Animal Caretaker II

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The Laboratory Animal Sciences Program (LASP) provides exceptional quality animal care and technical support services for animal research performed at the National Cancer Institute at the Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research. LASP executes this mission by providing a broad spectrum of state-of-the-art technologies and services that are focused on the design, generation, characterization and application of genetically engineered and biological animal models of human disease, which are aimed at the development of targeted diagnostics and therapies. LASP contributes to advancing human health, developing new treatments, and improving existing treatments for cancer and other diseases while ensuring safe and humane treatment of animals.

KEY ROLES/RESPONSIBILITIES

• Feeding and housing of laboratory animals including nonhuman primates and rodents
• General laboratory animal housekeeping
• Cage cleaning, changing and sanitation
• Providing occupational, structure, social and edible enrichment to ensure animal well-being
• Cleaning tasks associated with the upkeep of a research animal facility
• Ordering and stocking supplies
• Keeping simple records
• Utilizing computer skills for email, training, and basic data entry
• Operate automatic washing and cleaning equipment
• Collecting hair, fecal and blood samples for diagnostic testing
• Work schedule will include rotating weekend and holiday hoursWork may involve the use of potentially hazardous material, including biological and chemical carcinogen or radiological materials or may be located in areas where such materials are used, require the use of personal protective equipment and adherence to strict safety protocol
• Other duties as assigned

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• Completion of eighth grade
• One (1) year of job-related animal care experience and ALAT certification – or – two (2) years laboratory animal care experience with high school diploma
• Ability to handle a variety of laboratory animals including non-human primates
• Ability to keep simple records
• Ability to operate automatic washing and cleaning equipment
• Ability to lift to 40-50 lbs. and wear respiratory protective equipment if necessary
• Knowledge of routine tasks associated with general laboratory animal care
• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance

JOB HAZARDS

• This position is subject to working with or have potential for exposure to animal(s) and/or animal material(s)
• This position is subject to working with or have potential for exposure to infectious material, requiring medical clearance and immunizations
• This position is subject to atmospheric conditions that would require the usage of a respirator, requiring a medical clearance
• This position is subject to working in or have the potential to exposure to high noise levels for extended periods of time requiring medical clearance
• This position is subject to the environmental conditions such as working outdoors, high humidity areas indoors, dampness and chilling, dry atmospheric conditions, etc. as part of the job