Senior Animal Technician - 139902

Under general supervision, incumbent is responsible for acting as the Area Leader at the request or in the absence of the designated Area Leader for the vivarium. Provides standard, documented training in rodent care and handling to ACP staff.

In addition, incumbent is responsible for the physical environment of a group of assigned laboratory animals in the designated facility, performs basic animal husbandry and animal health related tasks and discharges semi-technical procedures as requested by supervisor, Principal Investigators or veterinary staff. Close interaction with Investigator and veterinary staff and good communication skills are essential.

Provides backup management and husbandry to the Facility. Assists in the management of several transgenic mouse colonies including breeding and weaning. Minor procedures including tail clips, blood collection, tissue and organ harvesting.

• Demonstrated ability to work cooperatively with a diverse population to pursue departmental goals. Must be effective in a team-based work environment.

• Demonstrated ability to exercise diplomacy/flexibility in interacting with a diverse group of scientists, engaged in medical research and teaching.

• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively (verbal and written) with a diverse population. Includes ability to effectively write operational policies and procedures.

• Demonstrated ability to use judgement and common sense to solve problems associated with vivarium operations.

• Demonstrated ability and knowledge to train employees in proper procedures and methods involved in caring for animals.

• Demonstrated ability to operate PC's (including printers) with skill in Windows, Outlook, Word, Access, ARM and Excel or other software packages used by the department.

• Knowledge of rules and regulations pertaining to animal care including knowledge of UCSD policies and procedures regarding care and use of animals

• Familiarity with operating procedures for UCSD animal vivaria, particularly rodent breeding operations and personnel requirements.

• Knowledge of behavior and care needs of common laboratory animals; Skilled in the administration of medications: oral, topical and injectable.Skilled in the humane methods of euthanasia in laboratory animals

• Possess working knowledge of veterinary and human medical terminology.

• Flexibility to adjust work schedule to accommodate varying workloads, including ability to work weekends, holidays and overtime.

• Knowledge of nutritional needs of laboratory animals including preparation of special diets

• Demonstrated ability to operate university vehicles safely and legally. Skill to operate and maintain mechanical equipment, autoclaves, cage washers, vehicles, janitorial equipment such as floor scrubbers.

• Skill to recognize normal and abnormal body functions and vital signs in a variety of laboratory animals.

• Working knowledge of laws and regulations that govern the housing and management of laboratory animals as applied to the University of California.

• Skilled in laboratory specimen collection techniques (blood, tails, other tissues and organ collection)

• Preferred: AALAS Certification LAT or higher.

• Must have a valid California driver's license.

• Background check required.

• Must be able work overtime, weekends, and holidays.

• Wear protective clothing and equipment: Work in areas with biohazardous agents, radioactive isotopes, substantial animal contact, etc.

• Must pass a pre-employment physical.

• Preferred: AALAS Certification LAT or higher.