Animal Care Assistant I

This position is represented by SEIU Local 2007 and the collective bargaining agreement between the university and SEIU Local 2007 governs the terms and conditions of employment.

The Veterinary Service Center within the Department of Comparative Medicine is seeking an Animal Care Assistant 1 to perform the following duties and responsibilities: sanitizing and/or sterilizing animal care/cage equipment according to standard operating procedures, U.S.D.A and NIH guidelines, and any other University and outside government requirements; sanitizing physical plant facilities according to standard operating procedures; placing bedding, food, and water bottles into clean animal cages; transporting animals, cages, supplies, and equipment within animal facilities; providing basic husbandry care of laboratory animals; maintaining records, i.e., census reports and sterilizing temperatures; maintaining the proper operation of sanitizing and sterilizing equipment; conducting general cleaning and housekeeping of cagewash and service areas, including washing walls,  air vents, sinks, doors and doorframes, and feed containers; obtaining food, bedding, chemicals, and supplies from storage areas on a regular  basis to maintain adequate daily inventory; observing for and recognizing signs of illness or death of animals under assigned care and completing the required forms for the Animal Health Care Staff;  complying with governmental regulations and University policies regarding health and safety; observing and supporting good health and safety practices regarding the proper handling of animals and the use of chemicals and equipment.  

The successful candidate must have high personal standards of cleanliness, neatness, and organization. Work duties require manual dexterity, mechanical ability and a conscientious attitude and concern for animals. Must possess ability to keep records and follow detailed oral and written instructions and to communicate clearly and precisely in English. Must be capable of lifting and moving cages, feed, supplies, and equipment of at least 50 pounds. Ability to properly operate a variety of cleaning, sanitizing, sterilizing equipment (including cagewashers, autoclaves, hi-pressure washers, floor scrubbers, etc.).  Must be capable of properly handling and restraining all species of common laboratory animals, have no abnormal fear of any common laboratory species and should be free of animal-related allergies. Previous animal handling experience in a research or animal lab setting and/or certification at the AALAS assistant technician level, or equivalent training preferred. Prefer valid California driver’s license. The candidate selected for this position will complete an Occupational Health Surveillance Questionnaire and may be required to undergo a physical examination and immunizations.  Must observe and support good health and safety practices regarding the use of chemicals and equipment.

About Stanford University:
Stanford University, located between San Francisco and San Jose in the heart of California's Silicon Valley, is one of the world's leading teaching and research universities. Since its opening in 1891, Stanford has been dedicated to finding solutions to big challenges and to preparing students for leadership in a complex world. 

Supporting that mission is a staff of more than 10,000, which is rooted in a culture of excellence and values innovation, collaboration, and life-long learning. To foster the talents and aspirations of our staff, Stanford offers career development programs, competitive pay that reflects market trends and benefits that increase financial stability and promote healthy, fulfilling lives. An award-winning employer, Stanford offers an exceptional setting for professionals looking to advance their careers. 

Stanford University is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer and is committed to recruiting and hiring qualified women, minorities, protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE (REQUIRED):

High School Diploma or GED.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (REQUIRED):

• Ability to operate sterilizing equipment
• Ability to handle small animals
• Demonstrated habits of cleanliness and neatness 
• Ability to keep detailed records pertaining to animal census, cage inventory and cage washing, and sterilizing temperatures 
• Ability to follow oral and/or written instructions in English
• Ability to learn the techniques and procedures required to care for and handle a variety of animals
• Ability to operate a variety of equipment, such as cage washer or sterilizing equipment
• Ability to lift and move a minimum of 50 pounds, e.g., feed bags or cages
• Ability to work in direct contact with animals and all components of animal housing and animal research environment.

CERTIFICATIONS & LICENSES:

When driving, must have a valid California non-Commercial Class C license.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS*:

• Often lift and carry materials weighing up to 40 lbs. 
• Frequently handle materials up to 20 lb .Occasionally carry/pull up to 60 pounds, push over 60 pounds
• Walk/stand for long periods. 
• Bend, squat, reach above shoulder level.
• Often use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls.  
• Required vision abilities including close, distance, color, peripheral and depth perception.
• Ability to talk and to hear.

* - Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of his or her job.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• May be required to work overtime, evenings and weekends, including Holidays, sometimes in inclement weather conditions.
• Work in direct contact with animals and all components of animal housing and animal research environment.  
• May be exposed to dust, fumes or gases, chemicals or toxic substances.

Additional and/or Unusual WORKING CONDITIONS:
The animal care assistant should be free of animal-related allergies and willing and able to undergo a physical examination and all required immunizations. Must be capable of lifting and moving cages, feed, supplies, and equipment of at least 50 pounds. Must observe and support good health and safety practices regarding the use of chemicals and equipment.

WORK STANDARDS (from JDL):

• When conducting university business, must comply with the California Vehicle Code and Stanford University driving requirements.
• Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrates the ability to work well with Stanford colleagues and clients and with external organizations.
• Promote Culture of Safety: Demonstrates commitment to personal responsibility and value for safety; communicates safety concerns; uses and promotes safe behaviors based on training and lessons learned.
• Subject to and expected to comply with all applicable University policies and procedures, including but not limited to the personnel policies and other policies found in the University's Administrative Guide, http://adminguide.stanford.edu and the appropriate collective bargaining agreement at https://cardinalatwork.stanford.edu/hr-processes-policiespolicies/labor-relations-collective-bargaining .
  

As an organization that receives federal funding, Stanford University has a COVID-19 vaccination requirement that will apply to all university employees, including those working remotely in the United States and applicable subcontractors. To learn more about COVID policies and guidelines for Stanford University Staff, please visit https://cardinalatwork.stanford.edu/working-stanford/covid-19/interim-policies/covid-19-surveillance-testing-policy .