Animal Caretaker Duties
SUMMARY
This is manual, technical, and limited supervisory work in the
care and use of research and teaching animals.
Work involves caring for and use of animals used in research and
teaching programs in accordance with general instructions
received from a supervisor. Work is performed under general
direction and performance is judged by the condition of the
animals, the cleanliness of the facilities, and the orderly
function of the animal care unit.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Feeds, waters, and cares for laboratory animals. Prepares and
feeds specialized or modified diets as directed.
Cleans cages, rooms, and adjacent areas. Maintains assigned
areas in an orderly and sanitary manner.
Operates mechanical cage and bottle washer equipment,
high-pressure washers, and autoclaves. Uses chemical cleaners,
detergents, and disinfectants in sanitation of equipment and
premises.
Performs minor paramedical functions under close supervision to
include the administration of drugs and the collection of
specimens such as blood, urine, and feces from a variety of
animals. Recognizes and reports unusual signs or abnormal
behavior and reports to investigator and veterinarians.
Routinely handles, restrains, relocates, and transports animals
within the facilities to and from farms and markets and to and
from airports.
Receives, identifies, and houses animals.
Maintains records including animal medical records, animal
inventory, animal sales and transfers, receipt and
identification records, and inventory of supplies.
Receives and stores materials and supplies. Notifies
administrative personnel when inventory needs replenishing.
Instructs and supervises on-the-job training of subordinate
animal care personnel. Assists in the didactic aspects of animal
caretaker training program.
Operates animal breeding colony within the facility, maintaining
proper records and applying genetic principles.
Performs related work as required.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Completion of high school; considerable experience in the care
of laboratory animals; or any equivalent combination of training
and experience.
American Association for Laboratory Animal Science
certification.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Experience and knowledge in the care of animals, including
ability to recognize signs of illness and abnormality.
Manual skill and dexterity in care and handling of animals.
Ability to understand experimental work with animals under care
in order to insure control of animal care practices that might
affect experimental results.
Ability to operate and provide simple maintenance of equipment
used in an animal care facility.
Ability to perform some administrative and technical tasks
related to animal care.
Ability to assist in supervision and training of subordinate
animal caretakers.
Ability to perform simple routine paramedical functions. |
|
|
