Job Information
MD Anderson Cancer Center Animal Technician - Comparative Medicine in Bastrop, Texas
This is a full-time, benefits eligible position located at the Michale E. Keeling Center for Comparative Medicine and Research in Bastrop, Texas.
MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center is to eliminate cancer in Texas, the nation, and the world through outstanding programs that integrate patient care, research and prevention, and through education for undergraduate and graduate students, trainees, professionals, employees and the public.
SUMMARY
The primary purpose of the Animal Technician position is to provide competent technical skills in all areas of animal care in the daily operation of an animal colony within the Department of Comparative Medicine. This position will primarily support the Chimpanzee and SPF Baboon areas and may assist in other animal areas as needed. Works weekends and holidays on a scheduled, rotating basis; may work overtime as authorized by the Manager. This position may be subject to working in biocontainment areas requiring compliance with specific protocols.
JOB SPECIFIC COMPETENCIES
Animal Husbandry and Facility Maintenance
Performs daily husbandry and disposal of waste materials.
Operates cage sanitation equipment.
May assist checking locks of other care staff.
Prepares and distributes daily diet/enrichment.
May provide basic husbandry training to staff.
Participates in positive reinforcement training for maintenance of trained behaviors.
Transports animals which may require specialized training or handling techniques.
Inspects lixit valves and water lines daily to ensure proper function.
Inspects assigned animal areas and maintain rooms, buildings, facilities, and equipment (including enrichment). Reports issues to Supervisor or Team Leader.
Performs microbiologic monitoring (cage surface samples, water testing, water analysis, and sterilization QA/QC).
May assist in shipment preparation procedures.
Performs basic housekeeping and restocks supplies.
Conducts inventory and reports supply needs.
Animal Healthcare and Technical Support
Assists in a variety of technical procedures relating to animal health to include: gross biologics sample collection, transport samples, weaning, tattooing, wound treatment, nail trimming, checking vitals, and physical exams.
Assists in screening animals for gross evidence of infectious and parasitic diseases.
Assists Veterinarians, Supervisors, or Technologist in restraining, administering medications, and injections.
Conducts animal health and behavioral observations. Reports changes in animal behavior and appearance to Supervisor.
May assist with conducting routine observations for clinical cases.
Provides care for special needs animals (including infants).
Assists with projects involving special handling techniques which may require protocol specific personal protective equipment.
Assembles and sterilizes surgical instruments and packs.
Assists in research protocols including GLP protocols.
Administrative and Compliance
Adheres to PPE requirements. Works safely in close proximity to animals.
Ensures appropriate animal access to shelter, food, water and distance from other groups.
Ensures proper cage and building lock procedures are followed.
Responsible for animal identification as required by area.
May need to respond in emergency situations.
Participates in SOP training and consistently follows SOPs and departmental policies.
Responsible for adhering to AAALAC and IACUC standards and USDA/AWA regulations.
Provides timely and accurate documentation and recordkeeping of husbandry and healthcare data (including GLP).
May require proficiency in the use of electronic health records and database applications.
Other duties as assigned.
REQUIREMENTS
Education: High school diploma or equivalent.
Preferred Education: Associate's or Bachelor's degree.
Certification: None.
Preferred Certification: Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT) from the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS).
Experience: Two years of animal care experience in an animal hospital/clinic, research facility or related field. With either preferred degree, no experience required.
Preferred Experience: Experience gained in a university research setting.
Onsite Presence: Is Required
WORKING CONDITIONS
Frequency
Deadlines
--
Electrical
Frequent 34-66%
Exposure to animals
Constant 67-100%
Exposure to blood, bodily fluids, and/or tissue
Frequent 34-66%
Exposure to Radiation
Seldom 3-10%
Extreme Hot/Cold
Frequent 34-66%
Hazardous Chemicals and Materials
Frequent 34-66%
Humid/Dry
Frequent 34-66%
Lighting
Frequent 34-66%
Noise
Constant 67-100%
Operating Equipment
Frequent 34-66%
Outside Work
Frequent 34-66%
Physical Proximity
Frequent 34-66%
Sedentary Environment
Seldom 3-10%
Wearing Protective Equipment
Wet Conditions
Working At Heights
Working on uneven/slippery surface
Constant 67-100%
Frequent 34-66%
Occasionally 11-33%
Frequent 34-66%
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Frequency
Weight
Arm/Hand Steadiness
Frequent 34-66%
--
Balancing
Frequent 34-66%
--
Bending/Stooping
Frequent 34-66%
--
Carrying
Frequent 34-66%
20-50 lbs
Climbing
Frequent 34-66%
--
Crawling
Occasionally 11-33%
--
Depth Perception
Frequent 34-66%
--
Driving
Occasionally 11-33%
--
Dynamic Flexibility
Occasionally 11-33%
--
Eye/Hand Coordination
Frequent 34-66%
--
Fine finger movement
Frequent 34-66%
--
Foot Action
Frequent 34-66%
--
Glare Sensitivity
Frequent 34-66%
--
Handling
Frequent 34-66%
--
Hearing Sensitivity
Frequent 34-66%
--
Keyboarding
Occasionally 11-33%
--
Kneeling
Occasionally 11-33%
--
Lifting
Frequent 34-66%
20-50 lbs
Neck Movements
Frequent 34-66%
--
Night Vision
Frequent 34-66%
--
Olfactory Perception
Frequent 34-66%
--
Pushing/Pulling
Frequent 34-66%
50+ lbs
Reaching
Frequent 34-66%
--
Sitting
Occasionally 11-33%
--
Standing
Constant 67-100%
--
Tactile Perception
Frequent 34-66%
--
Twisting
Occasionally 11-33%
--
Visual Acuity
Frequent 34-66%
--
Visual Color Discrimination
Frequent 34-66%
--
Walking
Constant 67-100%
--
Wrist Motion
Frequent 34-66%
--
Squatting
Occasionally 11-33%
--
COGNITIVE DEMANDS
Analytical Ability
Appropriate Behavior
Attention to detail
Comprehending Creativity
Critical Thinking
Following Instructions
Giving and Receiving Constructive Feedback
Interpersonal Skills
Mathematical Skills/Reasoning
Memorizing/Remembering
Multitasking
Oral Communication
Organizing
Problem Solving
Reading Skills/Comprehension
Responding in emergency situations
Selective Attention
Working Alone
Written Communication
It is the policy of The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center to provide equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by institutional policy or by federal, state or local laws unless such distinction is required by law. http://www.mdanderson.org/about-us/legal-and-policy/legal-statements/eeo-affirmative-action.html
Additional Information
Requisition ID: 154739
Employment Status: Full-Time
Employee Status: Regular
Work Week: Days, Weekends
Minimum Salary: US Dollar (USD) 36,700
Midpoint Salary: US Dollar (USD) 44,000
Maximum Salary : US Dollar (USD) 51,400
FLSA: non-exempt and eligible for overtime pay
Fund Type: Soft
Work Location: Onsite
Pivotal Position: No
Referral Bonus Available?: No
Relocation Assistance Available?: No
Science Jobs: No