Animal Behavior Technician at University of Pittsburgh in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Job Description:

Animal Behavior Technician

The individual will serve as an Animal Behavior Technician within the Division of Laboratory and Animal Resources (DLAR). The individual will assume a lead veterinary support role by assisting DLAR veterinarians, managers, and supervisors with enhancing the animal environment for all species and providing for the psychological well-being of nonhuman primates as required by applicable regulations, industry guidelines, and institutional and DLAR policies and practices.

The successful candidate must demonstrate professional and positive verbal, written, and interpersonal skills and effective time and process management.

The position requires successful enrollment in the University of Pittsburgh Animal Exposure Surveillance Program and other medical surveillance/immunization programs as dictated by the current research activities and when applicable. Vaccinations and/or TB testing may be required.

The successful candidate must be able to comprehend and follow written and verbal instructions, maintain accurate and legible records and other forms of documentation, consistently demonstrate positive interpersonal and customer service skills, be available to work weekends and holidays, stand for extended periods of time, lift 50 pounds, push/pull heavy equipment, pass the mandatory criminal background check and social background checks. Vaccinations and/or TB testing may be required.

Job Summary

Performs behavioral assessments on new and existing acquisitions of nonhuman primates. Supports the research program by promoting the environmental enhancement and psychological well-being of nonhuman primates and other laboratory animal species, in accordance with regulatory requirements.

Essential Functions

The employee must be able to:

• Read, understand, and follow DLAR and other institutional guidance documents (SOPs, policies), including IACUC approved animal protocols when applicable.

• Follow written and verbal instructions.

• Have sufficient visual acuity and manual dexterity to recognize and identify normal and abnormal species-specific clinical appearances and behavior patterns, safely handle and restrain the animal species involved with his/her duties and operate and maintain facility equipment and supplies utilized in the provision of veterinary care and animal husbandry and care.

• Wear facility specific Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) required by the job duties based on risk assessment from EH&S.

• Work directly with live or dead animals and clean or soiled bedding and caging with reasonable accommodations if necessary.

• Accurately and legibly document written information in English in a timely manner, including electronic formats and applications (e.g., PRISM, CAMS).

• Effective written and verbal communication in English, including the use of email.

• Receive vaccinations and health assessments, including TB testing, required to work in some animal holding or procedure areas in accordance with DLAR and/or EH&S policies and practices.

Physical Effort

The employee must be able to:

• Stand for extended periods of time throughout the majority of the workday.

• Lift and move objects weighing up to 50 pounds including but not limited to caging and equipment, bags or boxes of animal diet and animal bedding, and operate flatbed hand trucks or pallet jacks to move heavier objects or weights exceeding 50 pounds.

• Perform repetitive motion tasks that involve pushing, pulling, reaching, and/or bending.

• Physically handle and restrain a variety of small and large laboratory animals.

Negotiate and navigate around animal facility caging, equipment, and the physical plant.

The University of Pittsburgh is committed to championing all aspects of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility within our community. This commitment is a fundamental value of the University and is crucial in helping us advance our mission, which includes attracting and retaining diverse workforces. We will continue to create and maintain an environment that allows individuals to discover, belong, contribute, and grow, while honoring the experiences, perspectives, and unique identities of all.

The University of Pittsburgh is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and values equality of opportunity, human dignity and diversity. EOE, including disability/vets.

Assignment Category: Full-time regular

Job Classification: Staff.Animal Behavior Technician

Job Family: Research

Job Sub Family: Animal Research

Campus: Pittsburgh

Minimum Education Level Required: High School Diploma/GED

Minimum Years of Experience Required: 1

Will this position accept substitution in lieu of education or experience: Combination of education and relevant experience will be considered in lieu of education and/ or experience requirement.

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 7:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Some holidays and weekends

Work Arrangement: Monday - Friday 7:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Some holidays and weekends

Hiring Range: TBD Based Upon Qualifications

Relocation_Offered: No

Visa Sponsorship Provided: No

Background Check: For position finalists, employment with the University will require successful completion of a background check

Child Protection Clearances: The following PA Act 153 clearances and background checks are required prior to commencement of employment and as a condition of continued employment: PA State Police Criminal Record Check, FBI Criminal Record Check, PA Child Abuse History Clearance.

Required Documents: Resume, Cover Letter

Optional Documents: Not Applicable

PI242454177

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