Careers

Job Title: Animal Care & Insectary Technician

Position Summary:
The Animal Care & Insectary Technician provides daily husbandry and operational support for laboratory animals and insect colonies in an AAALAC-accredited research program. This position is responsible for maintaining high standards of animal welfare in accordance with institutional policies, IACUC-approved protocols, and applicable regulatory guidelines (e.g., Animal Welfare Act, Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals). Responsibilities include cage wash operations, glassware sanitation, and participation in weekend and holiday coverage to ensure uninterrupted care.

Key Responsibilities:

• Perform daily husbandry for laboratory animals and insect colonies, including feeding, watering, environmental monitoring, and enrichment in accordance with established SOPs and IACUC-approved protocols
• Observe animals and insect colonies for signs of illness, injury, or abnormal behavior; promptly report concerns to veterinary or supervisory staff
• Maintain insect colonies (e.g., breeding, life stage management, environmental controls, and population tracking) following established insectary procedures
• Operate cage wash and glassware washing/sterilization equipment (e.g., tunnel washers, autoclaves), ensuring proper decontamination and biosecurity practices
• Clean, sanitize, and prepare animal caging, racks, and insectary equipment to meet AAALAC and institutional standards
• Prepare and distribute feed, bedding, and supplies while maintaining appropriate storage and handling procedures
• Maintain accurate and timely records (e.g., census, environmental logs, sanitation records) in compliance with regulatory and institutional requirements
• Adhere to all safety procedures, including proper use of PPE, chemical handling, and biohazard containment practices
• Support facility inspections, audits, and accreditation activities by maintaining readiness and compliance
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of animal rooms, insectaries, and support areas
• Participate in a rotating schedule for weekend and holiday coverage to ensure continuous animal and colony care

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, and perform repetitive tasks for extended periods
• Comfortable working with laboratory animals and insects and in environments with variable temperature, humidity, and noise

Work Schedule:

• Full-time position with required participation in weekend and holiday rotation to support continuous operations

Work Environment:

• AAALAC-accredited laboratory animal facility and insectary with exposure to animals, insects, allergens, cleaning agents, and mechanical equipment

JOB TITLE:        ICU Veterinary Technician I

Summary

Under the direction of the Sr. Veterinary Technician or Facility Veterinarian, the Veterinary Technician shall primarily be responsible for daily rounds, preliminary health exams of sick animals, reporting to the veterinarians, examination of all incoming animals for overt signs of illness, and assistance with the animal surveillance program for various large animal species (rodents, ungulate, NHP).  This person must be knowledgeable of veterinary medical terminology, animal treatment, nursing, and observations and communicating abnormal or poor health.  This person will be responsible for assisting investigators with technical procedures including surgery preparation, sedation, anesthetic monitoring, bleeding, drug administration, identification of animals, restraint, and keeping appropriate records. 

Requirements

Employee must have a high school diploma, hold an Associate Arts Degree in Veterinary Technology or B.S. degree in biology, animal science or similar discipline, experience working with animals in biomedical research preferable) or companion animal practice and be eligible to take an AALAS certification exam. Candidates with current AALAS certification are preferred.

Duties

• Provide care to research animals, performing health observations, reporting problems or abnormalities to the veterinarians.
• Laboratory animal surgical care including intubation, anesthesia monitoring and pre and post-operation monitoring and care.
• Assess and document clinical observations, body weight data, food consumption data, environmental data, and other data on the appropriate forms.
• Ensure that records, logbook, and other clinical and project records are appropriately and contemporaneously maintained.
• Administer drugs or treatments including dose calculation and controlled drug record keeping.
• Communicate with all staff to care for animals and provide high quality services to the customers.
• Coordinate work schedules with researchers and the supervisors.
• Restraint and positioning of animals for examination or treatment.
• Monitoring and executing the sentinel animal program.
• Assure that procedures and practices involving the program of animal care are appropriate for the continued maintenance of AAALAC accreditation of the NIH animal facility.
• Assist, when requested, in experimental planning and logistics/scheduling requirements.
• Maintain facility cleanliness along with sanitation and sterilization of supplies and equipment.
• Ensure all safety requirements are met.
• Identify and report potential problem areas related to animal use, care, or health, or problems with facilities or equipment which may be hazardous to animals or personnel.
• Compliance with the QA/QC program.
• Pursue specialized training or cross training to maximize delivery of services.
• Maintain a current knowledge of existing and proposed laws, regulations, and guidelines affecting the care and use of animals at the NIH.
• Maintain a broad general knowledge and competence in lab animal science husbandry, technical procedures, and facility management.
• Perform other duties as assigned to include routine animal husbandry and cage wash functions as needed during emergencies.

SKILLS/KNOWLEDGE:

1. Handling and manipulating animals
2. Literate in written and spoken English
3. Experience in an animal facility or previous skills working in a veterinary clinic.
4. Knowledgeable in PC applications including word documents and spreadsheets

Group Leader Job Description (Animal Husbandry / Animal Care)

Education/Requirement:

• Must have a minimum of a High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Must be certified through AALAS at the ALAT level
• Experience with Microsoft Office
• Business command of the English language

Primary Responsibilities:

• Supervise and support technicians or animal care staff during daily tasks
• Assign workloads and ensure schedules are followed efficiently
• Monitor animal health, welfare, and environmental conditions
• Ensure proper feeding, cleaning, sanitation, and enrichment procedures
• Maintain accurate records (animal counts, treatments, room checks, supplies)
• Perform quality control checks to ensure compliance with protocols
• Communicate with supervisors/managers about issues, staffing, or operational needs
• Lead by example with professionalism, productivity, and teamwork
• Troubleshoot problems quickly (equipment, staffing, animal concerns)

Leadership Expectations:

• Strong communication skills
• Time management and organization
• Problem-solving under pressure
• Conflict resolution
• Accountability for team performance
• Ability to motivate staff

Administrative Duties:

• Scheduling or assisting with shift coordination
• Inventory/supply monitoring
• Reporting incidents or deviations
• Preparing for audits or inspections

Key Goal:

To keep operations running smoothly while ensuring animals, staff, and facility standards are maintained at a high level.

POSITION: Animal Facility Specialist II

OVERVIEW: Responsibilities of this position are that of an Animal Facility Specialist II for the NIH, Animal Care Project. These responsibilities include all activities required for the proper care and maintenance of on-site animals

Background Requirements:

1. Must have a high school diploma or equivalent.
2. LAT certification or have the equivalent training and experience to achieve certification.
3. Capable of performing animal care duties with no supervision.
4. Assist with technical procedures.

Primary duties may include the following:

• Responsible for all activities required for the proper care and maintenance of the animals, including routine animal husbandry.
• Provides daily oversight and direction to animal caretaker staff.
• Receive, examine, transfer, identify, and properly house incoming animal shipments according to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Assists with scheduling assignments and ensures all tasks are completed.
• Ensure all assigned animals have adequate food and water.
• Sanitize and decontaminate all areas of the facility, as scheduled.
• Dispose of waste from the facility following appropriate SOPs.
• Ensure the integrity of equipment used while perform husbandry duties as well as maintain animal caging and / or support equipment.
• Dispose of animal carcasses following SOPs.
• Understand and follow SOPs, safety procedures, and quality assurance guidelines for animal care at all levels of biohazard containment.
• Always think safety first when performing daily duties.
• Maintain appropriate logs, forms and cage card information.
• Maintain clean and organized work areas.
• Report any abnormal conditions of the animal rooms, animal facility or immediate vicinity to project management.
• Reports any animal caging and/or support equipment that is not functioning to your project manager.
• Maintain and repair animal caging and support equipment.
• Familiar with Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for chemicals used in the work area.
• Weekend, holiday, and after hours work is required as necessary to meet operational needs of the work site.

 *All employees are expected to perform their duties as assigned, arrive to work at 7:00am and depart at 3:30pm M-F. You will be required to work on the weekends as scheduled. The weekend / holiday hours are from 7am to 3:30pm (no more than 8 hours per day). In addition you may be expected to work extra hours during an emergency situation or if any unexpected situation arise until work is completed

Environmental Conditions:

Customarily performs animal care, research management and administration duties in an environmentally controlled work area. However, technical and management duties may be performed in an animal care vivarium, barrier facility, surgical or test procedure laboratory, animal housing/bedding cleaning and processing areas. Work may require use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) in these facilities. Laboratory environment and/or animal care work areas may be prone to hot and humid conditions, and subject to objectionable odors, aerosols, dust, animal dander, and noise.

Summary

Under the direction of the Project Manager the  Cagewash Supervisor/Foreman shall have the ability to supervise and manage all cagewash staff. Ensure all records are maintained and up to date. Must have physical strength and dexterity to handle cages, racks, pans, feed bags, carts, dollies, and other equipment and be able to maintain a clean environment. 

JOB TITLE:                  Cagewash Supervisor/Foreman  

BASIC REQUIREMENTS:

1. Must have a minimum of a High School Diploma or equivalent.
2. Must be AALAS certified at the ALAT level (LAT preferred). 
3. Demonstrated record of cagewash operations and equivalent.
4. Demonstrated ability to handle multiple tasks in an organized manner with minimal supervision.
5. Good communication and interpersonal skills.
6. Working knowledge of Microsoft’s Office (Word, Excel, etc.) required.

 PRIMARY FUNCTIONS:

Work Assignments are based on work requirements to meet the contract needs, which may include the following duties:

• Coordinate animal facility operations.
• Work with subordinate employees to ensure that all work is performed in accordance with Animal Welfare Act and the “Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals: ILAR publication 2024, and the task Statement of Work.
• Work with subordinate employees to provide animal husbandry and animal care support services (e.g. clean cages, sterile cages, water bottles, feed, bedding, environmental enrichment, sanitation and decontamination management of cagewash rooms and adjacent areas) according to approved facility Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’s).
• Work with subordinate employees to monitor and record tunnel and rack washer pH levels, water temperature levels, chlorine levels.
• Work with subordinate employees to appropriately mix and maintain all sanitization, decontamination, and sterilization chemicals.
• Monitor all cage washing equipment on a daily basis to ensure proper functionality.
• Ensure that all waste from the facility is disposed of on a daily basis.
• Provide facility logistical support such as internal facility transport of supplies and equipment.
• Maintain a weekly inventory of all feed, bedding, enrichment, and chemical supplies.
• Provide quality assurance to include monitoring of the effectiveness of facility sanitation, monitoring of incoming animal shipments for container integrity and animal health, cage-washing and autoclaving procedures, and any other quality assurance services as deemed necessary by the Project Officer.
• Provide proper care, use and maintenance of equipment and facilities as outlined in approved facility SOP's.
• Prepares and submits required written records, charts, logs and inventories as requested by your supervisor.
• Maintain employee performance evaluations.
• Interview potential applicants for open positions.
• Understands and follows all approved SOP's.
• Familiar with Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for chemicals used in the work area.
• Assists in any contract related activity, as assigned by your supervisor, to complete the required work.
• Weekend, holiday and after hours work may be required as necessary to meet operational needs of the work site.
• All other duties as directed.

Hours:  Basic work-week of forty (40) hours per week with the start and the end of the workday dependent on the contract requirements of the workplace.  Hours are dictated by the institutional research schedule, weekend and holiday work maybe required. Must be reliable in attendance to ensure animals receive appropriate level of care. Potential for call-in to assist facility or animal health related emergencies.

Physical Requirements:

Activity	Not Applicable	Occasionally	Often
Climbing		X
Stooping			X
Kneeling			X
Reaching			X
Standing			X
Sitting	X
Walking			X
Pushing			X
Pulling			X
Talking			X
Hearing			X

Lifting/Moving Requirements:

Heavy work; lifting up to 50 pounds occasionally; repetitive lifting/manipulation of up to 30 pounds, applying up to 30 pounds constantly to move/roll objects.

Environmental Conditions:

Customarily performs animal care, research management and administration duties in an environmentally controlled work area.  However, technical and management duties may be performed in an animal care vivarium, barrier facility, surgical or test procedure laboratory, animal housing/bedding cleaning and processing areas. Work may require use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) in these facilities.  Laboratory environment and/or animal care work areas may be prone to hot and humid conditions, and subject to objectionable odors, aerosols, dust, animal dander, and noise. 

JOB SUMMARY:
The Clinical Veterinarian provides veterinary support to Division of Veterinary Resources laboratory animal programs consistent with DVR guidelines. The primary responsibility shall be the provision of veterinary medical and surgical care for non-human primates (NHP) and rodents. Participation in the veterinary medical care program for other various animal species is included as a smaller component of the duties of the position. Clinical Veterinarian responsibilities include providing daily clinical care and treatment of the laboratory animals; participation in emergency call schedule and after-hours veterinary care, ICU night, weekend, and holiday coverage with other veterinarians as required.  All services must be provided in accordance with all applicable regulations.

 
EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION:

1. Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree or equivalent required.
2. Must have a license to practice veterinary medicine in at least one (1) state.
3. Minimum three (3) years’ experience required in clinical laboratory animal medicine which must include non-human primates (NHPs).
4. Completion of a residency program in laboratory animal medicine and certification as a Diplomate of the American College of Laboratory Animal Medicine (ACLAM) is preferred.
5. Experience with IACUC activities and research protocol review/approval process, and/or consultant service to the IACUC.
6. Must have knowledge of laboratory animal technician duties and training.
7. Must possess excellent knowledge of Federal, State, and local regulations governing Animal Care.
8. Must be a legal resident of the United States.

BASIC REQUIREMENTS:

1. Demonstrated record of work experience within an animal care facility, or within the field of laboratory animal science.
2. Demonstrated record of successful development, implementation and maintenance of training programs.
3. Demonstrated ability to handle multiple tasks in an organized manner with minimal supervision.
4. Good communication and interpersonal skills.
5. Working knowledge of Microsoft’s Office (Word, Excel, etc.) required.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

Essential Duties:

• Oversees all aspects of research animal colony health, including health surveillance and medical management of NHPs and rodents.
  • Provides diagnostic support and treatment of sick or injured animals.Assists in the development and implementation of research protocols and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
  • Provides technical oversight of NHP & Rodent animal care technician personnel to assure SOP training, safety, and facility regulatory compliance.

• Provides training and instruction on techniques associated with research NHP & Rodent use for animal care technicians and the DVR investigators and research staff.
  • Acts as a coordinator of animal care projects.  Directs project management meetings to ensure protocol requirements are being met by discussing current SOPs, the development of new SOPs, SOP training, any additional training needs encompassing emergency procedures for the treatment of injuries to personnel and animals in the NHP area.  Ensures that all animal care areas represent a well-documented and consistently implemented training process for all work groups.
  • Assists during experiment start-up meetings between contract personnel and the DVR Principal Investigators (PIs), Study Directors, Program Directors and other members of the investigator team to improve customer service and increase communication efforts with fellow scientists.
  • Shall have demonstrated ability to interact effectively with PIs, Study Directors and investigator team(s) to achieve goals set forth within approved research protocols involving animal care, developing department master schedules and study-specific schedules, diet, dosing, and standard observational and technical procedures and accurate reporting of such data.
  • Be familiar with active experimental protocols and future studies in the research pipeline to aide DVR and Priority One Services, Inc. with assuring PI and Study Director experimental parameters are met.

PRIORITY ONE SERVICES, INC.

BLDG 49 Central Animal Facility: Animal Health Technician I

Summary

Under the direction of the Small Animal Health Technician III and Senior Animal Health Team Leader, the Animal Health Technician I provides technical and clinical support services within the Building 49 Central Animal Facility (CAF). This position requires a working knowledge of veterinary technology and animal science, along with the ability to perform routine technical procedures and support animal health monitoring.

The Animal Health Technician I must demonstrate competency in basic clinical and technical skills, including identifying abnormal animal conditions and supporting veterinary treatments as prescribed by the facility veterinarian.

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Requirements

• Certification by the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) at the Laboratory Animal Technician (LAT) level required.
• Minimum of two (2) years of experience in a laboratory animal facility.
• Experience must include species housed within Building 49 CAF (e.g., rodents, rabbits, and non-human primates).
• Minimum education: High school diploma or GED equivalent.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, and general computer systems.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions and work effectively within a team environment.

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Duties and Responsibilities

Technical & Animal Care Support

• Perform routine technical procedures including:
  • Injections
  • Blood collection
  • Tumor observations
  • Timed mating and plug checks
  • Weaning of animals
  • Tail biopsies and ear tagging
  • Weighing animals
  • Subcutaneous transponder implantation
• Support environmental enrichment activities.
• Assist with sanitation of surgical rooms and support areas.
• Transport carcasses and sentinel animals to diagnostic laboratories.
• Work under ABS Level I and II conditions.

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Monitoring & Compliance

• Adhere to all established Building 49 SOPs, security procedures, and confidentiality requirements.
• Identify and report potential issues involving animals, equipment, or facility conditions.
• Maintain accurate data entry using Microsoft Office and facility systems.

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Team Support

• Work effectively with co-workers, veterinary staff, and laboratory personnel.
• Follow oral and written instructions as directed.
• Assist Animal Health Team Leaders in meeting contractual obligations and daily operational needs.

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Hours

Basic work week of forty (40) hours per week. Work schedule is dependent upon contract requirements and institutional research needs. Weekend and holiday work may be required. Reliable attendance is essential to ensure appropriate levels of animal care. May be subject to call-in for facility or animal health emergencies and may provide weekend coverage during staffing shortages.

Physical Requirements:

Activity	Not Applicable	Occasionally	Often
Climbing		X
Stooping			X
Kneeling			X
Reaching			X
Standing			X
Sitting		X
Walking			X
Pushing		X
Pulling		X
Talking			X
Hearing			X

Lifting/Moving Requirements

Light work; lifting to 50 pounds occasionally; repetitive lifting/manipulation of up to 10 pounds; applying up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move or roll objects.

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Environmental Conditions

Work is performed in animal care and vivarium environments. Duties may require entry into barrier facilities, surgical suites, and laboratory settings. Exposure to hot/humid conditions, odors, aerosols, dust, animal dander, and noise may occur. Use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) is required.

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Summary

Under the direction of the Facility Veterinarian(s) and Program Management, the Veterinary Technician IV Supervisor will provide technical and clinical support services and assistance to veterinarians, and researchers. Veterinary Technician IV must demonstrate a working knowledge of laboratory animal science and technology with competency in clinical care, anesthesia, and technical procedures.  Experience should be related to the species housed in the program including rodents, rabbits, guinea pigs, ferrets, frogs and non-human primates. Veterinary Technician IV will provide supervision and coordination for animal health services within the veterinary technician support departments.

Requirements

Personnel must be certified by the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) as a Laboratory Animal Technologist (LATG). Work experience must include over five years’ experience as a veterinary technician in laboratory animal facilities with at least 2 or more years supervisory experience.  Formal education shall include a minimum of a high school diploma or GED equivalent, B.S. degree in a science related field, and be literate in written and spoken English. A working knowledge of computers and associated software catered to veterinary care (e.g., MS Office Suite) is required.

Duties

• Assisting the  Project Managers in assuring that all contract terms and conditions are met on time, within established cost limits and at acceptable performance levels.
• Assisting the Project Managers in compiling, preparing, and distributing applicable required monthly reports and deliverables.
• Establishing liaison/communications with research personnel to gauge satisfaction with performance/accomplishment of support/service requests and implement corrective actions as required should performance be rated as marginal or substandard.
• Extensive experience with Humanized Germ-Free mice
• Assuring that procedures and practices involving the program of animal care are appropriate for the continued maintenance of AAALAC accreditation of the FDA/DVS facilities.
• Assuring that personnel adhere to security procedures and confidentiality requirements.
• Ensuring adherence by contract staff to established FDA/DVS SOPs.
• Monitoring the performance of all subordinate personnel, praising quality performance, or providing counseling or additional training/supervision and retraining for individuals with deficient performance, to maintain a high level of quality and services.
• Assisting the Project Managers and Training Department in establishing, maintaining, and documenting a veterinary support employee-training program, specialized training, or cross training of contract staff to maximize staffing/delivery of service flexibility.
• Assisting the Program Managers in anticipating/planning for changing workloads/schedules, equipment, and supplies.
• Working in concert/cooperation with FDA/DVS compliance assurance entities (FDA Safety and DVS/IC IACUC committees).
• Provide routine animal health surveillance and/or assessment of sick animals along with colony health (sentinel) coordination.
• Routine veterinary care/support and treatments as prescribed by the Veterinary Staff.
• Maintains permanent animal health records and reports.
• Diagnostic support to include sample collection and preparation (e.g., blood, serum, tissue, etc.), fecal analysis, hematology, blood chemistry, urinalysis, radiology, and dental prophylaxis.
• Anesthesia support to include induction, maintenance, and recovery of animals.
• Surgical support to include instrument preparation and sterilization, animal preparation, sterile and non-sterile scrub assistance for the support of aseptic surgeries.
• Establishing minimum/maximum ordering levels, maintaining logbooks, and maintaining inventory of drugs and surgical supplies, and placing orders.              
• Sanitation of procedure rooms and support areas.
• Routine preventive maintenance of all surgical support equipment (e.g., intensive care units, anesthesia machines, etc.).
• Perform and supervise technical procedures including but not limited to routine injections, blood collection, tumor observations, timed matings, plug determinations, and weaning of animals, tail biopsies, ear tagging, weighing of animals, application of treatments and animal health monitoring.
• Perform monthly QA/QC inspections of all procedure rooms, veterinary technician support areas, associated logbooks and clinical case tracking logs.
• Pre-procedural food and/or water restriction of animals.
• Scheduling sample collection for the Sentinel Animal Program as directed by the Facility Veterinarian.
• Operate a computer to enter animal related data. Use of Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Word, and Microsoft Excel.
• Supervision of assigned subordinates and scheduling of resources to comply with specific Laboratory Staff Requests (i.e. Technical Service Requests, Clinical requests, etc.).
• Demonstrate use of good leadership, team building and management skills.
• Other duties as assigned.

Hours: 

Basic workweek of forty (40) hours per week with the start and the end of the workday dependent on the contract requirements of the workplace.  Hours are dictated by the NIH/DVR research schedule and weekend and holiday work may be required. Must be reliable in attendance to ensure animals receive appropriate level of care. Potential for call-in to assist with facility or animal health related emergencies.

Laboratory Animal Resources/Research Resources - Rodent Animal Care Technician
(Animal Technician II)
Work Hours:6:00 AM to 2:30 PM from Monday through Friday and supervisor scheduled weekends/holidays/weather emergencies/university closings.

Summary:
The Laboratory Animal Resource (LAR) group at Princeton University is a centralized administrative department reporting to the Dean for Research and is responsible for animal and veterinary care of all research animals at Princeton University. The Animal Technician for the Life Sciences Complex provides state-of-the art animal care for laboratory animals housed within these facilities. He/she receives direction from the LAR Facility Manager. The primary responsibility is to provide animal care to the various laboratory species (rodents, aquatics, and USDA-covered species), the majority will be in the care of rodents. The Animal Technician ensures the cleanliness of the facility and the maintenance of adequate supplies of food and bedding materials, including PPE. The Animal Technician will work together with other technicians according to a schedule prepared by the LAR Manager and must be willing and able to rotate through all LAR facilities. The Animal Technician pursues and improves methods of animal husbandry and resource utilization. He/she ensures the highest quality of laboratory animal care and research support, and has good communication skills with co-workers, the LAR management team, PI’s, research staff, students, facility maintenance crews and other support services. This position reports directly to the Facility Manager.
Animal Husbandry:

• Animal Technicians are considered essential services staff. Essential service staff performs jobs that are necessary and required to maintain basic University operations during scheduled or unscheduled work closures due to emergencies, events or other situations.
• Provides animal care for all species housed according to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), including giving food and water to the animals, changing cages, sanitizing all supplies (cages, water bottles, food bins and other animal care related equipment), maintaining clean animal rooms, procedure rooms, hallways and other support areas, and keeping records related to animal care.
• Completes work in a timely fashion and according to established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and follows other written and verbal instructions as needed.
• Monitors animal health and welfare daily and reports sick and dead animals to the responsible researcher and Veterinary Services. Provides treatments to laboratory animals as prescribed by researchers and/or Veterinary Services.
• Monitors, documents and reports deviations of normal, species-specific and environmental parameters such room temperature, humidity, lights and air quality.
• Provides innovative and species-specific environmental enrichment of laboratory animals under the direction of Veterinary Services and according to research needs.
• Conduct AM and PM animal health observations.
• Operates cage washing machinery, ventilated caging, Edstrom watering system, bedding dispensing units, full size to table top autoclaves and other animal care equipment typical of animal care operations while following safety procedures.
• Assists with transgenic rodent breeding colony management. Demonstrates ability to perform tissue sample collection, set up mating pairs, wean animals, and track data in various software applications.
• Discovers and reports any facility maintenance issues to the Lead Animal Technician and Facility Manager.

PRIORITY ONE SERVICES, INC.

Building 49 CAF

NIMH Research Specialist II

Summary

Research Support Specialist II for the National Institute of Mental Health under the direction of the Veterinary Medicine and Resources Branch (VMRB) and Institute Veterinarians. The Research Specialist II must demonstrate a working knowledge of veterinary science and technology (e.g. first aid response, pharmacy and pharmacology, surgical support, treatment, nursing care, and examination), as well as have experience with a wide variety of laboratory animal species. The candidate should have experience with anesthesia and surgical support, anesthesia monitoring, constant rate infusion and/or total intravenous anesthesia, surgical (sterile prep and surgical scrub) preparation and surgical assistance. The ideal candidate will have experience in behavioral studies and handling of nonhuman primates, rodents, and technical experience in using computers and computer software to conduct research studies.

Requirements

Candidate shall be certified at the AALAS ALAT level. Will be required to obtain a LATG certification within 1 year of eligibility.

Must have a minimum of three years’ experience in laboratory animal facilities.  Applicants shall have experience working with rodents and non-human primates.  Candidate should have experience with animal husbandry/caretaking procedures, accurate data sample collection, accurate and timely record keeping, and data processing.  Must be able to lift 40lbs to 60lbs, climb, stoop, bend, reach, and stand for prolonged periods.  Must be responsible and reliable to work independently when necessary and maintain good customer and team relationships.  Must be available to work evenings and weekends when necessary.

Duties

Primary responsibilities: Implements and improves environmental enrichment plan for all VRMB nonhuman primates.

• Documents compliance with environmental enrichment Standard Operating Procedures (SOP).
• Prepares, distributes, and maintains all enrichment items for NIMH animals housed at Building 49.
• Assists with animal socializations (i.e. pairs or groups) and completes related documentation.
• Assists with colony data (paper and electronic) as per USDA requirements and NIH policies.
• Performs behavioral observations/assessments, both of individual animals and groups, when          necessary and/or requested.
• Provides behavioral treatments to animals exhibiting certain behaviors.
• Provides conditioning training to animals when necessary and/or requested.
• Assists with developing, reviewing and revising environmental enrichment SOPs and forms.
• Assists with developing and evaluating new enrichment items or methods for implementation at VRMB.
• Assists Research Technicians in animal activities to include first aid response, pharmacy and pharmacology, physiology, physical examination, and treatment under the direction of a veterinarian with various animal species.  Candidate will take all technical directions from the NIMH investigative staff.

• Other duties as assigned.

Hours: Basic workweek of forty (40) hours per week with the start and the end of the workday dependent on the contract requirements of the workplace.  Hours dictated by the institutional research schedule, weekend and holiday work may be required. Must be reliable in attendance to ensure animals receive appropriate level of care. Potential for call-in to assist facility or animal health related emergencies. Potential to provide weekend coverage if there is short staffing and unable to find replacements. 

Physical Requirements:

Activity	Not Applicable	Occasionally	Often
Climbing		X
Stooping			X
Kneeling			X
Reaching			X
Standing			X
Sitting		X
Walking			X
Pushing		X
Pulling		X
Talking			X
Hearing			X

Lifting/Moving Requirements:

Light work; lifting to 50 pounds occasionally; repetitive lifting/manipulation of up to 10 pounds, applying up to 10 pounds constantly to move/roll objects.

Environmental Conditions:

Customarily performs animal care, research management and administration duties in an environmentally controlled work area.  However, technical and management duties may be performed in an animal care vivarium, barrier facility, surgical or test procedure laboratory, animal housing/bedding cleaning and processing areas. Work may require use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) in these facilities.  Laboratory environment and/or animal care work areas may be prone to hot and humid conditions, and subject to objectionable odors, aerosols, dust, animal dander, and noise. 

PRIORITY ONE SERVICES, INC.

BLDG 49 ANIMAL HEALTH TECHNICIAN II

Summary

The Animal Health Technician II will provide surgical, technical, and clinical support services under the direction of the Senior Animal Health Team Leader or respective Animal Health Technician III. They must demonstrate a working knowledge of veterinary science and technology (e.g., first aid response, pharmacy and pharmacology, treatment, and examination) as well as technical experience and competency in surgical nursing, preparation and assisting, anesthesiology, nursing, laboratory procedures and radiology Experience should be related to the species housed in the Building 49 CAF.  Animal Health Technician II will assist the Animal Health Leaders in providing all animal health services.

Requirements

Preferred personnel be certified by the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) as a Laboratory Animal Technologist (LATG). Qualifications as a Licensed Veterinary Technician, Military Animal Care Specialist (91T), or degrees in veterinary medicine/science will be considered but individuals will be eligible to obtain certification at the LATG level within 2-4 years. Work experience must include four years’ experience in laboratory animal facilities.  Experience must be related to the species housed in the Building 49 CAF (e.g., Rodents, Rabbits, 13-lined Ground Squirrels, Zebrafish, Sand Rats, Swine, and Non-Human Primates). Formal education shall include a minimum of a high school diploma or GED equivalent with working knowledge computers and associated software (e.g., WordPerfect, Microsoft Word, Excel, and Electronic Mail).

Duties

• Adhere to established Bldg 49 Standard Operating Procedures.
• Work tactfully and effectively with Co-Workers and Laboratory Staff.
• Routine animal health surveillance and/or assessment of sick animals.
• Routine veterinary care/support and treatments as prescribed by the Veterinary Staff.
• Maintains permanent animal health records and reports.
• Diagnostic support to include sample collection and preparation (e.g., blood, serum, tissue, etc.), fecal analysis, hematology, blood chemistry, urinalysis, radiology, and dental prophylaxis.
• Work under ABS Level I and II conditions.
• Anesthesia support to include induction, maintenance, and recovery of animals.
• Surgical support to include instrument preparation and sterilization, animal preparation, sterile and non-sterile scrub assistants for the support of aseptic surgeries.
• Environmental enrichment activities.
• Sanitation of surgical rooms and support areas.
• Radiation monitoring of posted rooms and/or areas within the CAF.
• Routine preventive maintenance of all surgical support equipment (e.g., intensive care units, anesthesia machines, etc.).
• Perform technical procedures including but not limited to routine injections, blood collection, tumor observations, weighing of animals, and implantation of subcutaneous transponders.
• Pre-procedural food and/or water restriction of animals.
• Routine serology screening for rodent surveillance and quarantine rooms.
• Identify and report potential problem areas with personnel, equipment, or facilities.
• Operate a computer to enter animal related data. Use of Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Word, and Microsoft Excel.
• Understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Food/waterlogs- email out an issues/follow up.
• Perform Rabbit PE/weights (bi-monthly)
• Perform Ground squirrel physicals (monthly)
• Perform Swine physicals (monthly)
• Assist Animal Health Team Leaders in meeting contractual obligations and deliverables.
• Other duties as assigned.

Hours:  Basic workweek of forty (40) hours per week with the start and the end of the workday dependent on the contract requirements of the workplace.  Hours dictated by the institutional research schedule, weekend and holiday work maybe required. Must be reliable in attendance to ensure animals receive appropriate level of care. Potential for call-in to assist facility or animal health related emergencies. Potential to provide weekend coverage if there is short staffing and unable to find replacements. 

Physical Requirements:

Activity	Not Applicable	Occasionally	Often
Climbing		X
Stooping			X
Kneeling			X
Reaching			X
Standing			X
Sitting		X
Walking			X
Pushing		X
Pulling		X
Talking			X
Hearing			X

Lifting/Moving Requirements:

Light work; lifting to 50 pounds occasionally; repetitive lifting/manipulation of up to 10 pounds, applying up to 10 pounds constantly to move/roll objects.

Environmental Conditions:

Customarily performs animal care, research management and administration duties in an environmentally controlled work area.  However, technical and management duties may be performed in an animal care vivarium, barrier facility, surgical or test procedure laboratory, animal housing/bedding cleaning and processing areas. Work may require use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) in these facilities.  Laboratory environment and/or animal care work areas may be prone to hot and humid conditions, and subject to objectionable odors, aerosols, dust, animal dander, and noise. 

POSITION TITLE: Animal Care Technicians

SUPERVISOR: Large Animal Team Leader

JOB SUMMARY:

Under the direction of the Large Animal Team Leader the NHP Animal Care Technician shall have demonstrated knowledge and skill in handling animals, especially NHP's. The Large Animal Care Technician will have experience with Non-human Primates. They shall be able to recognize the appearance of abnormal animals and be able to maintain a clean environment for all animals. In addition, this person will also be responsible for assisting investigators, keeping appropriate records, and providing supplies when requested. The Animal Care Technician shall maintain accurate room logs and maintain the cleanliness of the facility.

BASIC REQUIREMENTS:

• Must have a High School Diploma or GED.
• Must have AALAS Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician certification or one year’ experience in a laboratory animal facility, animal hospital, zoo, or related animal field. All Animal Care Technician’s shall train and become ALAT certified within one year of employment.
• Candidates must possess an excellent command of the English language both written and verbal in order to effectively communicate with investigators and other staff members daily.

RESPONSIBLITIES AND DUTIES:

Essential Duties:

• Provide animal care and husbandry services, including but not limited to: feeding and watering animals; handling and restraint of animals, cage and bedding changeouts; cleaning and sanitizing animal rooms, hallways, ancillary equipment; monitoring environmental parameters as required; assessing the presence of vermin and effectiveness of control efforts; performing animal health checks; assisting in the local delivery and transport of animals; assisting in the inspection ad storage of feed and bedding materials; performing minor equipment and facility maintenance.
• Observe and report any abnormalities in animals, equipment, or facilities to the floor supervisor or the Project Manager.
• Perform husbandry, restraint, and environmental monitoring tasks in accordance with established NIH SOPs
• Ensure that procedures and practices involving the program of animal care are appropriate for the continued maintenance of AAALACi accreditation of the NIH facilities.
• Adhere to security procedures and confidentiality requirements.
• Assist, when requested, in experimental planning and logistics and scheduling of projects.
• Participate in the ongoing employee training program, with special emphasis on safety and health training, safe work practices, and use of personal protective equipment.
• Perform job tasks and duties in compliance with NIH “Guide”, facility policies, regulations, safety, and security procedures.
• Perform work in compliance with applicable safety requirements.
• Adhere to equipment sanitation and sterilization schedules.
• Ensure that records, logbooks and other project records are appropriately and contemporaneously maintained.
• Comply with the QA/QC program.
• Recommend changes in operational procedures that might increase the efficiency or effectiveness of work procedures or practices.

*Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination is required for all Priority One positions.

Candidate must have a high school diploma or GED and must have at least two years experience working with animals in a laboratory animal facility.  A diploma in a related science field or equivalent is desired. AALAS certification is preferred and laboratory animal experience is required. Salary will be commensurate with experience and AALAS certification level. Preferred skills include experience with:  animal care and husbandry, cagewash procedures, minor technical procedures, multiple species a plus, and recording keeping. “Applicant may be required  to travel to different facilities in Maryland basically; Bethesda, Silver Spring, College Park and Laurel" Applicant must be reliable, able to work independently, and interact professionally with the research staff. Applicant must be flexible and learn quickly; be able to stand for prolong periods, bend, reach, and climb. Demonstrated math and reading comprehension and good English oral and written communication skills are required.