Animal Attendant III, Animal Resources Center

Job Posting Title:

Animal Attendant III, Animal Resources Center

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Hiring Department:

Animal Resources Center

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Position Open To:

All Applicants

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Weekly Scheduled Hours:

40

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FLSA Status:

Non-Exempt

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Earliest Start Date:

Immediately

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Position Duration:

Expected to Continue

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Location:

AUSTIN, TX

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Job Details:

General Notes

The Animal Resources Center at The University of Texas at Austin covers approx. 150,000 sq. ft. of research animal space. The Animal Resources Center is responsible for managing three centralized animal facilities as well as some of the smaller satellite locations.

UT Austin offers a competitive benefits package that includes:  

• 100% employer-paid basic medical coverage  

• Retirement contributions

• Paid vacation and sick time

• Paid holidays

Please visit our Human Resources (HR) website to learn more about the total benefits offered.

Purpose

The Animal Attendant III position will support ongoing biomedical research on UT Campus by providing routine husbandry and animal care to research animals.

Responsibilities

• Provides husbandry and animal care for all species housed at the ARC, including USDA-covered large animals, other USDA-covered species, rodents, and aquatics. Performs all aspects of animal husbandry, including feeding, watering, cage cleaning, and routine monitoring of animal health and behavior. 

• Maintains accurate and complete records of animal care and husbandry activities, including health observations, environmental conditions, and husbandry exceptions.

• Operates cage washing equipment, including rack washers, tunnel washers, and autoclaves. Sanitizes animal housing equipment using cage washing machines. Fills drinking bottles with fresh water and cages with bedding. Performs routine maintenance on equipment as required. Operates autoclaves to sterilize equipment as needed. Maintains all required records and performs all required steps to ensure adequacy of sanitation.

• Accepts deliveries of equipment and supplies from vendors. Processes, verifies, and stores supplies in assigned storage areas upon delivery. Confirms delivered items against delivery documentation and submits documentation to the supervisor.

• Prepares and uses dips, sprays, detergents, and disinfectants. Maintains and sanitizes animal rooms, equipment, and facilities to prevent infection and disease. Reports equipment requiring repair or maintenance to the appropriate personnel.

• Performs routine checks of the automatic watering system. Prepares and mixes feed according to established instructions and protocols.

• Sets up incoming animal deliveries. Receives, identifies, and appropriately cages newly arrived animals. Transfers or transports animals, feed, and bedding materials as required.

• May work without onsite supervision on weekends and holidays to provide animal care for all species, including USDA-covered species. May operate University vehicles as required. Completes all required documentation related to weekend work and vehicle operation.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED. 

• At least 3 years of experience with the care and handling of animals. 

• Experience following basic work instruction. 

• Applicant must complete and pass a physical abilities Worksteps test.

Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in care and handling of laboratory animals. 

• Experience in careful food preparation for animals. 

• Experience with equipment used in working with laboratory animals. 

• Experience in sanitation of housing and facilities to prevent infections and disease. 

• Demonstrate punctuality, good attendance record, careful follow through as instructed and flexibility. 

• American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) Certification.

Driving Required  

This job requires a class "C" operator's driver's license. The applicant selected must provide a current three year driving record from the current state of residence. If not currently a Texas resident, a Texas driver's license must be obtained within 30 days of becoming a Texas resid