Job Details:
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
To support ongoing biomedical research on UT Campus by providing husbandry and animal care to research animals.
Responsibilities
- Provides husbandry and animal care to all species housed at the ARC. This includes USDA covered large animals, other USDA covered species, rodents, and aquatics.
- Performs all aspects of animal husbandry including feeding, watering, cage cleaning and monitoring health and behavior.
- Maintains accurate 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 and stores supplies in assigned storage areas upon delivery. Verifies delivered supplies against delivery documentation and submits delivery documentation to the supervisor.
- Prepares and uses dips, sprays, detergents, and disinfectants. Maintains and sanitizes animal rooms, equipment, and facilities to prevent infections and disease. Reports any equipment that requires repairs or maintenance.
- Performs routine checks on the automatic watering system. Prepares or mixes feed according to specific instructions.
- Sets up incoming animal deliveries. Receives, identifies, and cages newly arrived animals. Transfers or transports animals, feed, and bedding materials.
- May work without onsite supervision on weekends and holidays to provide care for all species including USDA covered species. May operate University vehicles as required. Completes all required documentation for weekend work and vehicle operation.
- Other duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications
- Experience following basic work instruction.
- High School diploma or GED.
- Applicant must pass a works steps test.
- Three years of animal husbandry experience.
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.
- 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 resident. Employees who are required to have a CDL are subject to drug and alcohol testing (pre-employment, post-accident, reasonable suspicion, random, return-to-duty, and follow-up drug and alcohol testing).
Salary Range
$46,000
Working Conditions
- Usual research or laboratory animal facility.
- Use of protective clothing is required and furnished.
- Contact with a variety of animals that may bite or scratch.
- Possible exposure to animal bites, diseases, allergens and bio-hazards.
- May work around chemical fumes, biohazards or chemicals.
- Occasional evening, weekend and holiday work.
Required Materials
Please mark “yes” on the application for required materials. Failure to attach all additional materials listed may affect candidates being considered for the position.
- Resume/CV
- 3 work references with their contact information; at least one reference should be from a supervisor.
- Letter of interest
