Life Sciences Animal Technician I (VMU2003.20)
The Palo Alto Veterans Institute for Research (PAVIR) has a job opening for an Animal Technician who will work in the Research Service Veterinary Medical Unit (VMU) under the direction of the facility supervisor and the Veterinary Medical Officer.
About This Role
The primary purpose of this position is to provide assistance with routine day-to-day cleaning and maintenance of the facility. Schedule: Monday Friday 6:30 am 3 pm, weekend and holiday work will be required.
About PAVIR
PAVIR, located on the premises of the VA Palo Alto Health Care System, is a mid-size nonprofit foundation, closely connected with the VA and Stanford University. We offer ongoing training, generous benefits and supportive environment. We work with more than 160 uniquely talented medical scientists across a broad spectrum of research areas. We recruit talented employees who believe in making a difference in the lives of others through innovative research.
This is a full time (40 hours/week), non-exempt (hourly-paid) position. Location: Palo Alto, CA.
Benefits:
- Medical Insurance
- Vision Insurance
- Dental Insurance
- Vacation
- Sick Pay
- 13 paid Holidays
- Life Insurance - paid by PAVIR
- Long-term and Short-Term Disability Insurance - paid by PAVIR
- Flexible Spending Account
- 401(k) Retirement Plan with Company Match and Profit Share
- Wellness Program
- Commuter Benefits
- Professional Development Training
PAVIR is affiliated with the Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System (VAPAHCS). As a condition of employment, all PAVIR employees are required to have an approved appointment with VAPAHCS and complete a background check.
Primary Responsibilities
- Become proficient in providing standard and specialized care for a diverse group of species including several species of transgenic mice and rats, hamster, rabbits, pigs, amphibians, and sheep;
- Learn to use equipment such as biosafety cabinets, cage/rack air handling units, cage change stations, rack/tunnel washers;
- Check the condition of all cages on a daily basis and change cages as frequently as needed to assure an appropriate micro-environment for the animals;
- Maintain cleanliness of all equipment used by animals such as cages, water bottles, wire bar lids, and filter tops;
- Maintain cleanliness of animal rooms as well as support areas as assigned;
- Assess and improve sanitation practices based on current health status;
- Assure successful operation of ventilated racks and hoods;
- Assure accuracy of light cycles and temperature ranges in the animal room;
- Inform VMU supervisor of any needed repairs in a timely fashion;
- Assist with synchronization of delivery of supplies to housing rooms and cage wash areas, facility maintenance/Engineering, pest control, and EMS pick up;
- Provide VMU management with a current caging and equipment inventory in a timely manner to assure that caging needs are consistently met and equipment shortages do not occur.
Desired Qualifications
- HS diploma or equivalent is required;
- Strong interest in animal care taking is required;
- Desired: experience and/or exposure working in an animal research facility in collaboration with fellow caretakers, investigators, and veterinary staff;
- Ability to work on weekends and holidays is required;
- Readiness to learn animal care taking under the guidance of the Veterinary Medical Officer, lead technician, facility supervisor, and animal health technician;
- Ability to comply and abide by safety and sanitation procedures and laws;
- Ability to follow directions and procedures;
- Good communication skills;
- Ability to work in a team environment.
Physical Demands: Ability to lift feed materials of up to 50 pounds; walk or stand for an extended period of time, and frequently work in a seated position;
Environmental Conditions: Exposure to wet lab environment, bloodborne pathogens, toxic/caustic chemicals or reagents and potentially noisy equipment;
Working conditions: The workplace is set in an animal research facility with potential exposure to zoonotic diseases. Allergic responses may develop to animal dander. The animal technician will be provided with appropriate protective equipment to ameliorate these conditions.
PAVIR engages in nonprofit medical research and works with sponsors and the Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System (VAPAHCS) in administering funds for conducting research to find new and improved ways to combat human disease and help people with disabilities. Please refer to our website for additional information: www.pavir.org
PAVIR is pleased to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Minorities, Women, Veterans, and Individuals with a Disability are encouraged to apply. We welcome and encourage diversity in the workplace regardless of race, color, religion, age, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. If you need special assistance or an accommodation to apply for a posted position, please contact jobs@pavir.org - Human Resources department.
For more information, or to apply now, you must go to the website below. Please DO NOT email your resume to us as we only accept applications through our website.