Laboratory Animal Enrichment Technician - Comparative Medicine

Position Summary
Provides and documents enrichment for multiple animal species in accordance with departmental SOPs, regulations and guidelines of the Animal Welfare Act and the Public Health Service, to assure a quality animal care program that supports the research and teaching at Washington University. Provides enrichment to contribute to the psychological well-being of multiple species in routine or specialized situations including biohazard, quarantine and bioexclusion.

Job Description

Rotating weekend and holiday work is required.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities ​

• Provides and documents daily environmental enrichment for multiple (USDA and non-USDA covered) species.
• Organizes and performs technical duties, such as preparation, maintenance and distribution of enrichment materials, devices and equipment.
• Researches and develops of new or improved enrichment programs and processes.
• Performs literature searches, networking, and keeps up with changes or trends in the animal enrichment field.
• Reviews and develops of SOPs related to enrichment related activities and processes.
• Trains of various animal species including target training and clicker training.
• Maintains enrichment inventory and construction of enrichment items.  Coordinates sanitation and delivery schedule of enrichment items. Ensures sanitation and rotation of enrichment items to correlate with sanitation schedules.
• Works closely with the veterinary group for process changes, orders and reports behavioral concerns.  
• Assists with husbandry needs of assigned animals as directed by supervisor.
• Assists with specialized projects.
• Performs additional duties as required by the supervisor/manager/department, which may include hands-on training of junior-level technicians.

Working Conditions

Must be able to lift 30 pounds and pass a pre-employment physical exam.

Job Location/Working Conditions

• Requires extensive safety training.
• Alternative work schedules.
• Exposure to chemicals.
• High noise environment.
• On-Call.
• Requires protective devices.
• Dust, dirt, grease or other disagreeable elements.
• Exposure to moving machinery.
• Exposure to animals.

Physical Effort

• Must be able to lift 30 pounds and pass a pre-employment physical exam.
• Typically sitting at desk or table.
• Typically standing or walking.
• Typically bending, crouching and stooping.
• Repetitive wrist, hand or finger movement.
• Occasional lifting (25 – 50 lbs).

Equipment

• Office equipment.
• Lab/research equipment.
• Simple hand tools.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate degree.
• AALAS certification (LAT).
• Three years of experience in laboratory, zoo or similar animal care.
• Obtain AALAS certification at the Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician level (ALAT) within two years.
• Direct experience with animal behavior and/or enrichment programs.
• Ability to comprehend and follow SOPs and written instructions from veterinary, supervisory and research staff.
• Ability to flexibly cover in specialized situations or multiple animal facilities, including swing coverage for absent co-workers.
• Conscientious attitude and concern for quality.

Required Qualifications

• Associate degree in relevant field; or high school diploma or equivalent high school certification and two years of experience in laboratory animal research facility, zoo or similar experience.
• Obtain Purina certification within six months.

Grade
R08-H

Salary Range
$18.40 - $31.31 / Hourly

The salary range reflects base salaries paid for positions in a given job grade across the University. Individual rates within the range will be determined by factors including one's qualifications and performance, equity with others in the department, market rates for positions within the same grade and department budget.

Questions

For frequently asked questions about the application process, please refer to our External Applicant FAQ .

Accommodation

If you are unable to use our online application system and would like an accommodation, please email [email protected]  or call the dedicated accommodation inquiry number at 314-935-1149 and leave a voicemail with the nature of your request.

Pre-Employment Screening
All external candidates receiving an offer for employment will be required to submit to pre-employment screening for this position. The screenings will include criminal background check and, as applicable for the position, other background checks, drug screen, an employment and education or licensure/certification verification, physical examination, certain vaccinations and/or governmental registry checks. All offers are contingent upon successful completion of required screening.

Benefits Statement

Personal

• Up to 22 days of vacation, 10 recognized holidays, and sick time.

• Competitive health insurance packages with priority appointments and lower copays/coinsurance.

• Want to Live Near Your Work and/or improve your commute? Take advantage of our free Metro transit U-Pass for eligible employees. We also offer a forgivable home loan of up to $12,500 for closing costs and a down payment for homes in eligible neighborhoods.

• WashU provides eligible employees with a defined contribution (403(b)) Retirement Savings Plan, which combines employee contributions and university contributions starting at 7%.

Wellness

• Wellness challenges, annual health screenings, mental health resources, mindfulness programs and courses, employee assistance program (EAP), financial resources, access to dietitians, and more!

Family

• We offer 4 weeks of caregiver leave to bond with your new child. Family care resources are also available for your continued childcare needs. Need adult care? We’ve got you covered.

• WashU covers the cost of tuition for you and your family, including dependent undergraduate-level college tuition up to 100% at WashU and 40% elsewhere after seven years with us.

For policies, detailed benefits, and eligibility, please visit: https://hr.wustl.edu/benefits/

EEO/AA Statement
Washington University in St. Louis is committed to the principles and practices of equal employment opportunity and especially encourages applications by those from underrepresented groups. It is the University’s policy to provide equal opportunity and access to persons in all job titles without regard to race, ethnicity, color, national origin, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.

Diversity Statement
Washington University is dedicated to building a diverse community of individuals who are committed to contributing to an inclusive environment – fostering respect for all and welcoming individuals from diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. Individuals with a commitment to these values are encouraged to apply.