Animal Care Technician I (99251)

As a solutions-based company, Precise Systems is focused on innovation in support of the warfighters and aligning our expertise to deliver the highest quality of service. Powered by our highly skilled workforces, we provide expert consultation on network and weapons systems acquisition programs, maintenance/modernization programs, and sustainment programs with solutions in Digital Transformation, Advanced Engineering, Physical Sciences Research, Platform Lifecycle Support, and Technical Services. Since our establishment, we have demonstrated and perfected our ability to manage the customer's needs, no matter how complex – offering exceptional service and the Precise solution.

Precise Systems seeks an experienced Animal Care Technician I (99251) to provide routine husbandry services with supervision to research animal colonies. Required services include, but are not limited to, providing clean caging and fresh food and water to research animals, sanitization of animal holding facilities, environmental monitoring, and observing animals for signs of abnormal health. 

All work is performed on-site, in Edgewood, Maryland, 5 days per week

The Laboratory Animal Caretaker I works with an assortment of equipment including animal restraint devices, autoclaves for sterilization, and different types of cage washing equipment. This caretaker must have a basic understanding of biohazards in the research environment and a working knowledge for biohazard levels one and two; and be trained on safety procedures to avoid infection or exposure. In order to understand their responsibilities, Laboratory Animal Caretaker I should understand the moral and ethical aspects of the care and use of research animals. This position may require a general knowledge about federal, state, and local regulations. Other titles associated are Facility Support Technician, Animal Husbandry Caretaker, Technical Support Technician, and Facility Support Team Leader

Duties:

• General duties include completing animal husbandry tasks with minimal supervision such as providing clean caging, fresh food and water to research animals, sanitization of animal holding facilities, environmental monitoring, and observation of animals for signs of abnormal health
• Services will be performed on a schedule that is regulated by governing bodies and internal SOPs
• Reliable, skilled, high quality, and compassionate animal handling and care for all species
• Sanitation and cleaning of facility
• Weekly: animal census, running floor scrubber (2x/week), mopping of area which floor scrubber cannot reach, stericycle/package waste, restocking rooms, flushing eye washes and keeping loading dock clean
• Monthly: sanitize/clean unused room, run DF 5000 down all floor drains, check scrubber batteries, pest control, sweep/mop elevators, check/change room filter (when necessary)
• Deliver subcutaneous injections under proper protocols when directed
• Animal euthanasia when deemed necessary under proper protocols
• Record-keeping and thorough documentation of animal care in accordance with SOPs and Animal Use Protocols.
• After the primary tasks of husbandry services have been completed, the candidate should be ready to learn support techniques that are new to him/her and should familiarize themselves and assist with all monitoring of animals, as appropriate.

Required Education:

• High School Diploma or GED
• Must be able to achieve American Association for Laboratory Animal Sciences (AALAS) Assistant Laboratory Technician (ALAT) Certification within one year.

Required Experience: 

• Reliable, skilled and compassionate animal handling and care
• Excellent time management skills
• Computer experience; familiarity with the Microsoft office suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.)
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Ability to work a fixed schedule
• Weekend availability
• Ability to assist with other duties as assigned
• Ability to complete additional training as assigned

Work Environment

• This job operates in a laboratory/animal containment setting and professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard laboratory equipment such as autoclaves, floor scrubbers, and cage wash machines. This role also routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines.

Physical Demands

• This is a physically active role and requires the ability to move animals, clean cages, prolonged periods of standing, frequent bending, exposure to potential allergens (animal fur, dander, etc.)
• Must be able to lift/move/transport food bags up to 50 lbs.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

• This is a full-time position. Days and hours of work are Monday through Friday, 07:00- 15:00 with a ½ an hour for lunch. Evening and/or weekend work is required. Expected rotating weekend duties (4 hours work/day, depending on total animals). Standard workday schedules are subject to change when working weekends.
• Any changes in schedule or leave time should be communicated in advance to CBC clients to ensure continuity of services by onsite team members.

This position is covered by the Service Contract Labor Standard under a Wage Determination.  As such Under the SCA selected candidates are entitled to both the hourly rate aforementioned and a health and welfare benefit. Precise Systems is meeting that benefit through the use of a bona fide plan which includes certain insurance coverage.

Must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance. Due to the sensitivity of customer-related requirements, U.S. Citizenship is required.

Precise Systems recruits, employs, trains, compensates, and promotes the most qualified persons for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other status protected by law. Further, Precise Systems will not discharge or, in any different manner, discriminate against employees or applicants because they choose to inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of another employee or applicant. Precise Systems, Inc. is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. Precise Systems, Inc. participates in E-Verify. Precise Systems, Inc. encourages and supports workplace diversity.