Animal Health / Veterinary Technician

Animal Health / Veterinary Technician (Part-Time)The Animal Health / Veterinary Technician (Part-time) will provide care for animals including armadillos and mice, while practicing infection control to prevent any contaminations.Major duties and responsibilities include:Provide care for a variety of M. leprae infected laboratory animals including immunocompetent and immunodeficient armadillos, nude mice infected, knockout mice and conventional mice along with the uninfected animals (all above mentioned species of mice and armadillos). To include:Provide daily food and water supply for the research colony.Sanitize cages for approximately 60 nude mice cages, 75 knock mice cages, 85 conventional cages, and 60 armadillos cages and environment of animal rooms including general sweeping, mopping, and pressure washing.The mice (all species) cages and armadillo cages shall be cleaned at least twice a week.All waste generated during cleaning shall be disposed of through the red bag waste stream.Humanely euthanize animals by, CO2 gas, or by cervical fractures.Handle and restrain armadillos, nude mice, knockout mice, and conventional mice for injection with experimental drugs, antibiotics, and other medical treatments.Administer feed additives, special diets and medication as directed.Handle and restrain armadillos and mice (all aforementioned species) during routine examinations.Perform standard operating procedures for animal care in the NHDP Vivarium, to include:Animal husbandry, occupational health and safety, facility sanitation, equipment operation, processing of newly arrived animals, animal transportation, feed and bedding delivery, environmental and disease control, euthanasia, and Sorting and autoclaving laundry for the vivarium.Make recommendations to the attending Vet, Research Staff, and technicians regarding animal care and facility operations.Donning and doffing of the appropriate Personal Protective Equipment for the National Hansen's Disease Animal VivariumMaintain population and cleaning records, to include:Daily time, temperature, and date.Cage Cards (Describe the animal's health, research experiment, and feeding habits).Operate large mechanical cage washing machine, high-pressure spray cleaner, and autoclave with the proper sterilization indicators.Provide basic nursing assistance to armadillos as follows:First aidAdminister medicationMinimum qualifications include:High School diploma or equivalent.Six months experience in caring for laboratory animals or related workPhysical ability to repeatedly lift bags weighing up to 55 pounds (25 kilograms) and frequently move wheeled cage racks through corridorsStrength and agility to capture, restrain and carry medium sized mammals without causing harm to the animal or selfMust have no known allergies to animals, feed, or chemicalsMust be able to wear a respiratorAbility to follow written and verbal instructions and standard proceduresMust have driver's licenseImmunizations may be requiredLanguage skills:The candidate must possess excellent oral and written communication skills in EnglishRequirement:Must be United States citizen or permanent resident or have authorization for employment in the United StatesSalary: Commensurate with qualifications and experience