Laboratory Animal Technician Duties
SUMMARY
This is highly responsible technical and skilled work in the
clinical care of animals.
Work involves the clinical care of a wide variety of animals
used in research and teaching programs. Work also involves
performance of routine laboratory examinations including
parasitology, bacteriology, hematology, and serology which
require a considerable degree of accuracy and manual dexterity,
and the maintenance and care of laboratory specimens and
materials. Employees allocated to this class must work in close
association and collaboration with other professional,
scientific, and technical personnel. Work is performed with
considerable independence within established methods and
procedures under the general supervision of an administrative
superior. Work is reviewed by observation of health of animals,
analyses of reports, discussion of problems arising in the work,
and quality control programs.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Makes daily rounds of all Laboratory Animal Medicine facilities;
observes status of health of all animals, environmental
conditions, temperature, humidity, and sanitation.
Administers medicine and treatment according to prescribed
instructions.
Performs preventive medicine practices such as routine
vaccinations and administration of antiparasitics.
Conducts moderately sophisticated clinical pathology procedures
such as parasitology, hematology, urinalyses, and microbiology.
Performs basic physical examination on animals; examines
incoming animals to determine health status and whether or not
they meet purchase request specifications.
Assumes responsibility for quarantine and standardization of
dogs and cats received from municipal pounds.
Anesthetizes and euthanatizes animals; assists veterinarian with
surgery and postmortem.
Maintains clinic area and stock of pharmaceuticals.
Performs field and laboratory research using animals, based upon
protocol worked out by a professional and the incumbent.
Operates, maintains, and cleans laboratory and research
equipment; maintains laboratory and supplies, and prepares
culture media, solutions, and reagents.
Collects specimens such as blood, urine, and feces.
Observes and records vital data, abnormal signs, body weight,
feed, and water intake.
Conducts library searches, writes procedures and reports, and
prepares charts and graphs.
Conducts in-house training and on the job training for
laboratory animal caretakers, students enrolled in the ABAC/CVM
Veterinary Technician program, Laboratory Animal Technicians,
and veterinary technicians.
Conducts area-wide training for laboratory and animal and
veterinary technicians.
Assists faculty members with lectures and laboratory sessions in
Laboratory Animal Medicine for veterinary and graduate students.
Maintains necessary clinical records for animals kept by the
Laboratory Animal Medicine unit including animal use records
required by the Federal Animal Welfare Act.
Supervises laboratory animal caretakers regarding care of ill
animals, preventive medicine practices, collection of specimens,
and handling of animals.
Performs related work as required.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Graduation from a recognized college or university with a major
in biology or a closely related field and one year of related
experience; or successful completion of a college level two year
Laboratory Animal Technician program/or Veterinary Technician
program, and two years of related experience; or any equivalent
combination of training and experience.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Considerable knowledge of the care, breeding, and handling of a
wide variety of animals.
Considerable knowledge of the biology and physical
characteristics of a wide variety of animals used in research
and teaching.
Considerable knowledge regarding the methods and materials used
in laboratory work.
Some knowledge of the day-to-day operation of the Laboratory
Animal Medicine unit.
Ability to recognize signs of illness or abnormality.
Ability to make accurate observations.
Ability to keep current, accurate, and complete records.
Ability to observe and analyze the results of research
experience.
Ability to work with many professionals, paraprofessionals,
caretakers, and students.
Ability to prepare and present lectures.
Ability to supervise the work of others.
Ability to be certified as a laboratory Animal Technician by the
American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS).
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