Johns Hopkins University
Animal Facility Specialist
Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States, 21276
Overview
Research Animal Resources is seeking a Large Animal Facility Specialist as an important member of the research team in providing the highest standards of animal care, welfare and technical assistance in support of research initiatives. Work independently in routine yet complex tasks. Conduct work in accordance with policies including the USDA Animal Welfare Act, the ILAR Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, the Johns Hopkins University and the Animal Care and Use Committee policies, and the standard operating procedures for the animal facility. The primary role will be providing care for large animal species categorized as birds of prey and mammals, not including rodents and rabbits. Such species include, but are not limited to, pigs, sheep, dogs, cats, and non-human primates. The individual must dedicate at least 70% of their effort to supporting these species.
Specific Duties & Responsibilities
Perform all the tasks of the Animal Cage Washer as needed.
Clean, sanitize and sterilize animal cages, feeders, water bottles, animal rooms, support space and related equipment.
Fill animal feeders, bowls and water bottles or other containers with the appropriate types and amounts of food and drinking water in accordance with schedules and detailed instruction.
Use aseptic technique and disease prevention principles in a Class I or Class II biological safety cabinet. Remove animals from soiled cages and transfer them to clean, sterilized cages in accordance with schedules and detailed instructions. This includes the transfer of non-human primates and other large animals using specific equipment (tunnels, jump boxes, leather gloves, red boards) or by hand.
Work under isolation conditions using specialized caging units such as micro-isolation cages and individually ventilated cage systems while adhering to aseptic techniques and disease prevention principles.
Place bedding, feed, water bottles, etc. into assembled, sanitized cages.
Observe and report to supervisor signs of animal injuries, illness or irregularities in appearance, health and environment.
Provide routine treatments as instructed including procedures such as ear mite medication and clipping overgrown teeth.
Provide enrichment to large animals according to instructions and document appropriately.
Perform social introductions of certain large animals for pair or group housing and monitor daily for continued compatibility.
Perform euthanasia following detailed training and instructions.
Receive and process incoming animals and materials. Examine incoming animals for compliance with specifications and refer questionable cases to the supervisor.
Maintain colonies of genetically altered rodents and may be required to perform data collection.
Maintain accurate records of the numbers and types of animals cared for and the animal's food and water consumption; calculate the animal census.
Maintain detailed records of animal room environmental factors and report deviations to the supervisor; document on the room environment log sheet.
Maintain adequate stock of feed, bedding and other supplies.
Make repairs on cages and equipment when necessary, including broken water lines.
Lubricate equipment and perform minor adjustments and repairs to cages and equipment; change air filters as needed using hand tools.
Report to the supervisor the need for repairs to cages and support equipment.
Perform preventive maintenance and minor repairs on automated watering systems, individually ventilated cage systems and other support equipment.
Collect, process and remove waste material and follow procedures for disposal of animal carcasses and biohazardous wastes.
Observe safety policies and use equipment and chemical treatments properly to avoid harming animals, self, others and damage to property.
Perform tasks requiring personal protective equipment, such as safety glasses, safety shoes, protective clothing and gloves, fume hoods and biological safety cabinets.
Follow good laboratory practices and good housekeeping procedures in accordance with standard operating procedures and health, safety and environmental policies.
Maintain equipment and work area in clean and orderly condition and sanitize as needed.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
High school Degree or equivalent.
Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT) certification from the American Association of Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) required.
Special Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge of basic animal husbandry and research techniques.
Knowledge of basic scientific terminology, conversion calculations and measuring devices.
Knowledge of asepsis, disease control and prevention, and barrier and isolation animal housing.
Knowledge of general breeding and mating systems.
Knowledge of current regulations, policies and principles for the care and use of laboratory animals.
Ability to handle, restrain and determine the sex of laboratory animals without causing injury to animal, self, or others.
Ability to follow detailed oral and written instructions; read and write to maintain records and read labels.
Ability to work a flexible schedule including weekends and holidays.
Ability to interact respectfully with faculty, students, staff, and visitors.
Ability to discuss animal-related projects with investigators and report discussions to the supervisor.
Ability to work under environmental conditions requiring safety equipment.
Ability to lift, carry or move up to 50 lbs; stand and move about for extended periods; ascend/descend stairs regularly.
Specialty Occupational Health requirements up to date and complete.
Preferred Qualifications
One (1) year of laboratory animal care or related experience.
Equal Opportunity Employer. Johns Hopkins University is committed to equal opportunity for its faculty, staff, and students and does not discriminate on the basis of sex, gender, marital status, pregnancy, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status or other legally protected characteristic.
Notes The following items relate to employment conditions and institutional policies but are not specific job duties. They may include summaries of bargaining unit status and general university policies. This content is included to preserve context from the original posting while ensuring alignment with the requested formatting constraints.
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Specific Duties & Responsibilities
Perform all the tasks of the Animal Cage Washer as needed.
Clean, sanitize and sterilize animal cages, feeders, water bottles, animal rooms, support space and related equipment.
Fill animal feeders, bowls and water bottles or other containers with the appropriate types and amounts of food and drinking water in accordance with schedules and detailed instruction.
Use aseptic technique and disease prevention principles in a Class I or Class II biological safety cabinet. Remove animals from soiled cages and transfer them to clean, sterilized cages in accordance with schedules and detailed instructions. This includes the transfer of non-human primates and other large animals using specific equipment (tunnels, jump boxes, leather gloves, red boards) or by hand.
Work under isolation conditions using specialized caging units such as micro-isolation cages and individually ventilated cage systems while adhering to aseptic techniques and disease prevention principles.
Place bedding, feed, water bottles, etc. into assembled, sanitized cages.
Observe and report to supervisor signs of animal injuries, illness or irregularities in appearance, health and environment.
Provide routine treatments as instructed including procedures such as ear mite medication and clipping overgrown teeth.
Provide enrichment to large animals according to instructions and document appropriately.
Perform social introductions of certain large animals for pair or group housing and monitor daily for continued compatibility.
Perform euthanasia following detailed training and instructions.
Receive and process incoming animals and materials. Examine incoming animals for compliance with specifications and refer questionable cases to the supervisor.
Maintain colonies of genetically altered rodents and may be required to perform data collection.
Maintain accurate records of the numbers and types of animals cared for and the animal's food and water consumption; calculate the animal census.
Maintain detailed records of animal room environmental factors and report deviations to the supervisor; document on the room environment log sheet.
Maintain adequate stock of feed, bedding and other supplies.
Make repairs on cages and equipment when necessary, including broken water lines.
Lubricate equipment and perform minor adjustments and repairs to cages and equipment; change air filters as needed using hand tools.
Report to the supervisor the need for repairs to cages and support equipment.
Perform preventive maintenance and minor repairs on automated watering systems, individually ventilated cage systems and other support equipment.
Collect, process and remove waste material and follow procedures for disposal of animal carcasses and biohazardous wastes.
Observe safety policies and use equipment and chemical treatments properly to avoid harming animals, self, others and damage to property.
Perform tasks requiring personal protective equipment, such as safety glasses, safety shoes, protective clothing and gloves, fume hoods and biological safety cabinets.
Follow good laboratory practices and good housekeeping procedures in accordance with standard operating procedures and health, safety and environmental policies.
Maintain equipment and work area in clean and orderly condition and sanitize as needed.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
High school Degree or equivalent.
Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT) certification from the American Association of Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) required.
Special Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge of basic animal husbandry and research techniques.
Knowledge of basic scientific terminology, conversion calculations and measuring devices.
Knowledge of asepsis, disease control and prevention, and barrier and isolation animal housing.
Knowledge of general breeding and mating systems.
Knowledge of current regulations, policies and principles for the care and use of laboratory animals.
Ability to handle, restrain and determine the sex of laboratory animals without causing injury to animal, self, or others.
Ability to follow detailed oral and written instructions; read and write to maintain records and read labels.
Ability to work a flexible schedule including weekends and holidays.
Ability to interact respectfully with faculty, students, staff, and visitors.
Ability to discuss animal-related projects with investigators and report discussions to the supervisor.
Ability to work under environmental conditions requiring safety equipment.
Ability to lift, carry or move up to 50 lbs; stand and move about for extended periods; ascend/descend stairs regularly.
Specialty Occupational Health requirements up to date and complete.
Preferred Qualifications
One (1) year of laboratory animal care or related experience.
Equal Opportunity Employer. Johns Hopkins University is committed to equal opportunity for its faculty, staff, and students and does not discriminate on the basis of sex, gender, marital status, pregnancy, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status or other legally protected characteristic.
Notes The following items relate to employment conditions and institutional policies but are not specific job duties. They may include summaries of bargaining unit status and general university policies. This content is included to preserve context from the original posting while ensuring alignment with the requested formatting constraints.
#J-18808-Ljbffr