Details
Posted: 05-Nov-22
Location: Seattle, Washington
Type: Full Time
Salary: Open
As a UW employee, you have a unique opportunity to change lives on our campuses, in our state and around the world. UW employees offer their boundless energy, creative problem solving skills and dedication to build stronger minds and a healthier world.
UW faculty and staff also enjoy outstanding benefits, professional growth opportunities and unique resources in an environment noted for diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty.
Washington NATIONAL PRIMATE Research Center (WaNPRC) has an outstanding opportunity for multiple openings as full-time Animal Technician 3.
POSITION PURPOSE
The primary purpose of this position is to fulfill the mission of WaNPRC which is to empower the delivery of leading-edge scientific discoveries and promoting the highest standards of care, health, well-being and conversation for
primates around the world. In conjunction with our Mission Statement, these values link this position to our purpose as a Center:
Commitment to Foundational Research
Teamwork
Accountability
Productivity
Clear and Respectful Communication
Under the direct supervision of the Animal Technician Supervisor the Animal Technician 3 will perform basic and preventative animal health maintenance of non-human primates (NHP), in addition to administrative support
activities. This position will perform these responsibilities according to established husbandry standard operating procedures and training received. This position will uphold husbandry requirements for animal health,
psychological well-being of nonhuman primates; maintenance of hazardous containment and safety programs; and research protocols, consistent with the existing federal, state, local and university regulations.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Preventative Health Care/Animal Husbandry 50%
Duties include but are not limited to:
Independently perform Animal Technician 2 responsibilities:
Feed and water animals in accordance with prescribed diets and instructions.
Ensure adequate food and water is available at any given time.
Empty bedding pans and cages/enclosures of bedding and feces utilizing scrapers, brushes, water hoses, dust pans, brooms, and other cleaning tools and equipment.
Clean (remove organic material) and sanitize cages/enclosures and runs, bedding pans, tools, and equipment and surrounding premises including walls, floors and windows utilizing soaps, detergents, disinfectants and other cleaning chemicals, cage washers, autoclaves, power sprayers, hoses and other cleaning equipment.
Weigh and transfer animals from soiled to clean enclosures or caging making sure to maintain individual animal identity and observe precautions to avoid cross-contamination; prepare animal quarters in accordance with specified procedures.
Observe animals and recognize and report early manifestations of disease.
Perform husbandry associated with the set-up of animal social groups in cages and compound settings for breeding and socialization making sure of adherence to the Center’s nonhuman primate psychological well-being program and as directed by the veterinary staff.
Assist Animal Technician 3s/Veterinary Assistants/Research Scientists with assistance during clinical and research activities such as: restraining of NHPs, injections and/or collection of samples as directed.
Assist with the movement of animals between rooms or the transfer of animals between facilities.
Ability to work unsupervised in all facilities.
As delegated, support Animal Technician Supervisor with administrative tasks directly related to operations and facility maintenance.
Ensure daily schedule is accurate and delegate to staff as required.
Maintenance and Sanitation of Animal Facility, Cages, Tools, and Equipment – 10%
Independently perform Animal Technician 2 responsibilities:
Maintain buildings, vehicles, animal facilities, housing rooms, animal caging, compounds, and enclosures in accordance with departmental policy and procedure.
Perform cleaning and sanitation of the animal facilities and equipment such as cage washing areas, hallways and procedure rooms, kitchen including utensils and storage areas.
Ensure that the food given to the animals is within appropriate shelf life and is not contaminated or compromised.
Operate transportation vans
Perform sanitation with specialized equipment (electrostatic sprayers, UV torches)
Perform sanitation monitoring according to SOP
Animal Monitoring and Record Keeping – 10%
Independently perform Animal Technician 2 responsibilities:
Record and document observations and submit reports regularly including but not limited to records related to weights, feeding, care and animal identification.
Recognize and report common signs of clinical illness, variations in eating habits, abnormal stool and urine deposits, unusual behavior, other changes and abnormalities and death.
Ensure that temperature, water pressure, humidity and lighting remain within acceptable ranges, report deviations and abnormalities.
Access and knowledge of how to use the facility email account.
Monitor and adhere to facility schedules and update if necessary Independently perform Animal Technician 2 responsibilities:
Record and document observations and submit reports regularly including but not limited to records related to weights, feeding, care and animal identification.
Recognize and report common signs of clinical illness, variations in eating habits, abnormal stool and urine deposits, unusual behavior, other changes and abnormalities and death.
Ensure that temperature, water pressure, humidity and lighting remain within acceptable ranges, report deviations and abnormalities.
Access and knowledge of how to use the facility email account.
Monitor and adhere to facility schedules and update if necessary
Leadership and Training – 15%
Assist with training of junior staff
Lead facility contact when supervisor is not present
Other Assignments – 15%
Obtain; maintain education and skills of laboratory animal husbandry that pertain to the use of research
animals and safety measures in handling nonhuman primates, chemicals, and biohazards
May be assigned special assignments or projects in accordance with training and skillsets.
Animal Technician 3’s can also specialize in critical tasks that cannot be broadly trained.
The values of diversity, equity and inclusion are integral to the success of our research enterprise and are embedded in the culture of who we are as an institution and employer. We create progressive change honoring the unique and
diverse perspectives in the Office of Research and the UW research community. We strengthen our commitment to the core values of diversity, equity, and inclusion by fostering an environment of authenticity in support of our mission
to provide an equitable and accessible community to all. Read more here: https://www.washington.edu/research/or/office-of-research-diversity-equity-and-inclusion/
REQUIREMENTS
American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT) certification. One year of experience as an Animal Technician 2 or equivalent. Equivalent education/experience will substitute for all minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license/certification/registration.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Physical ability to do required work; ability to read and write.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
Physical ability to do required work including lifting up to 50 lbs.
Ability to communicate effectively (speaks, reads and writes in English).
Ability to work well independently and in teams.
Detail oriented in record keeping.
Ability to follow directions.
Punctuality, regular and predictable attendance is essential.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of USDA regulations, NIH guidelines, PHS policy and IACUC function.
Basic knowledge and understanding of sanitation techniques, including steam and chemical sterilization, and appropriate use of disinfectants and detergents.
Basic knowledge and understand of non-human primate health and behavior.
AALAS Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician certification.
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
Employment is contingent upon successful completion of health assessment at the UW's Employee Health Clinic. The health assessment may include but is not limited to tuberculosis clearance, measles clearance, immunizations such as tetanus and vaccinia, physical exam and/or review of work health history, x-rays, and/or assessment to wear positive or negative respiratory protective equipment. These health assessments will be repeated periodically during work assignment.
This position may be required to work with and take specific precautions against and/or be immunized against potentially infectious agents. Specific precautions may include wearing respirators and/or protective clothing. Employee is personally responsible for following health & safety and security policies/procedures and staying current on all required training. Bloodborne pathogen training and compliance with all WaNPRC and UW security policies is also mandatory. This position involves handling nonhuman primates and human pathogenic organisms. The ability to work in an Animal Biosafety Level-3 containment facility may be required.
ADDITIONAL CONDITIONS
Adhere to the WaNPRC Environmental Enhancement Plan requirements for NHPs.
Participate in the Behavioral Management and Positive Reinforcement Primate Training Programs. | 
