Biocontainment Animal Technician, Animal Resources Center - Service Department (Galveston)

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY:

UTMB Health strives to provide equal opportunity employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or any other basis protected by institutional policy or by federal, state or local laws unless such distinction is required by law. As a Federal Contractor, UTMB Health takes affirmative action to hire and advance protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

Minimum Qualifications:

High School or equivalent. Minimum of two years' experience working in an animal facility or validated completion of the military occupational school (MOS\: 68T -Animal Care Specialist). This position requires DOJ clearance within six months. 

LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS OR CERTIFICATIONS

Required:

• AALAS LAT certified or exam eligible (must successfully pass exam within 6 months of start date).

JOB DESCRIPTION

Within a biocontainment environment, provides for the research and veterinary support of laboratory animals in a humane, safe, and sanitary manner using appropriate equipment and established procedures up to ABSL4.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Maintains qualifications to enter ABSL2, ABSL3, and ABSL4

• Performs veterinary functions utilizing bio-hazardous substances

• Assists in compilation of statistical data and engages in long-range planning of research support
• Maintains knowledge of biohazard operations and systems
• Determines appropriate animal housing systems according to specific regulations within a biocontainment environment
• Maintains an animal space allocations IAW regulatory statues
• Assists principal investigator and/or veterinarian(s) in preparation of a technical/surgical procedure(s) and may assist in procedure if required.
• Provides daily husbandry care including feeding and sanitation for multiple small and large species as directed.
• Participates and assists in animal health checks.
• Collects samples and processes diagnostic tests.
• Monitors and cares for pre-operative and post-operative veterinary patients
• Performs anesthetic induction, maintenance, and monitoring.
• Provides aseptic surgical support.
• Cleans and sets up operating room and surgical packs.
• Operates and maintains medical and surgical equipment.
• Exposes and develops radiographs.
• Maintains surgical and veterinary records.
• Performs technical support with all levels of containment.
• Effectively and professionally communicates with veterinarians, leadership, and research staff.

Marginal or Periodic Functions:

• Adheres to internal controls and reporting structure.
• Performs related veterinary or biocontainment duties as required or assigned.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT/EQUIPMENT

The environment includes a high containment animal facility where pregnancy may become a personnel safety factor in some laboratory animal support duties. Potential exposure includes radiation and/or biohazards. Job may require completion of appropriate vaccinations.

Various personal protective equipment (PPE) including use of Personal Air Purifying Respirator (PAPR), positive pressure ventilated suit, and other support equipment used in a laboratory animal science containment facility. Standard office equipment, including computer systems.
 

*Official Regulatory Statement for Healthcare jobs’ Job Descriptions: May be exposed to such occupational hazards as infectious diseases, blood-borne pathogens, ionizing & non-ionizing radiation, hazardous medications, and disoriented or combative patients or others.

SALARY RANGE

Commensurate with experience.