Animal Care Technician (I, II, III, IV), Veterinary Medicine

The Division of Veterinary Medicine houses four position levels of Animal Care Technicians.  Each level requires a combination of number of years of animal husbandry and/or laboratory animal care experience and education.  Selection for available positions will be determined by the hiring committee and Animal Care managers and based on careful review of each candidate's resume and qualifications.  Candidates will be provided with a full job description if selected for an interview.  

Duties of the Animal Care Technician depend on the assignment of the level and include, but are not limited to:    

• Animal care
• Performs routine duties associated with animal care in a research setting.
• Prepares food and feeds animals, administers medications, maintains sanitary conditions, observes animal conditions and behavior, and collects animal specimens.
• Feeds animals and supervises the administration of special diets and medication.
• Observes and monitors animals for signs of illness, trauma or social instability.
• May assist in animal restraint, maintaining animal housing and minor cage maintenance.
• Responsible for assessing and maintaining security of animals in their primary enclosure.
• Feeds animals and supervises the administration of special diets and medication.
• Assists veterinarians with pre- and post- operative animal care.
• Observes and monitors animals for signs of illness, trauma or social instability.
• Maintains daily records pertaining to animal care.

Work environment

• May be required to work with, take specific precautions against and/or be immunized against potentially hazardous agents.
• Weekend work and overtime hours are a requirement of this position.
• Performs minor repairs and maintains animal housing facility.
• May drive utility vehicles to transport animals and supplies, ensuring safe operation, daily inspection and vehicle cleanliness.
• Maintains adequate inventory of necessary supplies and equipment.
• May be designated as essential personnel during a storm/natural disaster. If required to work during a closure, employee must provide accurate and current contact information and is responsible for maintaining communication with TNPRC.
• May be required to carry a cell phone and be on after hours call.
• Monitors environmental conditions in animal housing facilities and inspects the condition of facilities and equipment for cleanliness and proper operation.
• Complies with OSHA standards and other applicable federal and state regulations when working with hazardous chemicals, materials, animals and power equipment.
• Ensures that the facility complies with federal regulations for care and maintenance of research animals.
• Follows protocol in the proper containment and disposal of bio-hazardous waste and contaminants.
• Responsible for assessing and maintaining security of animals in their primary enclosure.
• Research
• Observes animal behavior and conditions, collects specimens and provides technical assistance to research and veterinary personnel.
• Serves as a resource in the management of a particular technical specialty such as mice or primates.
• Provides technical assistance to research and clinical medical personnel in the performance of research and emergency procedures.
• Collects blood, urine, and other required specimens from animals as requested for medical research.
• Responsible for assessing and maintaining security of animals in their primary enclosure.