Summary

Provides routine husbandry care for a variety of animal species following standardized laboratory procedures.

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Provides food, water, and basic husbandry care for a variety of animal species.
2. Cleans and sanitizes cages according to prescribed standards.
3. Observes animals on a daily basis to assess health, environmental conditions, and social environment; monitors animals for impact of research and advises veterinarian of same.
4. Performs pre-surgical treatments under a veterinarian's direction, including identification of the correct animal and administration of induction drugs at the proper dosages; prepares animal for surgical procedures according to established sterile standards.
5. Maintains cage cards, animal histories, and other records as required.
6. Receives and verifies shipments against purchase orders, bills of lading, and other documents; stores animal feed and supplies in a neat and orderly manner; rotates feed as required to ensure freshness; monitors feed supplies to ensure adequate availability.
7. Maintains lab, storage areas, and treatment rooms on a daily basis including sweeping and mopping floors; sanitizes equipment and instruments according to established procedures.
8. Performs routine maintenance and/or basic mechanical repair to mobile caging, racks, tables, and automatic watering equipment.
9. Practices safety, environmental, and/or infection control methods.
10. May lead or guide the work of student employees.
11. Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

Minimum Job Requirements

• High school diploma or GED; at least 6 months of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified, which may include directly related college-level student practicum.
• Completed degree(s) from an accredited institution that are above the minimum education requirement may be substituted for experience on a year for year basis.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required

• Knowledge of supplies, equipment, and/or services ordering and inventory control.
• Ability to observe, assess, and record symptoms, reactions, and progress.
• Ability to maintain quality, safety, and/or infection control standards.
• Ability to understand and follow specific instructions and procedures.
• Knowledge of related accreditation and certification requirements.
• Ability to safely use cleaning equipment and supplies.
• Knowledge of the use and maintenance of laboratory facilities and/or equipment.
• Knowledge of OR, pre-op and/or post-op procedures.
• Knowledge of animal husbandry requirements, methods, and techniques.
• Ability to establish dosages and administer drugs to animals.
• Knowledge of local, state, and federal regulations pertaining to animal husbandry.
• Ability to establish and/or maintain veterinary/animal husbandry records.
• Knowledge of laboratory operations and/or procedures.
• Knowledge of sterile procedures.
• Ability to perform routine maintenance and repairs on veterinary and/or animal husbandry facilities and equipment.

Distinguishing Characteristics

Position requires: a) Providing food, water, and basic care for a variety of lab animal species; b) cleaning and sanitizing of cages according to prescribed standards; c) performing pre-surgical treatment under a veterinarian's direction; d) maintaining labs, storage areas and treatment rooms including equipment and instruments; and e) receiving and verifying shipments against purchase orders.

Conditions of Employment

• Successful candidate must submit to post-offer, pre-employment physical examination and medical history check.
• Must obtain certification as an Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT) within 12 months of date of hire.
• All regular, non-temporary positions assigned to this classification are represented by a labor union and subject to the terms and conditions of the CWA Collective Bargaining Agreement.
• Employees who provide services or work in patient care or clinical areas are required to be in compliance with the University's influenza vaccination requirement.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

• Moderate physical activity. Requires handling of average-weight objects up to 25 pounds or standing and/or walking for more than four (4) hours per day.
• Work may involve moderate exposure to unusual elements, such as extreme temperatures, dirt, dust, fumes, smoke, unpleasant odors, and/or loud noises.

The University of New Mexico provides all training required by OSHA to ensure employee safety.

Revised Date: 05/04/2021