Biocontainment Animal Technician, (Animal Resource Center-Service Dept - Galveston)

Minimum Qualifications: 

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

Preferred: 
• n/a

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.

Salary Range:  Actual salary commensurate with experience or range if discussed and approved by hiring authority.

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