ANML TCHN PRN (Prn Anml Tchn - Outdoor Colony)

Department Purpose

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 the direction of the Animal Resources Supervisor, provide LEAD support as well as perform all aspects of animal husbandry in the outdoor colony environment. Incumbent will perform, oversee and assign technicians in providing the daily care of nonhuman primates including feeding, watering, animal health observations and providing environmental enrichment, following established schedules and practices which includes assuring animal husbandry, preventive health programs, and technical support with experimental procedures are completed with quality assurance. Perform technical services such as; blood, tissue, urine/feces collection, administering prophylactic treatments and injections. Handles, identifies, receives and transports animals. Monitors and records environmental parameters and conditions. Understand implementation of infection control and Specific Pathogen Free (SPF) practices; provide technical assistance as directed by faculty and researchers, SOPs and IACUC protocols related to the care and welfare of non-human primates used in biomedical research. Work requires performing sanitization duties such as; decontaminating, cleaning, disinfection and sterilization of outdoor cages, field corrals and enclosures, primary enclosures, ancillary areas and equipment, which requires strict adherence to established standard operating procedures while performing duties to assure the appropriate use of personal protective equipment (PPE). Initiates and maintains, animal health records, census sheets, and other essential records. Restocks supply inventories, sets up equipment and processes bio-hazardous waste. Operates and maintains equipment such as; autoclaves, cage-washers, bedding disposal units, and bio-safety cabinets, auto water systems, etc. Performs minor preventative maintenance duties and integrated pest management tasks following established schedules. Participates in pre-study meetings, continuing education and training classes as directed. Assist with health surveillance, microbiological testing and quality assurance programs. Participates in standard operating procedures development. Day-to-day responsibilities also include assuring outdoor animal areas and work areas clean and sanitized according to SOPs, environmental maintenance/monitoring/climate control, employee training and safety, and assist in compliance management, in addition to performing Senior-level Animal Technician tasks, which includes but not limited to providing technical assistance as directed by faculty and researchers, SOPs and IACUC protocols related to the care and welfare of non-human primates used in biomedical research. Day-to-day responsibility for environmental maintenance, basic animal care, employee safety, and conducting proper technical procedures as requested by supervisors, principal investigators, or veterinarians.

POSITION INFORMATION

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Restrain animal for prolonged periods of time.
• Position self to move and handle a variety of animals weighing up to 40 pounds.
• Move up to 70 lbs. of soil in a wheelbarrow.
• Repeated lifting of cages that weigh 55-130 lbs. Lift and move loaded animal transfer cages weighing up to 50 lbs. to cage elevations 7 feet high.
• Handle diversified tasks that may often require squatting, kneeling, bending, stooping or standing standing up to 8 hours per day.
• Position self to maneuver feeds and bedding materials.
• Handle, move, and transport animals.
• Substantial contact with animals, including repeated capture and prolonged restraint of animals.
• Push rolling cages/racks that may weigh from 250-600 pounds.
• Lift and move a 25 pound sack of chow.
• Wear protective clothing for extended periods of time including: gown, coveralls, gloves, masks, face shields, goggles, sleeves and head covers.
• Daily work requires standing upright, particularly for sustained periods of time.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Measles vaccination and/or proof of vaccination. This position is subject to Medical Surveillance procedures and review in accordance with Federal and State Laws and Regulations and University Policy. TB test or chest x-ray, blood sample, counseling/orientation interview with Occupational Medicine is required before employment and annually thereafter.
• Employee shall participate in required preventative medical and medical monitoring programs to meet Federal, State and University requirements.
• Perform assigned duties in BioSafety Level (ABSL) 1, 2, or 3 facility where nonhuman primates may be either naturally or experimentally infected with potentially hazardous infectious agents 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.
• Employee is personally responsible for following health and safety guidelines/instructions.
• Work outdoors on uneven ground daily throughout the year, including rain, warmer to hot temperatures, or cold weather that is consistent with Northern California climate. -Restricted vacation during peak workload periods. Work irregular shifts, including overtime, occasional weekends, holidays, and evenings 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

Additional Minimum License/Certification:

• American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) technician certification: Animal Technician (ALAT) or Laboratory Animal Technician (LAT)

Minimum Education/Experience:           

• Experience in providing animal care and working with midsize to large animal species (such as nonhuman primates) and prior experience with Specific Pathogen Fee (SPF) animals and biocontainment (BSL-2, BSL-3) programs and facilities.
• Experience in the concepts of applied program operations management in animal care, husbandry, and compliance monitoring management.
• Journey-level experience as a Senior Animal Technician, including technical expertise in all areas of primate husbandry, quarantine, animal laboratory safety, health, handling techniques, and breeding programs and training in administering IM injections, standard dosing procedures including IM, SUBQ, ID and performing venipuncture and sample collection of nonhuman primates as well as biohazard containment procedures necessary for performance in BioSafety Level (ABSL) 2+ or 3 outdoor facility.
• Experience in the implementation of protocols and SOPs governing the use of teaching/research animals. Applied knowledge of animal shipping conventions and quarantine requirements.

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA) :

• Technical skills to recognize changes in animal physical appearance or behavior, including assessing the condition of animals and making the appropriate judgment to determine when an animal requires veterinary attention.
• Ability, skills, and knowledge of biosafety (2+) and bio-surveillance and familiarity with the different types of diagnostics available for infectious diseases.
• Applied knowledge of regulations pertaining to husbandry of research animals including, USDA and AAALAC.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Preferred Education/Experience:            

• Experience working in a large research and animal facility to include combination of supporting complex research animal work environment, project management, and customer service in the implementation of animal care and procedures.
• Experience in applied basic biology, preventative health management practices and research practices. Applied knowledge of State and federal laws related to animal care.
• Animal care experience to include experience in specialized housing techniques and working with complex animal models such as non-human primates.
• Experience in Animal Sciences and Animal Behavior from which comparable skills can be acquired.
• Experience in performing both complex and advanced animal technical support and para veterinary techniques including injections and administering medications.
• Experience handling and training primates, including capture and physical restraint of macaques.
• Team Leader experience that includes, recruitment and selection, training, directing, and evaluating staff work performance, taking necessary and appropriate corrective action through training and mentorship to effectively train and manage technical staff and student employees.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA) :

• Interpersonal, written, and oral communications skills to effectively interact with a wide range of students, staff and faculty. Ability to use Microsoft and Intranet applications.
• Effective analytical and problem-solving skills, and good attention to detail.
• Ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing with subordinates, peers, supervisor, investigators, UCD support services staff, research staff and veterinarians.
• Business writing skills to compose reports, business letters, and required correspondence for all personnel matters.
• Knowledge of Standard Operating Procedures in animal care to record data in compliance with Good Laboratory Practice Guidelines.
• Skills to capture animals in a net within a half-acre enclosure on uneven terrain.
• Ability to use autoclaves, cage washers, and hoists as well as operating motor vehicles and a forklift.
• Ability to assist in maintaining inventory of consumables, routine equipment maintenance and attention to facilities.

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.

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