Animal Technician 1

Job Description

DCM has an outstanding opportunity for Animal Technician 1  to join their team.

About this Opportunity:

Reporting to Animal Facility Program Supervisor, the Animal Technician 1 is responsible for full cagewash room duties, animal care in rooms, and custodial care for animals and animal facilities.

If applicable, units may also provide additional or clarifying information about the role, such as the UW worksite location or details about telework eligibility and work schedule.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Animal Care & Husbandry (60%)

• Perform and document daily animal health checks; identify and report illness or abnormalities

• Perform routine husbandry: cage changes, housing, feed, water, enrichment

• Wean or separate animals; handle, restrain, weigh, and sex common laboratory animals

• Determine daily animal census

• Provide food and water (including specialized diets); document administration and consumption; report deviations

• Maintain separation of animals with different health or experimental statuses; avoid cross contamination

• Provide husbandry in biocontainment or bioexclusion areas (ABSL2, ABSL2+, isolation, quarantine, Helicobacter free rooms)

• Monitor and record room environmental parameters; report deviations

• Assist with delivery of animals to the facility and transport within the facility

• Maintain detailed and accurate written and electronic records and logs

• Follow all SOPs and guidelines for animal care, cagewash, and facility operations

• Communicate animal care issues to research personnel, supervisors, and coworkers

• Maintain appropriate communication with research personnel

• Attend staff meetings and continuing education sessions

2. Sanitation, Cagewash & Facility Maintenance (20%)

• Follow SOPs, Working Guidelines, and related documents for cagewash, animal care, and housing

• Prepare clean cages and enclosures for a wide variety of animals

• Clean/sanitize animal use areas: walls, floors, ceilings, windows, food prep rooms

• Perform general custodial duties (sweeping, mopping, waste transport)

• Dispose of animal carcasses per facility, state, and federal requirements

• Assist with basic cagewash duties (autoclaves, rack washers, tunnel washers)

• Operate machinery (change stations, floor scrubbers, animal racks)

• Maintain equipment (ventilated racks, laminar flow stations, biological safety cabinets) and premises to standards

3. Logistics, Supplies & Operational Support (20%)

• Monitor inventory levels; stock and maintain supplies; initiate supply and equipment orders

• Occasionally operate departmental vehicles (car and box truck)

• Perform related duties as required

Required Qualifications:

To be considered for this opportunity your application must demonstrate you meet both the minimum qualifications and additional qualifications listed below. Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license, certification, and/or registration.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Physical ability to do required work; ability to read, write, and communicate orally in English.

• Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license, certification, and/or registration.

Applicants who do not meet these qualifications WILL NOT be forwarded to the Hiring Manager.

Preferred Qualifications:

• High school diploma

• Physical ability to do required work

• Ability to read, write, and communicate effectively with others in written and spoken form

• Ability to take direction

• Ability to maintain records and to ensure accurate data collection

• Ability to learn to operate equipment such as autoclaves and tunnel or rack washers

• Basic computer skills to include sending and receiving emails, word processing (e.g., Word), and internet navigation

• Ability to learn to successfully complete time reporting using an online database    

• Ability to work independently as well as in a team environment 

• Ability to work collaboratively in a research environment with culturally diverse populations and with individuals of varying educational and professional backgrounds (e.g., Animal Technicians, Veterinarians, Research Technicians, Principal Investigators). 

• Must have a current Washington driver’s license 

• Must be comfortable working in biohazard facilities 

• Experience working with animals

• Experience working in a research facility

• An aptitude for machine and motor operations

• Experience operating a box truck and a small car (Prius)

• Hold a valid Washington State driver's license that has not been suspended or revoked for the past three years for any reason

• Ability to successfully complete University driver education and training    

Working Conditions:

• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds and carry 30 pounds

• Must be willing and able to work with a wide variety of animals

• Work schedule will be Friday - Tuesday, 7:00am - 3:30pm; future work week schedules and facility assignments may change to meet the needs of the department

• Some weekend and holiday work will be required.

• Must be able to pass a Washington State Patrol background check

• May be required to work with and take specific precautions, against and/or be immunized against potentially infectious agents.  Specific precautions may include wearing respirators and/or protective clothing.

• The employee is personally responsible for following health & safety and security policies/procedures.

• Punctuality and regular attendance are critical components of this position.

• This is an essential position and the employee will be expected to report to work under conditions that other employees are not required to report to work, such as inclement weather and UW suspended operations.    

Compensation, Benefits and Position Details

Pay Range Minimum:

Pay Range Maximum:

Other Compensation:

Benefits:

Shift:

Temporary or Regular?

FTE (Full-Time Equivalent):

Union/Bargaining Unit:

About the UW 

Working at the University of Washington provides a unique opportunity to change lives – on our campuses, in our state and around the world.  

UW employees bring their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills and dedication to building stronger minds and a healthier world. In return, they enjoy outstanding benefits, opportunities for professional growth and the chance to work in an environment known for its diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty. 

Our Commitment 

The University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and welcoming community for all. As an equal opportunity employer, the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81.

To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or dso@uw.edu. 

Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law.