Sr. Animal Care Technician

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The Division of Veterinary Resources (DVR) has an exciting opportunity for a seasoned Sr. Animal Care Technician to work at the Medical Campus.

CORE JOB SUMMARY                 

The Senior Animal Care Technician is responsible for training and monitoring fellow technicians in appropriate animal husbandry procedures, provide assistance in training technical staff, students, and investigators on the proper handling of research animals, ensure the animal facilities are adequately stocked, and that any facility/physical plant issues are promptly identified, reported, and addressed.  Must demonstrate experience with a variety of species, including large animals.  The Senior Animal Care Technician is also responsible for maintaining related records as defined by husbandry Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

CORE JOB FUNCTIONS                                                                               

• Monitors fellow technicians to ensure appropriate animal husbandry procedures are followed.   
• Provides animal husbandry to a variety of animals including non-human primates (NHP).  This includes daily observation, feeding, watering, exercising and providing environmental enrichment to all research animals housed within multiple facilities.   
• Reviews/inspects the animal facility and performs building rounds and provides updates to the Supervisor. Submits requests or work orders to Physical Plant, Facilities, or Energy Management and performs follow through to ensure completion.  
• Responsible to share employee or building action items or concerns to the supervisor to include reporting workplace injuries to the supervisor and appropriate parties.
• Assists supervisor in preparation of weekly and weekend schedules.
• Prepares animal diets, cages, and water for autoclaving.   
• Operates and maintains autoclaves, sterilizers, and cage wash equipment within standard operating procedures (SOPs).     
• Assists veterinary and research staff with animal procedures such as biological sample collection and administration of treatments/medications. 
• Observes animals for signs of injury, discomfort and disease and reports findings to supervisors or veterinary staff.  Assists with treatment of sick animals as directed, and monitors animal health status through the use of established sentinel program. 
• Monitors animal room light cycles and document room environment (temperature and humidity) on a daily basis. 
• Sanitizes animal caging and equipment.
• Receives animals and supplies from vendors and properly house the animals and store supplies according to established SOPs.
• Maintains appropriate records such as animal door sheets and health reports, as defined by SOPs.
• Monitors and changes ventilated cage racks, filters, and room filters.
• Provides preventive maintenance on ventilated racks.  Cleans and maintains biosafety hoods and animal change stations in animal rooms.
• Assists in training Assistant Animal Care Technicians, Animal Care Technicians, technical staff, students, and investigators in the proper handling of research animals and equipment.
• Participation in the department’s Emergency Response Team as Essential Personnel is required.

This list of duties and responsibilities is not intended to be all-inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties or responsibilities as necessary.

CORE QUALIFICATIONS                                                                   

Education:

High School diploma or equivalent required. Associate's degree preferred.

Certification and Licensing:

American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) certification at the Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT) level is preferred and will be strongly encouraged.

Experience:

Minimum 3 years of animal care experience is required with at least 2 years of Lab Animal Care experience.  Animal research facility experience in the handling of multiple species, including swine, NHP, and Virus Antigen Free (VAF) rodents preferred.  A combination of relevant education and/or work experience may be considered.   Must be able to lift/carry/ push/ pull 50 lbs without assistance.   

Must have valid Driver’s license to operate University vehicle.

Knowledge, Skills and Attitudes:

• Strong oral and written communication skills and computer literacy.
• Must have superior interpersonal communication skills.
• Thorough knowledge of the handling and care of lab animal species.
• Ability to adapt to changes in duties and work locations.
• Ability to complete assignments accurately and with attention to detail.
• Ability to analyze, organize and prioritize work under pressure while meeting deadlines.
• Ability to process and handle confidential information with discretion.
• Ability to work evenings, nights, and weekends on a rotating basis.
• Commitment to the University’s core values.
• Ability to work independently and/or in a collaborative environment.

The University of Miami is recognized as one of the nation’s premier research institutions and academic health systems and is among the largest employers in South Florida.

With more than 20,000 faculty and staff, the University is committed to excellence and guided by a mission to positively impact the lives of students, patients, and communities locally and globally.

We are dedicated to fostering a culture where every individual feels valued and empowered to contribute meaningfully. United by shared values, the University community works together to build an environment defined by purpose, collaboration, and service.

The University of Miami is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Applicants and employees are protected from discrimination based on certain categories protected by Federal law. Click here for additional information.

Job Status:

Full time

Employee Type:

Staff