Position Summary:

• Provides diversified care, feeding, transportation, and daily observation for all animal species used in research and teaching.
• Coordinates and assists in the general maintenance of the facilities.
• Ensures the humane care and treatment of the animals.
• Responsible for daily maintenance of multiple animal colony rooms to be in compliance with animal welfare regulations, university, and CMR policies. Duties include performance of animal husbandry and monitoring procedures with special attention to the needs of virus free species, observing and reporting signs of illness, injury, or distress in animals.
• Interacts with their supervisor regarding needs of individual research projects and PI's and will become familiar with all project protocols as it relates to daily husbandry needs of the colony rooms they maintain.
• Ensures areas of noncompliance with regulations are reported; daily animal census is recorded and performs euthanasia when instructed.

Minimum Education and Experience:

• Requires a high school/vocational school education or equivalent, and the ability and willingness to work with a wide variety of animal species.
• Requires the ability to record and maintain data in computerized and non-computerized formats. Must be able to communicate effectively.
• Must be able to lift and move up to 50 pounds. Will be required to pass pre-employment and periodic physical examinations and to participate in occupational health programs for animal workers.
• Requires a valid driver's license, two years driving experience, and successful completion of the Rutgers' Defensive Driving Course.
• Regular workweek may include weekends and/or evening shift work.
• Animal handling experience in a research laboratory environment is desirable.
• NOTE: UPON SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF LABORATORY ANIMAL SCIENCE'S (AALAS) ASSISTANT LABORATORY-ANIMAL TECHNICIAN EXAMINATION AND ONE (1) FULL YEAR IN POSITION, INCUMBENT WILL BE PROMOTED TO RANGE 13 SENIOR LABORATORY ANIMAL CARE TECHNICIAN.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Certification by American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) at the Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT) level. Two (2) or more years of experience as a Laboratory Animal Caretaker with knowledge of quarantine procedures regarding laboratory animals.

Equipment Utilized:

• Cage washing equipment, Autoclaves, Floor scrubbers, Chemical mixing stations, Dry heat oven. Tattooing machines. Various computer programs. May need to drive University vehicle. 

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

• On prolonged daily basis must be able to perform the physical demands of the job of being able to lift 50 pounds, push and pull heavy loads of equipment, bend, stoop and reach, and work in cage wash and animal room conditions while wearing safety apparel and personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Can be standing, bending, stooping, or reaching for long periods of time.
• Will be required to pass pre-employment and periodic physical examinations.
• Will be required to participate in the occupational health program for animal workers.
• Potential exposure to animal dander, fluids, and soiled waste as well as cleaning chemicals. The wearing of PPE could increase body temperature.

Posting Number: 21ST2971

Location: Rutgers University - New Brunswick