Lab Animal Technician 1 - Oregon Health & Science University

Department Overview:

The Oregon National Primate Research Center (ONPRC) is located 12 miles west of the OHSU main campus, and sits on 162 acres of land featuring forested areas, research and administration buildings, indoor and outdoor animal housing, a pond, and 2-mile perimeter walking path. Our mission is to improve human health and the quality of life through the support of nonhuman primate research programs that advance our knowledge of the causes, preventions, treatments, and cures of debilitating diseases.

Function/Duties of Position:

The purpose of the Laboratory Animal Technician 1 is to provide husbandry, health care and research support for laboratory animals maintained at the Oregon National Primate Research Center. The primary function of this position is to learn and master the ability to perform the manual and technical tasks directly related to the care of, and research support for the use of, laboratory animals.  The area of work assignment and specific tasks will vary, depending on animal population and care requirements, service requirements, staffing needs and the individuals knowledge. The Animal Resources & Research Support (ARRS)houses approximately 5300 non-human primates, and approximately 1500 small laboratory animals, on a daily basis.  The animals are housed in 8 buildings and 17 outdoor enclosures, on the ONPRC/OHSU campus.  There are approximately 60 employees who are responsible for providing care of research animals.

 

Key Responsibilities & Performance Standards

 

1. With the proper training, conduct routine animal husbandry procedures, including but not limited to:

• Routine feeding and watering of animals
• Capture, restraint, and transportation of animals in support of veterinary or investigative procedure
• Routine sanitization of animal primary housing, shelters, equipment and facilities. Includes sweeping, mopping, scrubbing, washing and disinfection of floors, walls, ceilings, sinks and other equipment
• Assist with animal health management procedures, including animal treatment and diagnostic procedures such as weighing, TB testing, and blood collections
• Assist with facility maintenance
• Assist with unloading and storing feed (feed bags weigh 25-50 lb each)
• Assist with group-housed animal capture ("roundup") and processing
• Assist with care of animals in the nursery
• Assist with animal care and environmental enrichment activities that may be required on weekends, during non-regular working hours, or on an overtime basis
• Inventory and request supplies
• Handle, restraint, identification and sexing all common varieties of Laboratory animals

2. Observe animals in all housing configurations, recognize abnormalities in physical condition or behavior, and report and record observations

 

3. Recognize and report problems with facilities (i.e., inappropriate room temperatures, leaking or broken water pipes, plugged drains, damaged surfaces, etc.).  Perform simple facility maintenance tasks, including but not limited to replacing drinking water valves, simple surface preparation and painting, replace lighting tubes or bulbs, etc. 

 

4. Operate equipment necessary to support the animal care and support mission of the Division, including but not limited to cage washers, floor scrubbers, autoclaves, pressures washers, scales and veterinary care instruments.

 

5. Interact with the research investigative staff to accomplish their needs in a  professional manner, with service-oriented attitude.

 

6. Other duties as assigned, to meet the goals of the Division

Required Qualifications:

Job Related Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (Competencies):

• Basic knowledge of the care of animals can be demonstrated through care of household pets, farm animals, or 4-H animals
• Ability to read, write, and follow oral and written instructions
• Ability to communicate effectively in oral and/or written formats with both technical and professional staff
• Ability to assist with research support at the level that the individual is trained
• Research support must be performed in a professional manner and will require contact with investigative staff
• Ability to perform general animal husbandry duties and assist investigative staff with needs as requested

Registrations, Certifications and/or Licenses:

• A valid Driver's License and the ability to drive ARRS/ONPRC vehicles on and off campus

Preferred Qualifications:

Education:

• Advancement requires High School Diploma or GED; and master of principles and concepts that are taught on the job

Experience:

• 6 months direct work-related experience with animals OR
• Certification at the Assistant laboratory animal Technician level (ALAT) OR
• 2 years of indirect laboratory animal experience

Additional Details:

WORKING CONDITIONS: 

• Daily work may involve moving on wet and/or slick surfaces, through narrow corridors between rows of cages, and climbing stairs to corral observation towers
• Perform work in covered areas that are not environmentally controlled
• Work in areas where there is risk of exposure to zoonotic agents through injury, by direct contact with animals or their tissues and body fluids, or by contact with equipment contaminated by animals or their tissues and body fluids
• Work where there is risk of exposure to potentially hazardous chemicals and sanitizing chemicals
• Work in areas or in conditions that require fit testing and use of an N-95 respirator
• Regular schedule from 7:30am-4:00pm and includes weekends
• Potential for voluntary and mandatory weekend assignments, overtime, and holiday work schedules

 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS & EQUIPMENT USAGE:

• Able to lift and carry objects weighing up to 23 kg (50 lbs), and lift objects weighing approximately 19 kg (42 lbs) to approximately shoulder height
• Able to push and pull heavy wheeled equipment such as cage racks and loaded carts
• Able to move unassisted through various animal housing areas located in several separate buildings, indoor and outdoor, in order to make animal observations, perform animal husbandry tasks, handle, move, or restrain animals, collect samples, administer treatments, and perform other procedures
• Possess sufficient dexterity and manual skills to safely perform (or learn to perform) basic animal husbandry and animal handling (using proper techniques), and health care procedures, including but not limited to feeding and sanitization procedures, animal capture and restraint, administration of medications, and collection of body fluids and tissues

All are welcome:Oregon Health & Science University values a diverse and culturally competent workforce. We are proud of our commitment to being an equal opportunity, affirmative action organization that does not discriminate against applicants on the basis of any protected class status, including disability status and protected veteran status. Individuals with diverse backgrounds and those who promote diversity and a culture of inclusion are encouraged to apply. To request reasonable accommodation contact the Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Department at 503-494-5148 or aaeo@ohsu.edu.