Laboratory Animal Technician

Primary Purpose 

Under general supervision, performs general care and maintenance of laboratory animals and facilities in a research and teaching environment.

Major Responsibilities 

• Capable of performing duties as specified for Laboratory Animal Technician Trainee (LATT) position.
  • Feed, water, and dispense bedding for all animal species according to specific requirements and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
  • Observe animals and recognize signs of illness, discomfort, and/or distress.  Alert veterinary staff to animals’ condition.
  • Maintain sanitary animal housing equipment and facility according to SOPs to achieve a state of functional readiness.
  • Monitor environment of animal facility and complete building/room log sheets and or report daily tasks and conditions in electronic system. 
  • Read, review, and follow all SOPs associated with position and campus specific procedures.
  • Complete American Association Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) Learning Library training modules associated with Wake Forest Track for this position along with the campus specific modules.
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• Safely handles and restrains all animal species while maintaining proper identification and location. 
• Assembles caging equipment to provide comfortable, safe housing for all species. 
• Completes and documents supply and diet inventory on a weekly basis. 
• Communicates pertinent information to clinical, supervisory, and management personnel in writing and verbally. 
• Provides species specific environmental enrichment items according to schedules and assist Environmental Enrichment coordinator with special enrichment needs. 
• Provide assistance to laboratory staff under direct supervision

Minimum Job Requirements 

Education:  High School diploma or GED equivalent with previous lab animal experience.

Certification / Registration / License: Valid North Carolina driver's license.  

Knowledge / Skills / Abilities

• Ability to operate routine animal care and use equipment (e.g., tunnel washer, rack washer, bulk sterilizer) 
• Ability to communicate effectively Ability to perform necessary documentation and recordkeeping 
• Ability to utilize simple computer skills e.g. email, training modules 
• Ability to work as a team or independently 
• Good time management skills  
• Good interpersonal/human relations skills 
• Ability to mentor LATT staff

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions 

• Facility is completely indoor but employees will have to be outside to receive animal orders from the loading dock
• Work includes weekend and holiday work schedules 
• Possible exposure to outdoor elements and odors 
• Exposure to animal and human pathogens and potential allergens 
• Exposure to animals that can inflict bites, kick, or scratch 
• Bending and lifting of cages, feed and bedding 
• The need to lift, push or pull heavy objects

Atrium Health is one of the nation’s leading healthcare organizations, connecting patients with on-demand care, world-class specialists and the region’s largest primary care network. A recognized leader in healthcare delivery, quality and innovation, our foundation rests on providing clinically excellent and compassionate care.

We’ve been serving our community since 1940, when we opened our doors as Charlotte Memorial Hospital. Since then, our network has grown to include more than 40 hospitals and 900 care locations ranging from doctors’ offices to behavioral health centers to nursing homes.

Our focus: Delivering the highest quality patient care, supporting medical research and education, and joining with partners outside our walls to keep our community healthy.