2025-07-04
University of Pittsburgh
Other
/yr
employee
contract
Pittsburgh
Pennsylvania
15260
United States
Animal Care Tech
the Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences is seeking an Animal Care Technician I in Shared Research Support Services. The incumbent will provide husbandry and care of laboratory animals with a commitment to animal welfare and well-being. The candidate will:
•provide food, water and enrichment
•perform cage changes including cleaning and sanitizing animal housing enclosures, equipment and rooms
•complete daily health observations and administer basic medical treatments, procedures and unique diets if applicable
•maintain logs documenting animal care activities and verification of environmental parameters and equipment function.
Duties also include facility support tasks including performing general cleaning, sweeping, mopping, stocking supply areas and assisting with cage wash operations.
The successful candidate must consistently demonstrate positive interpersonal and customer service skills, be available to work weekends and holidays, stand for extended periods of time, lift 50 pounds, push/pull heavy equipment and pass the mandatory criminal and social background checks. Child Protection Clearances, vaccinations and TB testing may be required. Must be available to work weekends.
Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of individuals and constituencies in support of a diverse community is required.
The employee must be able to:
•read, understand, and follow institutional guidance documents (SOPs, policies),including IACUC approved animal protocols when applicable
•follow written and verbal instructions
•demonstrate sufficient fine motor skill to manipulate animals and equipment; negotiate around equipment within close quarters; move between rooms and workspaces
•have sufficient visual acuity to observe animal behavior and recognize animals inadvertently left in cages as well as automated equipment notifications and printouts
•have sufficient audible acuity to hear equipment alarms and other warnings.
•wear facility specific Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for extended periods of time required by the job duties based on risk assessment from EH&S
•work directly with live or dead animals and clean or soiled bedding and caging with reasonable accommodations if necessary
•accurately and legibly document written information in English in a timely manner, including electronic formats and applications(e.g., PRISM, CAMS)
•effective written and verbal communication in English, including the use of email
•receive vaccinations and health assessments required to work in some animal holding or procedure areas in accordance with DLAR and/or EH&S policies and practices.
The employee must be able to:
•stand for extended periods of time for the majority of the workday
•lift and move objects weighing up to 50 pounds including, but not limited to, caging and equipment, bags or boxes of animal diet and animal bedding
•operate flatbed hand trucks or pallet jacks to push/pull heavier objects or weights exceeding 50 pounds
•perform repetitive motion tasks that involve pushing, pulling, twisting, reaching, and/or bending
•physically handle and restrain a variety of laboratory animals
•negotiate and navigate around animal facility caging, equipment, and the physical plant.
The University of Pittsburgh is committed to championing all aspects of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility within our community. This commitment is a fundamental value of the University and is crucial in helping us advance our mission, which includes attracting and retaining diverse workforces. We will continue to create and maintain an environment that allows individuals to discover, belong, contribute, and grow, while honoring the experiences, perspectives, and unique identities of all.
The University of Pittsburgh is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and values equality of opportunity, human dignity and diversity. EOE, including disability/vets.
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