Animal Technician

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INITIAL REVIEW DATE (IRD)

Application materials submitted by 11:59 pm on the IRD will be routed to the hiring unit for consideration. Materials submitted after the IRD will ONLY be forwarded at the request of the hiring unit. To ensure your application is routed for consideration, submit your materials before 11:59 p.m. on the IRD.  Talent Acquisition cannot accept application materials outside of the jobs portal, and is unable to update submitted applications on an applicant's behalf, or forward communications to the hiring units. For more information about the IRD and the applicant review process, view this link .

The IRD for this job is: 02-21-2024

ABOUT UC SANTA CRUZ

UC Santa Cruz is a public university like no other in California, combining the experience of a small, liberal arts college with the depth and rigor of a major research university. It's known as an unconventional place where innovation and experimentation is part of the campus's DNA. That playful, bold spirit still thrives today, all on a campus renowned as among the most beautiful in the world.

JOB SUMMARY

Under the supervision of the Director of Research Training and Head Trainer, the incumbent will perform animal care and husbandry tasks in support of several projects related to metabolism and physiology of Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, Hawaiian monk seals, sea otters, and other pinniped species. Incumbent will be expected to manage and ensure the completion of all aspects of animal care and behavioral conditioning, facility maintenance, and volunteer staff management, and general administrative duties. Incumbent will also be expected to use SCUBA for the weekly maintenance and inspection of the animal habitats.

APPOINTMENT INFORMATION

Budgeted Salary: $23.53 - $25.38/hour.  Salary commensurate with skills, qualifications and experience.
Under California law, the University of California, Santa Cruz is required to post a reasonable estimate of the compensation for this role. The salary shown above is the budgeted amount the University reasonably expects to pay and the salary extended should not exceed this posted amount.

Benefits Level Eligibility: Full benefits

Schedule Information:

• Full-time, Fixed
• Percentage of Time: 100%, 40 Hours per Week
• Days of the Week: Mon-Fri including weekends and possibly evenings in the event of animal emergency.
• Shift Includes: Day, Evenings, Weekend

Employee Classification: Career appointment 

Job End Date: None

Work Location: UC Santa Cruz Main Campus

Union Representation: TX Union

Job Code Classification: 009525 (ANML TCHN)

Travel: Never or Rarely

JOB DUTIES

60% - Animal Training and Husbandry

• Performs all animal and volunteer management tasks in the absence of the Program Manager and Head Trainer.
• Reports any animal health concerns to Director of Research Training and Campus Veterinarian and follows health plans as given.
• Applies behavioral conditioning techniques with a variety of marine mammals and bird species for physical and mental fitness.

20% - Administrative Duties and General Facility Support

• Maintains animal records and personnel files.
• Reviews and reports quantities of animal consumables and laboratory supplies.
• Maintains and updates standard operating procedures manual and work manual.
• Ensures completion of all facility maintenance and habitat cleaning.

10% - Education Outreach

• Helps develop and run education and outreach programs including leading educational demos.
• Helps run Ocean Explorer's summer program and interfaces with staff from the Seymour Marine Discovery Center.

10% - Mentorship and Supervision

• Oversees development and progression of volunteers.
• Makes recommendations for improved performance of volunteers, including creating team building opportunities.
• Keeps abreast of current field resources and educates volunteers with regard to opportunities.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Graduation from high school, completion of training equivalent to the Laboratory Animal Technician certification of the AALAS, and two years of marine animal care experience; or high school graduation and three years of marine animal care experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience with animal husbandry and behavioral conditioning techniques with marine mammals and avian species.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to exercise flexibility, initiative, good judgment, and discretion.
• Strong problem-solving abilities.
• Familiarity with and willingness to participate in Ocean Explorer's Summer Camp.
• Thorough knowledge and experience in operant conditioning as it relates to behavioral conditioning with animals.
• Thorough knowledge and experience in classical conditioning as it relates to behavioral conditioning with animals.
• Scientific SCUBA Dive Certification or ability to obtain shortly after employment. Letter of reciprocity from approved AAUS institution will suffice under approval from UCSC Diving Safety Officer.
• In accordance with AAUS requirements to maintain active Scientific SCUBA dive certification, must possess active CPR/First Aid/AED certification or be able to obtain within 60 days from hire date.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's Degree in (Marine) Biology, Psychology, Environmental Sciences, or similar.
• Experience working with the Marine Mammal Physiology Project at Long Marine Laboratory.
• Experience managing life support systems including (but not limited to): performing back flushes of sand filters, monitoring water chemistries, mending nets, utilizing power tools, and ability to operate and maintain robust underwater scrubbers.
• Knowledge of and ability to apply educational techniques.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• Selected candidate will be required to pass a pre-employment criminal history background check.
• Must possess a valid license to drive in the state of California.
• Must possess CPR/First Aid/AED certification or have the ability to obtain it within 60-calendar days of hire.
• Ability to perform work in a rugged physical environment and inclement weather with challenging infrastructure requirements.
• Ability to ascend/descend ladders with or without accommodation.
• Ability to safely perform the physical requirements necessary to move light to moderate objects up to 60 lbs. to shoulder level, with or without accommodation.
• The selected candidate will be required to work all scheduled hours on-site.
• Ability to work a variable schedule including evenings and weekends.
• Ability to respond to emergencies after hours as necessary.
• Selected candidate will be required to complete training within established time frames as directed including UC compliance training.
• Ability to wear proper safety attire (long pants, closed-toe shoes, etc.) and personal protective equipment common in a laboratory setting.
• Ability to work for long periods of time while standing or kneeling.
• Ability to work in the outdoors, in inclement weather, and in or around water.
• The University of California has implemented a Vaccination Policy covering all employees. Employees, including new hires, are required to comply with any applicable policies relating to the University of California vaccine program.
• Per the Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act (CANRA), this position has been identified as a Mandated Reporter. The selected candidate will be required to report known or suspected child abuse or neglect as defined by CANRA and will be required to sign a Statement Acknowledging Requirement to Report Child Abuse prior to commencing employment. CANRA Penal Codes, and related definitions, requirements, and responsibilities may be obtained here .

SAFETY STATEMENT

All UCSC employees must understand and follow job safety procedures, attend required health and safety training, proactively promote safety at work, and promptly report actual and potential accidents and injuries.

EEO/AA

The University of California is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status. UC Santa Cruz is committed to excellence through diversity and strives to establish a climate that welcomes, celebrates, and promotes respect for the contributions of all students and employees.