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ANIMAL CARETAKER (T3)
FLSA Status: Nonexempt
Revised July 1, 1999

NATURE OF JOB:
Under general supervision, performs a variety of routine tasks for daily feeding and care of various laboratory animals and rooms. All tasks regarding animals and their quarters must be performed in compliance with United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) regulations, the Public Health Service (PHS) policy, standard operating procedures (SOP) and other federal, state and local laws, regulations and policies. The principal emphasis is on routine maintenance and technical tasks involved in the care of and laboratory work on experimental laboratory animals.

EXAMPLES OF WORK:
Depending on the divisional assignment, the following are typical examples for work:

* Cares for, feeds and handles animals including nursing care as required;
* Sanitizes rooms, performs general housekeeping and operates cage washers for washing cages, racks and accessory animal equipment;
* Transfers and receives animals; changes animal bedding/papers;
* Receives, unloads, loads and stores food and bedding;
* Restrains animals for procedures:
* Collects blood samples; administers medications such as topical ointments to animals;
* Observes, monitors and records health status of animals;
* Pairs animals for breeding;
* Maintains records involving health, husbandry, cage wash and animal inventory;
* Prepares carcasses for incineration;
* Assists facility users with basic animal husbandry needs;
* Performs other related duties as assigned.

OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURES:
Frequently required to use personal protective equipment to prevent exposure to hazardous materials. 

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND ABILITIES:
Requires a minimum of a high school diploma or GED with some experience with laboratory animals. Requires knowledge of laboratory animal care equipment and techniques, procedures and record keeping; knowledge of laboratory animal care and  maintenance of facilities; and the ability to communicate effectively and interact well with people of all ages and diverse backgrounds.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
With or without assistance, must be able to routinely lift up to 50 pounds. Requires dexterity in handling delicate and hazardous materials and the ability to accurately discern colors and measure laboratory materials. May require evening, weekend and holiday working hours. In certain units, employment is dependent upon passing a University-specified medical evaluation related to the use of respiratory protection equipment.
 
The EXAMPLES OF WORK are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties assigned to this position.


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