Animal Care Specialist I/II

Pacific BioLabs is an independent CRO providing cGMP/GLP testing in toxicology, biocompatibility, pharmacology, analytical chemistry, and microbiology. We are currently hiring to support our clients in the pharmaceutical, biotech, and medical device fields. Join us in our mission to improve public health through science! 

PBL has an immediate opening for an Animal Care Specialist I/II. The Animal Care Specialist is an onsite position which includes responsibility for day-to-day activities within the vivarium, including feeding and watering of animals, cage cleaning, and room sanitization. The position requires rotating weekend and holiday hours.  

RESPONSIBILITIES FOR THE ANIMAL CARE SPECIALIST INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:

• Ensure that all animals housed at the facility are consistently treated in a humane manner as specified in the current NIH Guide and USDA regulations.
• Ensure that the animal colony is presentable and functioning properly during on-site visits from client auditors and/or regulatory agency inspectors.
• Meet all reasonable client expectations (conveyed by Study Directors or management) as these pertain to animal availability and priority testing.
• Participate in creating and maintaining an atmosphere of cleanliness and teamwork throughout the vivarium.
• Order, requisition, receive and store feed, miscellaneous animal care supplies, and animals according to applicable PBL SOPs.
• Feed and water all animals in the colony daily according to applicable PBL SOPs.
• Sanitize animal cages, racks, and water bottles according to applicable PBL SOPs.
• Prepare cleaning solutions (used to sanitize animal rooms), and periodic cleaning and disinfecting of animal rooms, including bedding changes for all animals, according to applicable PBL SOPs.
• Maintain proper animal records according to applicable PBL SOPs.
• Consistently operate in compliance with GMP/GLP regulations as these pertain to studies involving animal care.
• Participate in training of incoming animal care staff.
• Participate in facility maintenance projects (e.g. cage repair, environmental control/monitoring, etc.).
• Participate in other tasks or special projects as needed to provide appropriate animal care and high-quality service to technical staff.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

• Experience with laboratory animal husbandry procedures preferred.

SKILLS

• Basic language and communication skills required. Must be able to clearly communicate with management and co-workers regarding job priorities and responsibilities on a daily basis.
• Must be able to cooperate well with others and work as part of a team. Must be capable of working with persons from diverse backgrounds.
• Job requires optimal use of hands, arms, and legs.
• Must be able to lift objects weighing up to 35 lbs.
• Must be able to work in close proximity to laboratory animals (including mice, rats, rabbits, guinea pigs). Must be tolerant of animal odors.
• Must be able to withstand prolonged physical activity (walking, standing, bending, repetitive motion) for up to three hours at a time, and for up to eight hours on a given day.
• Must be flexible in work hours including weekends and holidays

The pay range for this position is $23.00 to $26.00 per hour. The base pay offered will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the candidate’s job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors. This position will be eligible for medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401k, and other benefits.

PBL is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. PBL considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veterans’ status, or any other legally protected factors.