This is an Evergreen job posting for future consideration whereas a position may not be available for immediate hiring. Applications will be reviewed for future openings, and candidates may be contacted as positions become available.

About The Position

The Animal Care Technician provides humane non-veterinary care and husbandry for animals needed to support medical research at the VA Puget Sound. Species housed include rodents and rabbits, and as part of a team, the Animal Care Technician provides support to research investigations that require animal subjects.

This is an on-site position at the VA Puget Sound Health Care System Center in Tacoma, WA.

Compensation

$21.25/Hr. Salaries are determined based on several factors including external market data, internal equity, and the candidate’s related knowledge, skills, and abilities for the position.

Qualifications

• Must have at least 6 months of experience caring for animals in a professional setting such as a research animal facility, veterinary hospital, zoo, breeding facility, or pet store 

• Must have knowledge of principles of animal breeding, or animal care and management 

• Knowledge of normal animal behavior and understanding of ethical care obligations 

• Knowledge of sanitation practices 

• A working knowledge of and experience applying principles and requirements of the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, and the US Animal Welfare Act is preferred 

• Certification by The American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) as an Assistant Laboratory Technician is preferred but not required

• Ability to work in a computer database, to send and receive email messages, and to complete online training modules  

• Must be organized, attentive to detail, and possess a positive, friendly, and professional demeanor  

• Must be flexible with changing priorities and able to communicate in a diplomatic and professional manner 

• Must be comfortable working with animals

• Willing to work rotating five-day work schedules to include weekends and National Holidays 

Background Check Requirements

• US Citizenship is required for this position 

• Being subject to VA’s Drug-Free Workplace Policy 

• Undergo Mantoux test (PPD test) within fourteen (14) calendar days of start date and prior service 

• Undergo Hepatitis B Vaccination 10 days from start date 

• Undergo NACI level clearance so a PIV card or a VA badge can be issued 

Responsibilities

• Undergo site-specific training provided by the VA 

• Consistently provide and promote humane housing conditions, gentle handling, and secure restraint of animals 

• Ensure animal welfare and safety and report animal safety incidents within 24 hours 

• Work independently and as part of a team to provide husbandry for animals needed in biomedical research investigations, primarily rodents (mice and rats), and some rabbits

• Work with animals that may bite, scratch, or kick 

• Daily responsibilities include observation of animals for health, supplying animal feed and water, maintenance and cleaning of animal housing, housing, and procedure rooms and equipment, changing cages, cleaning and preparing cages, disposing of waste, stocking supplies such as food and bedding 

• Adhere to Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Good Laboratory Practices (GLP), and infection control procedures 

• Ability to operate equipment including autoclaves, cage-washers, floor scrubbers, lift carts, bedding dispensers, biosafety cabinets, water-pouch fillers, and fume hoods 

• Ability to work while wearing personal protective equipment including gloves, goggles, face shields, hearing protection, and Powered Air Purifying Respirators 

• Ability to work safely following safety protocols with research hazards including pathogens of Biosafety Level 1 or 2, toxins, and carcinogens. 

• Utilize the VA computer system, including but not limited to checking and inputting electronic reports daily for accuracy and completeness, working in the research animal database to record animal data and print reports and labels, receiving and sending VA email communications, completing required online training 

• Participate in activities of the VAMC that are designed to meet the requirements of this position 

• Lift up to 40 lbs 

• Maintain accurate and detailed records 

• Other duties as assigned by the PI/technical lead and corporate manager