Animal Resources Technician- IL- Animal Resources

Summary

The Animal Resources Technician is responsible for the care and maintenance of the Animal Research Facilities.  Some direction in job responsibilities may also be provided by the consulting veterinarian and the Associate Director, Research Operations.  This position reports to the Supervisor of Animal Resources.  This individual will be required to work weekends and holidays on a rotation basis. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Maintaining animal resources in accordance with current federal, state and local regulations pertaining to laboratory animals;
• Updating knowledge on current federal, state and local regulations and where to obtain additional or current regulatory information;
• Observing or detecting alterations in animal room environment including temperature, air exchange and light cycles;
• Recognizing common signs of clinical illness in laboratory animals;
• Providing husbandry care of laboratory animals in a safe and sanitary manner using equipment under established procedures;
• Handling, restraining and determining the sex of all common laboratory animals;
• Assisting with various methods of animal identification and maintenance of accurate records;
• Filling out and filing necessary paperwork
• Observing and reporting irregularities in laboratory animals such as variation in dietary habits, abnormal stool or urine specimens, unusual behaviors and deaths;
• Working in cage wash area
• Providing general technical assistance for a supervisor or investigator;
• Providing routine treatments as instructed including procedures such as ear mite medication and clipping of overgrown teeth;
• Maintaining personal hygiene and various sanitation procedures;
• Performing other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. This individual must have the ability to work in a constant state of alertness and safe manner and must have regular, predictable, in –person attendance. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Other Qualifications

Training will be provided, however a strong understanding of computers is required.  Part of the position requires learning some of the unique process that both the AZ and IL campuses have in place. 

Education and/or Experience                                            

High School diploma or equivalent required, Bachelor’s degree preferred.  Good written and oral communications required.  Two years experience in professional animal care setting preferred, small animal handling experience a plus. Certification from American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) desirable.

Computer Skills                                           

Computer proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook). 

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is frequently required to sit, talk and hear. The employee is regularly required to walk, and reach with hands and arms.  The employee is occasionally required to stand, use hands to finger, handle or feel.  The employee must regularly lift and /or move up to 50 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include vision correctable to 20/20 in one eye, color vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. This position requires the ability to work with animals.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.

Midwestern University is a private, not-for-profit organization that provides graduate and post-graduate education in the health sciences. The University has two campuses, one in Downers Grove, Illinois and the other in Glendale, Arizona. More than 6,000 full-time students are enrolled in graduate programs in osteopathic medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, physician assistant studies, physical therapy, occupational therapy, nurse anesthesia, cardiovascular perfusion, podiatry, optometry, clinical psychology, speech language pathology, biomedical sciences and veterinary medicine. Over 500 full-time faculty members and 400 staff members are dedicated to the education and development of our students in an environment that encourages learning, respect for all members of the health care team, service, interdisciplinary scholarly activity, and personal growth.

We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance plans as well as life insurance, short/long term disability and pet insurance.  We offer flexible spending accounts including healthcare reimbursement and child/dependent care account.  We offer a work life balance with competitive time off package including paid holiday’s, sick/flex days, personal days and vacation days.  We offer a 403(b) retirement plan, tuition reimbursement, child care subsidy reimbursement program, identity theft protection and an employee assistance program.  Wellness is important to us and we offer a wellness facility on-site with a fully equipped fitness facility. 

Midwestern University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer that does not discriminate against an employee or applicant based upon race; color; religion; creed; national origin or ancestry; ethnicity; sex (including pregnancy); gender (including gender expressions, gender identity; and sexual orientation); marital status; age; disability; citizenship; past, current, or prospective service in the uniformed services; genetic information; or any other protected class, in accord with all federal, state and local laws and regulations. Midwestern University complies with the Smoke-Free Arizona Act (A.R.S. 36-601.01) and the Smoke Free Illinois Act (410 ILCS 82/).  Midwestern University complies with the Illinois Equal Pay Act of 2003 and Arizona Equal Pay Acts.