Animal Care Specialist

JOB SUMMARY

Under the general supervision of a designated administrator, the Animal Care Specialist will coordinate animal care functions and facilities for Animal Care Services and provide standard technical research assistance. 

Animal Care Services (ACS) provides animal husbandry and veterinary care for vertebrate animals housed at the Storrs Campus, excluding the farm animals under the supervision of the Department of Animal Science. ACS veterinarians have University-wide responsibilities for assisting faculty and the IACUC  in protocol review, facility inspections, and training. The Animal Care and Use Program is accredited by AAALAC International.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Responsible for the import/export of all non-vendor animals within the ACS vivaria. Evaluates the health reports for all imported animals to ensure biosecurity.
• Administers a program of general clinical care for animals used for research and instructional purposes; works in cooperation with supervisor and PIs to ensure compliance with federal regulations, approved research protocols, and standards of good health, including assisting in post-approval monitoring and protocol deviation/adverse event/unexpected outcome reporting.
• Works in conjunction with employees engaged in animal care work with regard to clinical care. Routinely conducts animal clinical rounds, including informing PIs of clinical cases, and assisting with anesthesia/pre-op and post-op care.
• Evaluates training needs of animal care workers; makes recommendations and works with supervisor to provide training programs related to proper standards of animal care for both PIs, students, and ACS employees, including vivarium orientation, euthanasia, breeding, weaning, aseptic technique, anesthesia etc. Responsible for writing SOPs to meet these needs.
• Works cooperatively with supervisor and others to ensure continuing maintenance and upgrading of animal facilities and related major equipment such as anesthesia equipment, euthanasia equipment, monitoring equipment, collection of facility quality control samples; assists in performing routine maintenance and repair of clinical care equipment; follows up to resolve problems.
• Maintains appropriate inventory of clinical care supplies, drugs, and controlled substances and submits orders; retains records for animal accounting, inventory supplies, and research, as appropriate.
• May assist in receiving new animals and checks to ensure animals meet established standards of good health; alerts supervisor and others to problems.
• Performs standard laboratory research techniques and may maintain specialized animal colonies, which require technical laboratory skills, knowledge of research protocols, precise data collection and data analysis, including sentinel and quarantine animal testing collection, sentinel/quarantine program coordination, and working with PIs on collection of study related samples as needed.
• Assists with comprehensive studies and reports regarding space, equipment, costs, and staffing needs; makes recommendations for improvements.
• May assist with animal work-ups, including pre-surgical preparation, quarantining, inoculating, and diagnostic testing.
• Performs related duties as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s degree in animal science, veterinary technology, biology, or a related field and two years of related experience; OR an Associate’s degree in veterinary technology/technical sciences, biology, or a related field and at least four years of experience.

Demonstrated clinical and technical expertise with a variety of species including providing anesthesia/surgical support.

Ability to work professionally, cooperatively, and effectively with faculty, technicians, animal care workers, students, inspectors, regulators, and veterinarians. Superior interpersonal skills and the ability to maintain confidentiality are essential.

Good time management and organization skills with the ability to maintain accurate and compliant records and reports.

Excellent verbal and written skills with demonstrated computer skills in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Active veterinary technician certification/license (CVT, RVT, LVT, LVMT) in good standing in at least one state within the US.

Certification by the American Association of Laboratory Animal Science at the ALAT Level or ability to attain within 9 months of hire.

AALAS certification at the LAT or LATg Level.

Knowledge of standard laboratory practice and research protocols.

At least two years of work experience with animals in an academic or research environment.

Knowledge of Federal Animal Welfare Act regulations, IACUC regulations, and the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals.

Familiarity with poultry or small birds or with aquarium fish.

APPOINTMENT TERMS

This is a full-time, permanent position with an excellent benefits package including medical and retirement, as well as employee and tuition waivers at the University of Connecticut. This position is considered “Emergency Support” and the incumbent must report to the work location during inclement weather. An annual flu shot vaccination is required. Other rights, terms, and conditions of employment are contained in the collective bargaining agreement between the University of Connecticut and the University of Connecticut Professional Employees Association (UCPEA).

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Employment of the successful candidate is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background check.

TO APPLY

Please apply online at https://hr.uconn.edu/jobs , Staff Positions, Search #498256 to upload a resume, cover letter, and contact information for three (3) professional references.

This job posting is scheduled to be removed at 11:55 p.m. Eastern time on April 12, 2024. 

All employees are subject to adherence to the State Code of Ethics which may be found at http://www.ct.gov/ethics/site/default.asp .

All members of the University of Connecticut are expected to exhibit appreciation of, and contribute to, an inclusive, respectful, and diverse environment for the University community.

The University of Connecticut aspires to create a community built on collaboration and belonging and has actively sought to create an inclusive culture within the workforce. The success of the University is dependent on the willingness of our diverse employee and student populations to share their rich perspectives and backgrounds in a respectful manner. This makes it essential for each member of our community to feel secure and welcomed and to thoroughly understand and believe that their ideas are respected by all. We strongly respect each individual employee’s unique experiences and perspectives and encourage all members of the community to do the same. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

The University of Connecticut is an AA/EEO Employer.