Large Animal Facility Assistant (Research Animal Resources)

We are seeking a Large Animal Facility Assistant who will be an important member of the research team in providing the highest standards of animal care, welfare, and technical assistance in support of research initiatives. The Large Animal Facility Assistant conducts work in accordance with several 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.

Performs sanitation, husbandry and all support functions required for the humane care of a wide variety of laboratory animal species including rodents, rabbits, birds, frogs, dogs, cats, and non-human primates. 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.

***This is a Bargaining Unit position. All newly hired employees in Bargaining Unit positions shall be considered "probationary" employees until completion of 90 calendar days of employment. The university will notify the employees' union. ***

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 transfers 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 such as abnormal food consumption, death, abnormal stool or unusual behavior.
• Provide enrichment to large animals according to instructions and document appropriately.
• Perform euthanasia following detailed training and instructions.
• Receive and process incoming animals and materials. Examines incoming animals for compliance with specifications, rejecting unsuitable animals and referring questionable cases to the supervisor.
• Maintain accurate records of the numbers and types of animals cared for and the animal's food and water consumption.
• Maintain detailed records of animal room environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, lighting and other environmental controls and report deviations to the supervisor. Note this information on the room environment log sheet.
• Maintain adequate stock of feed, bedding and other supplies.
• Make repairs on caging and equipment when necessary, such as broken water lines.
• Report to supervisor the need for repairs to cages and support equipment when needed.
• Lubricate equipment, make minor adjustments and repairs to cages and other equipment and change air filters related to laboratory animal equipment and facilities as needed, using hand tools if required.
• Collect, process and remove waste material. Know and follow appropriate procedure for disposal of animal carcasses, bio-hazardous wastes, etc.
• Observe all safety policies and procedures and use equipment and chemical treatments properly to avoid harming animals, self, others and damaging property.
• Perform tasks that require the use of personal protective equipment such as safety glasses, safety shoes, protective clothing and gloves, fume hoods, biological safety cabinets, etc.
• Follow good laboratory practice and good housekeeping procedures in accordance with standard operating procedures, health, safety and environmental policies.
• Maintain equipment and work area in clean and orderly condition. To sanitize their area, reach upper cages or to clean animal racks or shelves.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule including weekends and holidays.

Special Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to understand and follow detailed oral and written instructions.
• Ability to read and write in order to maintain records, read instructions, labels, etc.
• Ability to interact and work with faculty, students, staff, and visitors in a knowledgeable, respectful and courteous manner.
• Ability to discuss animal related projects with investigators and report these discussions to the supervisor.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work under environmental conditions that require the use of safety equipment.
• Ability to lift, carry or otherwise move and position objects and materials weighing up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to stand, walk or otherwise move about campus on a continuous basis.
• Ability to ascend/descend stairs on a regular basis.
• Specialty Occupational Health requirements up to date and complete.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school Degree or equivalent.

Preferred Qualifications

• One (1) year of laboratory animal care or related experience preferred.