Job Description Summary

Organizational Summary:
The University of Maryland-College Park animal care and use program provides a humane and compliant environment for all animals involved in research, teaching and testing activities. This program is overseen by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee. Veterinary care and other aspects of this program are managed by the University Attending Veterinarian, who also serves as the Director, Department of Laboratory Animal Resources (DLAR).

DLAR is a research support unit in the Division of Research. Reporting to the Vice President for Research, the DLAR team is composed of animal care technicians and veterinarians with specialty training and certifications specific to laboratory animal medicine and care, as well as dedicated administrative support staff.

DLAR provides the expertise, care and resources necessary to ensure the welfare of university animals through humane care and use. The UMD Animal Care and Use Program has been fully accredited by AAALAC, International since 2011.

Position Summary:
This position is for a Laboratory Animal Cage Wash Technician in the Department of Laboratory Animal Resources.

This is an essential position in the Department of Laboratory Animal Resources (DLAR). Reporting to the Lead Animal Coordinator, the Cage Wash Technician will conduct routine animal facility-related tasks and support research staff as required. Under minimal supervision, the candidate will work in compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, industry standards governing animal research (NIH/OLAW/AAALAC), University guidelines, departmental procedures, and all safety procedures according to University standards and standard operating procedures (SOPs). Primary responsibilities include: all core processes of animal care, operating washing and sterilization equipment, maintenance of biosecurity and quality assurance, recording daily activities, providing general facility maintenance and cleanliness, and operation of various types of facility machinery including, but not limited to, biological safety cabinets, autoclaves, industrial washers, etc.

This essential position supports the animal care program and requires attendance on weekends, holidays and during emergency conditions, such as inclement weather and power failure. Additional weekday overtime work may occasionally be required. This position may also include one weekend day as part of the normal work schedule.

Job Risks:
Animal Handling, Occupational Related Bloodborne Pathogen Exposure , Respiratory Protection, Work with agents that are infectious to humans (other than Blood Borne Pathogens

Physical Demands:
• Mandatory wear and work in personal protective clothing and equipment;
• The ability to lift/push/pull a minimum of 50 lbs.;
• The ability to maneuver large, cumbersome equipment;
• The ability to withstand sustained periods of physical activity (such as standing, bending, walking or stooping); and
• The ability to work safely with chemical disinfectants, handle some unpleasant elements and tolerate normal odors/airborne particulate matter routinely encountered in a laboratory animal facility.

This individual may be exposed to potential hazards related to animals and the animal care environment including, but not limited to:
• Allergens, dust, cleaning chemicals, noise, sharps, hot/humid environments, and ergonomic hazards;
• Zoonotic diseases, other animal diseases and/or animals with research-associated diseases.

This essential position supports the animal care program and requires attendance on weekends, holidays and during emergency conditions, such as inclement weather and power failure. Additional weekday overtime work may occasionally be required. This position may also require working one weekend day as part of the normal work week schedule.

Licenses/ Certifications:
Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT) certification preferred

Minimum Qualifications

EDUCATION: High School Diploma or GED.

EXPERIENCE: Six months in a laboratory animal facility supporting a research project similar to the type being recruited for.

OTHER: Biosafety Laboratories Level 3 (BLS3) requires successful completion of Department of Justice security clearance for work with Select Agents and Toxins, as required by Federal regulation.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES:

Working knowledge of husbandry practices as routinely required in a laboratory animal environment. Ability to operate standard laboratory animal equipment including scales, autoclaves, pressure washers, cage washers, steam cleaners, etc.; to lift bags of feed and bedding; to follow standard operating procedures; to move heavy stainless steelracks, clean cages, etc.; to wear and