Animal Support Technician I

Animal Support Technician I

Comparative Medicine LARC Location: Oklahoma City, OK

Position Overview and Responsibilities

The Animal Support Technician position plays a key role in helping to support the functions of those caring for laboratory animals. This position does not work directly with the animals. Job duties include:

1. Performs cleaning, sanitization, and preparation of caging and accessories by processing dirty and clean cages and equipment for a variety of laboratory animal species in a timely manner.
2. Operates equipment including autoclaves, mechanical washers, bedding dispenser, per department SOP's.
3. Perform daily maintenance requirements of equipment as per SOP's and notify supervisor of any equipment malfunctions.
4. Sanitize all areas of facility per department SOP's.
5. Maintain quality control records.
6. Observe SOP's for traffic flow within facility to prevent cross-contamination.
7. Assist with monitoring facility environment, notify supervisor of any problems detected.
8. Receive and store incoming supplies; maintain storage room.
9. Performs all other duties as assigned.

General Responsibilities:

• Performs, as directed, safety compliance and uses Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), as needed.
• Participates in Quality Assessment (QA) and Quality Improvement (QI) programs, as directed.
• Maintains positive working relationships as a team player through problem solving issues, speaking positively about others, listening attentively and observing the confidentiality of research needs.
• Increases customer service knowledge, skill and ability by participating in departmental training program.
• Delivers service that exceeds expectations by problem solving with other employees as appropriate.
• Maintains a clean and safe working environment.

Minimum Qualifications

This is a busy work environment, which requires the ability to work quickly and efficiently. Must have effective communication skills and good attention to detail. Must have ability to follow written and verbal instructions, work independently as well as with others, display industriousness, conscientiousness and dependability. The ability to be flexible and adjust to changing conditions/requirements is essential.

Preferred Qualifications

High school diploma, GED or equivalent combination of education and experience. Experience in animal care, janitorial or food service work beneficial.

Work Hours Typically, Monday through Friday from 7:00AM to 3:30PM.

Physical Demands

Regularly required to move throughout the animal lab facility. Frequently lifts, carries, or moves items weighing up to 30 pounds. Pushes, pulls, or moves items weighing up to 500 pounds with the assistance of carts or mechanical aids. Occasionally required to ascend or descend stepladders or ladders; alternative means or assistance are available for those with mobility limitations. Occasionally exposed to wet or humid conditions; appropriate precautions and accommodations will be provided as needed. Regularly exposed to animal dander, fecal material, and bedding; protective equipment and accommodations are available to mitigate allergen exposure. There is a potential risk of animal bites and scratches; comprehensive safety training and protective measures are provided to reduce risk. The noise level in the work environment is typically moderate; hearing protection will be provided when necessary. These physical requirements constitute essential functions of the position, to be performed either with or without reasonable accommodations.

OMRF Overview

Founded in 1946, the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation (OMRF) is among the nation's oldest, most respected independent, nonprofit biomedical research institutes. OMRF is dedicated to understanding and developing more effective treatments for human diseases, focusing on critical research areas such as Alzheimer's disease, cancer, lupus, multiple sclerosis, and cardiovascular disease.