POSITION OBJECTIVE

The Animal Husbandry Technician is a member of the Animal Resource Center (ARC) animal husbandry team. The animal husbandry technician is responsible for the day-to-day care of research animals according to established protocols and in compliance with applicable regulations. This position will maintain the health and well-being of research animals and monitor animals to identify health-related problems, dietary needs, overcrowding and cage conditions. The husbandry technician is primarily responsible for identifying and documenting conditions that adversely affect the health of the animals. This documentation provides researchers and veterinary personnel with critical information to ensure that research progresses without interruptions caused by disease, damaged equipment and overcrowded conditions. The husbandry technician also has the primary responsibility of administering special diets, assuring animals have adequate water and food and administering any other special needs.

Animal Resource Center staff members are responsible for maintaining the health and well-being of the university's research animals; and therefore, play a vital role in supporting the School of Medicine's research efforts. Animal husbandry technicians and all other Animal Resource Center staff must enjoy working with and caring for animals and appreciate the value of animals in research. The university's animal facilities are accredited by the Association for the Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care (AAALAC) and is managed according to the "Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals" appropriate Federal Animal Welfare Regulations, and the Public Health Service "Policy on the Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals." This position, and all animal research personnel, are subject to internal compliance to ARC standard operating procedures and to compliance regulations of the Animal Welfare Act, Public Health Service Policy, AAALAC guidelines, the State of Ohio Veterinary Practice Act, Federal Drug Enforcement Administration regulatory guidelines, US Food and Drug Administration Center for Veterinary Medicine regulations and other applicable regulatory guidelines.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Feed and water animals, change cage bedding, change animals from dirty to clean cages and disinfect animal quarters. Observe animals during this process and note and report anything unusual that may indicate problems with the animals such as health related problems, housing/caging, overcrowded conditions, food or water problems. (34%)

Inspect animals in assigned area daily and reports abnormalities to animal husbandry manager, team leader and/or veterinary staff. (10%)

Use a handheld or stationary tablet device to perform animal health observations, animal inventory and daily checklist in a data software application. (10%)

Perform routine housekeeping duties to maintain animal rooms. Clean and keep areas neat and free of clutter per United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care (AAALAC) guides (counters, sinks, carts, etc.). (8%)

Remove dead animals from cages, tag and label with identifying data, prepare death certificates, and place in post-mortem refrigerator and notify responsible veterinarian. (6%)

Assist research investigators and attending veterinarians in handling, manipulation and treatment of animals within the Animal Resource Center. Following specific instructions, administer medication or experimental materials to animals. (6%)

Maintain compliance to ARC policies and all applicable regulations for animal research care and attend training as required. (6%)

Wear necessary personal protective clothing and equipment per policy; take additional precautions when assigned to special areas housing animals, e.g., in microi