Job Description
Laboratory Animal Attendant
Job Family:  LR-Service/Maintenance/Labor
Job Code:  6062
Employee Class:  Teamsters Local 320

Qualifications
*This position is governed by the Minnesota Teamsters Public and Law Enforcement Union Employees Union Local 320.*

About the Job
This is a bargaining unit position responsible for the care of laboratory animals in accordance with applicable safety, sanitation and research requirements.
Ongoing tasks may include the following:
• Feed, care, and observe physical condition of mice, rats, and other lab animals for signs of disease or illness. Must follow strict protocols and instructions written or orally presented in English.
• Operate cage and bottle washers, autoclaves, and bedding dispensing/disposal equipment. Move/lift heavy equipment/animals.
• Maintain appropriate room, animal receipt and other records.
• Participate in and perform euthanasia of small animals.
• Order and store feed and supplies.
• Clean and sanitize equipment, rooms, and facilities.
• Any other duties as assigned by supervisor.

The normal work schedule for this position is weekdays, Monday through Friday, 6:00 am – 2:30 pm. Occasional weekend work and work on holidays will be required when scheduled, and is eligible for overtime and holiday pay.

Some work assignments will involve exposure to animal allergens, high levels of noise, and/or disinfectants and sanitizing agents. To protect employees, the University of Minnesota may ask that you wear personal protection equipment, some of which may require medical monitoring and fitness testing. All required protective equipment, testing and medical evaluations will be provided by the University.

All offers of employment for this position will be conditioned on the completion of a medical questionnaire, evidence of current tetanus immunization prior to start date, and/or a fitness for duty examination to ensure the applicant’s ability to work in an environment that may present occupational health and safety hazards associated with work.

About the Department
Research Animal Resources (RAR) provides the University of Minnesota research community with animal care, procurement services, veterinary knowledge, and maintenance of housing facilities for animal-related research activities. The position of Laboratory Animal Attendant is union represented, and is part of a staff of over 100 employees including Professional and Administrative staff, Civil Service staff, Union Represented members, and student employees, all working in support of this mission. RAR has a daily census of 24,000 rodent cages in 20 buildings split into 7 geographic teams around the Minneapolis and St. Paul Campus.

Required Qualifications:
• Must be able to lift/push 50 pounds.
• Must be able to understand and follow written and oral instruction in English.
• Must be able to work an early schedule, Monday through Friday 6:00 am – 2:30 pm. Must have availability to work occasional weekends and holidays.

Preferred Qualifications:
• High school graduate or GED.
• Three (3) months of education related to laboratory animals, or three (3) months experience with laboratory animals, or three (3) months experience caring for, cleaning, feeding, monitoring, and medicating animals.
• Experience with rodents.

About University of Minnesota Twin Cities

The University of Minnesota, founded in the belief that all people are enriched by understanding, is dedicated to the advancement of learning and the search for truth; to the sharing of this knowledge through education for a diverse community; and to the application of this knowledge to benefit the people of the state, the nation, and the world.

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