Maintenance Technician

The Division of Comparative Medicine (DCM) is responsible for the care of all vertebrate animals on the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC-CH) campus. DCM is committed to programs of excellence in veterinary care and laboratory animal management practices for all species used in UNC-CH research endeavors.

A staff of more than 170 professional, technical, and administrative personnel provides quality animal care to a daily population of over 200,000 animals located in 26 animal facilities on and off the UNC campus. Federal funding and foundations sponsor over $1 billion in research on the UNC campus conducted by the Schools of Medicine, Dentistry, Public Health, Pharmacy, as well as the Departments of Biology, Chemistry, and Psychology.

A major responsibility of the Division’s veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and laboratory technicians is the health care and humane use of all animals. The Division’s program is reviewed semi-annually by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee, and has been accredited by the Association for the Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care International (AAALAC) since 1973. DCM and the University also meet U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Public Health Service standards and regulations. As laboratory animal specialists they provide a comprehensive program of veterinary care, offer technical advice and assistance, and provide needed laboratory and research core services for teaching and research purposes.

Assists in the maintenance and oversight of the Division’s sixteen animal facilities and equipment, including over 700 animal cage racks, over 400 air handling units for the ventilated racks, over 500 hoods and other miscellaneous equipment. Assures that all equipment is maintained in optimal working order. Position is constantly moving equipment for changing departmental needs, renovations and repairs to equipment. Organize and store equipment in four offsite warehouse locations. Assist in managing DCM owned and Motor Fleet leased vehicles for the department. Arrange preventative maintenance appointments and repairs and coordinate getting vehicles to the vehicle care center. Assemble equipment and repair equipment as needed.

High school diploma or equivalency; or demonstrated possession of the competencies necessary to perform the work. Some positions may require special licenses or certification. Optional Guidelines: xperience in the trade(s) areas related to the area of assignment may be substituted on a year-for-year basis.

• Working Knowledge of the principles and practices of a variety of maintenance needs, vehicle care, warehouse organization, etc.
• Working Knowledge of the types and uses of the tools and equipment used for this position.
• Working knowledge of computers and the ability to learn and use various database programs.
• Ability to plan a work schedule.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with Division Staff, Facilities Services personnel, laboratory staff.

Experience in an animal setting

• Ability to move/lift 50 pounds with or without accommodation.
• Repair of equipment requires a great deal of effort, including moving, bending, squatting, lifting, utilizing hand tools and power equipment, etc.
• The amount of equipment to be maintained is quite varied, requiring a great deal of visual attention, concentration, and manipulative skills.

Not Applicable.