Animal Caretaker I – Rodent – Texas Biomedical Research Institute – San Antonio, TX

ANIMAL CARETAKER – RODENT
GENERAL SUMMARY
Under close supervision in the performance of most duties, provides for the care of laboratory animals, their housing and associated facilities, with primary emphasis placed on maximizing animal welfare and minimizing experimental variables relating to animal health and environmental sanitation. The individual is responsible for maintaining animal housing, equipment, and facilities in accordance with relevant regulations and for observing and reporting on animal health and behavior.
Role and Responsibilities
Note: Consistent attendance is an essential responsibility.

• Handles animals to transfer from dirty to clean cages/boxes using various rodent housing systems.
• Uses brushes and scrapers to apply cleaning/disinfectant agents to clean and rinse surfaces of animal caging.
• Prepares and uses disinfectants and detergents to clean and disinfect animal quarters, cages and associated equipment.
• Removes soiled cage bedding, where applicable, and transports cages to a centralized facility for sanitation and sterilization.
• Transports cleaned cages to work area.
• Maintains required records concerning sanitation of animal(s) being cared for.
• Transports animal cages and related equipment and bedding material within the Institute using forklift, dolly, trailer and/or motor vehicle or hand carry.
• Prepares cages/boxes by placing clean bedding material in cleaned cages/boxes in a prescribed manner.
• Operates cage-cleaning equipment.
• Maintains storeroom stock bedding and cleaning supplies.
• Performs other cleaning/sanitation duties as assigned.

Observations/Handling:

• Observes, documents and reports animal behavior and interactions, both normal and abnormal.
• Maintains required records concerning health and location of animal(s) being cared for.
• Restrains animals using proper techniques for the species.
• Performs other observation duties as assigned.

Feeding:

• Removes, cleans, replaces and refills water devices and/or feeders on animal cages as needed.
• Maintains required records concerning feeding and watering of animal(s) being cared for.
• Transports animal bulk feed material within the organization using a dolly, trailer and/or motor vehicle or hand carry.
• Administers measured amounts of laboratory diet to a variety of animal species, according to instructions.
• Maintains storeroom stock of feed supplies.
• May mix and/or administer medications according to specific instructions.
• Performs other feeding duties as assigned.

EDUCATION:
Required: High School diploma or GED equivalent preferred.
EXPERIENCE:
Required: No experience required.
SKILLS:
Required: Must be able to read and follow written and verbal orders from supervisor and Veterinarian. Must be able to write legibly and record health data and some research data. Must have valid driver’s license and meet Texas Biomed driving standards.

POTENTIAL HAZARDS:
Employee’s work will involve working with chimpanzees. Employee will be in direct contact with animals
Employee will be exposed to unpleasant odors and animal wastes.
Hazardous chemicals include Enviro-B, Super Blue, AD-1, Bleach and Descaler, C.F.C.
Infectious agents include Herpes B Virus and Simian Retrovirus, HIV, Hepatitis B & C.
Other occupational hazards include bites, scratches and lifting.
Employee must routinely lift 50+ pounds (feed, animals, and water hoses) and carry for short distances without assistance.
Participation in a medical monitoring and surveillance program is required. Immunization for Hepatitis B is required unless waived by the employee.
Employee will drive Texas Biomed vehicles on Texas Biomed business.
Safety Training and protective clothing, equipment, and supplies will be provided to the employee.

OTHER: This is a full-time hourly paid position. Employee will normally work 7:00am to 4:00pm. Some weekend and holiday work will be required. Texas Biomed is committed to a drug-free workplace. Pre-employment drug screen is required.