UT Health System
Biocontainment Animal Technician, Animal Resources Center - Service Department (Galveston)
Galveston, TX · US
About the role
Institution: UT Medical Branch at Galveston
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE
Minimum Qualifications:
High School or equivalent. Minimum of two years' experience working in an animal facility or validated completion of the military occupational school (MOS: 68T -Animal Care Specialist). This position requires DOJ clearance within six months.
LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS OR CERTIFICATIONS
Required:
- AALAS LAT certified or exam eligible (must successfully pass exam within 6 months of start date).
JOB DESCRIPTION
Within a biocontainment environment, provides for the research and veterinary support of laboratory animals in a humane, safe, and sanitary manner using appropriate equipment and established procedures up to ABSL4.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Maintains qualifications to enter ABSL2, ABSL3, and ABSL4
Performs veterinary functions utilizing bio-hazardous substances
- Assists in compilation of statistical data and engages in long-range planning of research support
- Maintains knowledge of biohazard operations and systems
- Determines appropriate animal housing systems according to specific regulations within a biocontainment environment
- Maintains an animal space allocations IAW regulatory statues
- Assists principal investigator and/or veterinarian(s) in preparation of a technical/surgical procedure(s) and may assist in procedure if required.
- Provides daily husbandry care including feeding and sanitation for multiple small and large species as directed.
- Participates and assists in animal health checks.
- Collects samples and processes diagnostic tests.
- Monitors and cares for pre-operative and post-operative veterinary patients
- Performs anesthetic induction, maintenance, and monitoring.
- Provides aseptic surgical support.
- Cleans and sets up operating room and surgical packs.
- Operates and maintains medical and surgical equipment.
- Exposes and develops radiographs.
- Maintains surgical and veterinary records.
- Performs technical support with all levels of containment.
- Effectively and professionally communicates with veterinarians, leadership, and research staff.
Marginal or Periodic Functions:
- Adheres to internal controls and reporting structure.
- Performs related veterinary or biocontainment duties as required or assigned.
WORKING ENVIRONMENT/EQUIPMENT
The environment includes a high containment animal facility where pregnancy may become a personnel safety factor in some laboratory animal support duties. Potential exposure includes radiation and/or biohazards. Job may require completion of appropriate vaccinations.
Various personal protective equipment (PPE) including use of Personal Air Purifying Respirator (PAPR), positive pressure ventilated suit, and other support equipment used in a laboratory animal science containment facility. Standard office equipment, including computer systems.
*Official Regulatory Statement for Healthcare jobs’ Job Descriptions: May be exposed to such occupational hazards as infectious diseases, blood-borne pathogens, ionizing & non-ionizing radiation, hazardous medications, and disoriented or combative patients or others.
SALARY RANGE
Commensurate with experience.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY:
UTMB Health strives to provide equal opportunity employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or any other basis protected by institutional policy or by federal, state or local laws unless such distinction is required by law. As a Federal Contractor, UTMB Health takes affirmative action to hire and advance protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.