Animal Technician, Sr. jobs in Des Moines, IA

Job Summary: This position provides daily care for test animals and perform routine cleaning of the animal testing facilities. Schedule and perform vaccination of test animals and record daily observations. Obtain blood samples from laboratory animals as required. Maintain sample and testing documentation upon receipt of samples and conclusion of testing. Submit required documentation to appropriate departments, regulatory agencies, and customers. Responsible for organization and retention of files and product samples.

Quality Control and Animal Care Responsibilities:

• Provide fresh feed and water to all animals daily
• Clean animal areas on required, routine basis including bedding changes
• Provide all physical necessities, including environmental enrichment, to maintain animal health and comfort
• Schedule and perform vaccination of test animals when required including routine potency and safety testing. Perform non-routine tests for research studies
• Transport caging, equipment, cleaning supplies, feed, and bedding to rooms to prepare for upcoming testing
• Keep animal testing areas stocked with supplies and order appropriately
• Accurately complete records for animal usage, testing, euthanasia, pain and suffering with and without drugs, cleaning of rooms, controlled drugs, and biohazard disposal
• Record daily observations of all animals on test in a timely manner. This includes number of animals and their condition
• Maintain daily temperature and cleaning records for animal rooms. Prepare weekend and holiday schedule for personnel to ensure coverage
• Assist in restraint of and obtain blood samples from laboratory animals as required
• Order animals to minimize delays in testing and maximize use of facility. Maintain animal numbers to avoid shortages or excess
• Adhere to all safety procedures, review relevant SDS literature, and use appropriate personal protective equipment
• Adhere to applicable biosafety practices and handle biohazardous waste appropriately
• Perform AVMA approved euthanasia techniques at the end of testing and properly dispose of the carcasses
• Properly operate and maintain laboratory equipment such as autoclave, biosafety cabinets, cage washer, incubators, freezers, microscopes, etc
• Ability to safely operate a pickup truck

Administrative:

• Receive daily samples from QA, log samples into the laboratory software and logbook, and distribute them to appropriate laboratory testing areas
• Collate final testing results from testing laboratories and manufacturing information from production. Prepare testing documentation for submission to internal departments, USDA, and customers
• File test records and maintain orderly files including current and archive
• Submit appropriate product samples to USDA including creation of submission form, packaging, and delivery to shipping area
• Maintain product testing retention samples per company and USDA requirements. Track stability studies, maintain samples, and distribute samples to appropriate testing areas
• Assist in revision of sampling plans and SOPs as needed
• Stock office supplies and forms for BQC personnel
• On a daily basis, deliver documentation to appropriate production facility mailboxes, check BQC mailbox, and route all documentation to appropriate personnel

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:

• Associate Degree in Animal Sciences or High School diploma with 4 years experience in animal health related activities
• AALAS certification is required
• Valid Iowa Driver’s License is required

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Must have concern for animals in their care and take responsibility for their well-being
• Ability to read and comprehend SOPs, protocols, and government regulations
• Must be available to work rotating weekends and holidays
• Flexibility, organization skills, self-motivation, working independently, attention to detail, and time management skills are necessary

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds repetitively and push/pull 100 lbs. frequently
• Must be able to lift up to 20 lbs. above head; stooping, kneeling, crouching; walking; standing for extended periods of time
• Perform repetitive motions for extended periods of time
• Wear personal safety protection as required including hair, eye, face, foot protection; wear respirator
• Bend at the waist and twist torso from side to side; good hand-eye coordination; good hand dexterity; full range of motion with arms; balance; lifting; use hands to grasp, screw or unscrew caps; talk/hear; see; smell; exposure to hazardous waste; fumes/airborne particles
• No animal allergies

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Typical lab/office environment.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $17.00 - $18.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid parental leave
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Monday to Friday
• Rotating weekends

Education:

• Associate (Required)

Experience:

• Aseptic technique: 1 year (Required)
• Animal care: 1 year (Required)

License/Certification:

• Driver's License (Required)

Work Location: In person