humane non-veterinary care and husbandry for animals needed to support medical research at the VA Puget Sound. The role involves working with a team to ensure animal welfare and safety while maintaining the cleanliness and proper care of the animal housing facilities.

Clinical TrialsEducationNon Profit

No H1B

U.S. Citizen Only

Responsibilities

Undergo site-specific training provided by the VA

Consistently provide and promote humane housing conditions, gentle handling, and secure restraint of animals

Ensure animal welfare and safety and report animal safety incidents within 24 hours

Work independently and as part of a team to provide husbandry for animals needed in biomedical research investigations, primarily rodents (mice and rats), and some rabbits

Work with animals that may bite, scratch, or kick

Daily responsibilities include observation of animals for health, supplying animal feed and water, maintenance and cleaning of animal housing, housing, and procedure rooms and equipment, changing cages, cleaning and preparing cages, disposing of waste, stocking supplies such as food and bedding

Adhere to Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Good Laboratory Practices (GLP), and infection control procedures

Ability to operate equipment including autoclaves, cage-washers, floor scrubbers, lift carts, bedding dispensers, biosafety cabinets, water-pouch fillers, and fume hoods

Ability to work while wearing personal protective equipment including gloves, goggles, face shields, hearing protection, and Powered Air Purifying Respirators

Ability to work safely following safety protocols with research hazards including pathogens of Biosafety Level 1 or 2, toxins, and carcinogens

Utilize the VA computer system, including but not limited to checking and inputting electronic reports daily for accuracy and completeness, working in the research animal database to record animal data and print reports and labels, receiving and sending VA email communications, completing required online training

Participate in activities of the VAMC that are designed to meet the requirements of this position

Lift up to 40 lbs

Maintain accurate and detailed records

Other duties as assigned by the PI/technical lead and corporate manager

Qualification

Animal care experienceAnimal behaviorSanitation practicesAALAS certificationComputer database skillsPositive demeanorAttention to detailFlexibilityCommunication skillsTeamwork

Required

Must have at least 6 months of experience caring for animals in a professional setting such as a research animal facility, veterinary hospital, zoo, breeding facility, or pet store

Must have knowledge of principles of animal breeding, or animal care and management

Knowledge of normal animal behavior and understanding of ethical care obligations

Knowledge of sanitation practices

Ability to work in a computer database, to send and receive email messages, and to complete online training modules

Must be organized, attentive to detail, and possess a positive, friendly, and professional demeanor

Must be flexible with changing priorities and able to communicate in a diplomatic and professional manner

Must be comfortable working with animals

Willing to work rotating five-day work schedules to include weekends and National Holidays

US Citizenship is required for this position

Being subject to VA's Drug-Free Workplace Policy

Undergo Mantoux test (PPD test) within fourteen (14) calendar days of start date and prior service

Undergo Hepatitis B Vaccination 10 days from start date

Undergo NACI level clearance so a PIV card or a VA badge can be issued

Preferred

A working knowledge of and experience applying principles and requirements of the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, and the US Animal Welfare Act

Certification by The American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) as an Assistant Laboratory Technician is preferred but not required