Animal Caretaker Containment

Alaka`ina Foundation Family of Companies (FOCs) is looking for an Animal Caretaker Containment position to support our government customer located in Frederick, Maryland.

The candidate shall serve as an Animal Caretaker (Containment and Non-containment), providing animal care at various levels of biocontainment, including animal biosafety levels (ABSL - 3 and 4) and receive animals for experiments as indicated by the investigator. The candidate shall assist in providing non-routine assignment care, a change in procedure, special problems, etc., but is responsible for independently selecting, applying, and modifying appropriate laboratory animal care procedures for species and condition of the animals. The Animal Caretaker is responsible for participating fully in all aspects of animal work including those relative to animal receipt, observation and husbandry related to experimental procedures. Close visual attention is necessary in a majority of work and it is the responsibility of the candidate to inform the investigator, technicians, supervisor and veterinarians of abnormalities, changes, etc., in animal conditions. The candidate is responsible for reporting any physical problems to the professional staff whenever noted.  

DESCRIPTION OF RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide animal care and husbandry to the animals during experimental and non-experimental periods. This includes providing environmental enrichment in accordance with the applicable SOPs and EEP to all animals; monitoring animals as needed or as required by SOP and/or protocol; and having water available at all times. Report abnormal animal conditions to the Chief, Department of Animal Husbandry, the veterinarian, Officer In Charge (OIC) for the specific animal colony, Director, VMD, and the TOCOR without delay. Report any SOP deviation to the TOCOR (or designee) as soon as practicable.
• Responsible for the receipt, examination, verification, and housing of all incoming laboratory animals.
• House animals in appropriate size and types of cages to meet protocol and regulation requirements. Ensures adequate provision of feed and water for all animals under the Contractor’s care. Replace bedding, change cages, and maintain the animal areas in a clean and orderly condition.
• Ensures all animals are properly identified.
• Apply a high level of skill, observation, and knowledge of a wide variety of animal species and recognizes minute yet significant changes or disease and alert the investigator, technician, or veterinarian.
• Transfer animals from cages to holding equipment.
• Strictly adhere to all SOPs
• Clean and decontaminate the area upon completion, and applies biological safety procedures.
• Operate medical and research equipment to protect laboratory personnel and other animals from infection by organisms under investigation, utilization of rack and cage washers, and handling animals by appropriate procedures to protect co-workers from bites and scratches.
• Utilize biological and/or industrial safety procedures which are in direct relation to animal caretaking and involves the use of specially designed equipment and procedures for protection of the incumbent and his/her co-workers, for prevention of cross infection by other laboratory animals, and for the containment of infectious materials within the laboratory suite.
• Monitor certification/maintenance dates on medical equipment and notify the TOCOR/TPOC and animal caretaker working lead in a timely fashion of certifications that are coming due. Notify the TOCOR and VMD personnel of animal husbandry supply and equipment needs.
• Assist with Cagewash. This includes, but is not limited to, changing of bedding, washing and sanitizing cages; and autoclaving equipment, feed, bedding, water and other materials and supplies as indicated by the contract requirements. Comply with applicable AC, AD, EQ, FC, SA and SO series USAMRIID SOPs.

REQUIRED DEGREE/EDUCATION/CERTIFICATION:

• H.S. Diploma

• Requires Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT)certification within six (6) months of being at USAMRIID

REQUIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

Prior lab animal experience working with nonhuman primates (NHP's)

DESIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) experience

REQUIRED CITIZENSHIP AND CLEARANCE:

• Must be a U.S. Citizen
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a Public Trust clearance
• Must be eligible for BPRP

The Alaka`ina Foundation Family of Companies (FOCs) is a fast-growing government service provider. Employees enjoy competitive salaries. Eligible employees enjoy a 401K plan with company match; medical, dental, disability, and life insurance coverage; tuition reimbursement; paid time off; and 11 paid holidays.

We are an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. We are proud to state that we do not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, or disability status. If you are a person with a disability and you need an accommodation during the application process, please click here to request accommodation. We E-Verify all employees.

The Alaka`ina Foundation Family of Companies (FOCs) is comprised of industry-recognized government service firms designated as Native Hawaiian Organization (NHO)-owned and 8(a) certified businesses. The Family of Companies (FOCs) includes Ke`aki Technologies, Laulima Government Solutions, Kūpono Government Services, and Kapili Services, Po`okela Solutions, Kīkaha Solutions, LLC, and Pololei Solutions, LLC.  Alaka`ina Foundation activities under the 501(c)3 principally benefit the youth of Hawaii through charitable efforts which includes providing innovative educational programs that combine leadership, science & technology, and environmental stewardship.

For additional information, please visit www.alakainafoundation.com

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