ANML TCHN (Animal Technician - Husbandry)

The California National Primate Research Center, CNPRC at UC Davis, is an Organized Research Unit that conducts interdisciplinary research programs on significant human health problems where non-human primates is the animal of choice. In addition to its major efforts in the area of research, the CNPRC is also committed to both UC Davis and NIH missions of teaching and service.

Job Summary

Under supervision of the Animal Care Supervisor, perform routine animal care tasks in the indoor animal colony with duties that include observing animals for abnormal behavior, health monitoring, feed animals, and clean animal rooms and cages. Provide basic animal care, technical and experimental assistance. Provide routine animal care, technical and experimental project support services and study support services to research Principal Investigators (PIs), which includes performing technical laboratory animal procedures requiring various levels of biohazard containment in the indoor nonhuman primate colony, such as monitoring and assessing health condition and technical procedures. Works under minimal supervision in compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, industry standards governing animal research (NIH/OLAW/AAALAC) and all safety procedures according to NIH standards and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
Adhere to regulations, guidelines, and policies to ensure that animals are provided appropriate care to promote physical and psychological well-being and minimize discomfort. Employee is required to work with animals (nonhuman primates) that are either naturally or experimentally infected with potentially hazardous infectious agents such as HIV, SIV, Herpes B virus

Position Information

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Repetitive lifting and/or moving loaded animal transfer cages weighing 35 pounds to cage elevations 7 feet high.
• Lift and move a 25-pound sack of chow.
• Push rolling cages that may weigh from 250-600 pounds.
• Perform diversified tasks that may require squatting, kneeling, bending, stooping, or standing.
  Restrain animals for prolonged periods of time.
• Position self to move and handle a variety of animals weighing up to 40 pounds.
• Substantial contact with animals, including repeated capture and prolonged restraint of animals.
• Wear protective clothing for extended periods of time including: gown, coveralls, gloves, masks, face shields, goggles, sleeves and head covers.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Measles vaccination or proof of illness required. This position is subject to Medical Surveillance procedures and review in accordance with Federal and State Laws and Regulations and University Policy.
• Employee shall participate in required preventative medical and medical monitoring programs which may include blood tests, immunizations, TB screening, Blood borne and Airborne Pathogen training, etc., and are provided to meet Federal, State and University requirements.
• Must be willing to perform assigned duties in BioSafety Level (BSL) 1, 2, or 3 facility where nonhuman primates may be either naturally or experimentally infected with potentially hazardous diseases such as HIV, SIV, or Herpes B virus.
• Required to wear protective clothing and respirator in circumstances that require personal protection from infectious diseases and animals.
• Restricted vacation during peak workload periods. Work irregular shifts, including weekends, holidays, and evenings. Work overtime, occasional weekends on short notice.
• California National Primate Research Center employees are directly or indirectly engaged in the performance of work on Federal or State contracts and grants as well as periodically come into contact with controlled substances; and are expected to abide by the UC Policy on Substance Abuse, the Federal Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988, and the State Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1990.
• The Smoke and Tobacco Free Environment policy is intended to provide a healthier, safer, and more productive work and learning environment for the entire UC community. The University of California prohibits smoking and tobacco use at all University owned or leased properties, or facilities operated by UC staff or faculty. Smoking and tobacco use are strictly prohibited in indoor and outdoor spaces, parking lots, residential space, and University vehicles. https://ucdavispolicy.ellucid.com/documents/view/271

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Education/Experience:

• Six months to one year of relevant work experience in animal care or equivalent combination of education and training.
• Work experience in performing animal care husbandry duties, which includes having considerable knowledge of the care, feeding, and handling of laboratory animals; considerable knowledge of the biology and physical characteristics of a wide variety of animals used in research and teaching.
• Experience to recognize changes in animal physical appearance or behavior, which includes the ability to recognize signs of illness or abnormality as well as to make accurate observations.

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA):

• Skills and ability to handle laboratory animals in a manner that avoids injury to self or animals, and to exercise basic principles of animal care related to disease control, pest control, sanitation, and environmental enrichment.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Preferred License/Certification:

• Animal Technician (ALAT) or Laboratory Animal Technician (LAT) certifications or equivalent experience. Eligible to obtain certification to be certified as a laboratory Animal Technician by the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) within one year from date of hire.

Preferred Education/Experience:             

• Experience in specialty area such as nonhuman primate facilities, barrier, hazard containment and animal facility.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA):

• Knowledge of NIH, OLAW, USDA regulations and AALAS practices and Protocols pertaining to primate non-human animal models.
• Skill to pay strict attention to detail and knowledge to recognize changes in animal physical appearance or behavior.
• Effective communications skills (written and oral) to convey complex technical issues to Colony Management and academic research professional that include skills in customer service and have a collaborative attitude.
• Skills and ability to follow oral and written instructions given by shift supervisors, manager, and/or faculty/researchers.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Background Check

This position is a critical position and subject to a background check. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of background investigation including criminal history and identity checks. 

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging

At UC Davis, we’re solving life’s most urgent challenges to bring a fuller, healthier, and more resilient world within reach. We grow from every challenge we take on and we don’t just maintain - we improve.

We recognize that creating an inclusive and intellectually vibrant organization means understanding and valuing both our individual differences and our common ground. The most comprehensive solutions come from the most diverse minds, and you belong here. 

As you consider joining UC Davis, please explore our Principles of Community , our Clinical Strategic Plan and strategic vision for research and education, and our latest efforts to outgrow the expected .

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer advancing inclusive excellence.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories covered by the UC nondiscrimination policy.