Required:

• Working knowledge of animal husbandry procedures sufficient to care for laboratory animals in an experimental environment.
• Knowledge of habits and appearances of laboratory animals sufficient to notice deviations from normal.
• Skill in handling a variety of animals in a variety of situations sufficient to prevent injury or distress to the animal or self.
• Ability to lift 50-pound bags of feed, 60-70 pound animals, and push 200-300 pound cage racks of animals.
• Knowledge of techniques and ability to collect samples for laboratory study.
• Skill in reading English and numbers to follow instructions, maintain records, and identify specific animals.
• Skill in using basic English words and phrases to complete identification cards and inventory forms.
• Ability to communicate effectively on a one-to-one basis using appropriate vocabulary and grammar to obtain information and instructions, explain changes in animal behavior and appearance, and communicate with supervisors and co-workers.
• Ability to euthanize rats and mice using CO₂ chambers, including following established procedures, confirming death has occurred, and appropriately labeling and disposing of euthanized animals, including biohazardous animals.
• Knowledge of and ability to apply contamination control practices, including engineering, administrative, and procedural controls for pathogen containment, disinfection, and waste handling methods appropriate for work in biocontainment animal facilities up to BSL-2 level with BSL-3 practices.
• Knowledge of and ability to accurately follow all SOPs associated with a GLP study, including study protocol requirements and GLP documentation procedures.
• Ability to participate in weekend and holiday work rotations and occasional overtime duties.

Preferred:

• AALAS certification at the Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician level or higher.
• Skill in operating a personal computer and working knowledge of Microsoft Windows applications, including Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, Excel, and FoxPro.