Title Code: 7292
Occ. Group:
Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT)
Expectations for All Employees
East Tennessee State University pursues its mission based upon core values. An employee's job performance must support and exhibit the university's core values:
PEOPLE come first, are treated with dignity and respect, and are encouraged to achieve their
full potential;
RELATIONSHIPS are built on honesty, integrity and trust;
DIVERSITY of people and thought is respected;
EXCELLENCE is achieved through teamwork, leadership, creativity, and a strong work ethic;
EFFICIENCY is achieved through wise use of human and financial resources; and COMMITMENT to intellectual achievement is embraced.
Definition
Employees in this class are under close to general supervision. Work performed in the daily husbandry, care and observation of laboratory animals; providing limited technical assistance; and performing related duties as assigned.
Characteristic Duties and Responsibilities
Performs routine animal husbandry tasks, such as grooming, feeding, and watering the animals, and changing of cages and litter pans.
Sanitizes cages, pens, animal quarters, animal rooms and support areas.
Maintains inventory of animals and cages and supplies.
Maintains detailed records on activities and environmental conditions in the animal rooms and support areas.
Observes animal appearance and behavior, and reports subtle changes to the supervisor.
Performs euthanasia of animals according to set guidelines.
Cleans animal quarters including walls, ceilings, floors, sinks, windows, and furniture.
Applies basics of federal guidelines and regulations during daily work routine.
Operates cage washing equipment, steam sterilizer, high-pressure cleaner, and other equipment.
Assists in procurement, delivery and receipt of animals.
Maintains adequate supply of clean cages, racks, and watering devices.
Prepares and uses sprays, washing and disinfecting solutions, including concentrated acids and caustic chemicals.
Assists in clinical and experimental work such as restraining of animals, preparation for operating room procedures or teaching classes.
Provides post-surgical nursing care to seriously impaired research models (animals).
Administers analgesics, antibiotics, anthelmintics and other medications as directed by the veterinarian.
Performs phlebotomy and other paraveterinary procedures to acquire clinical samples for diagnostic purposes.
Keeps cages and other equipment in repaired condition and reports malfunction of equipment and services.
Cleans and maintains cage and bottle washers, sterilizers, vacuums, and other equipment.
Performs minor equipment repair.
Maintains adequate supply of feed and bedding and reports shortages.
Unloads and places into storage incoming supplies of food, litter, equipment, etc.
Maintains work uniforms and practices a high level of personal hygiene.
Collects and disposes of waste and carcasses.
Operates departmental truck on and off campus and transports animals, supplies and equipment between facilities.
Performs other duties as assigned by the supervisor or the veterinarian.
Required Knowledge and Abilities
Knowledge of basic animal husbandry.
Knowledge of basic facility management and administration.
Knowledge of basic animal health and welfare.
Knowledge of cleaning methods and equipment.
Knowledge of record keeping.
Knowledge of guidelines, requirements and regulations of federal, granting and accreditation agencies.
Knowledge of basic technical skills in the care, preparation and use of animals for research and teaching.
Ability to maintain mechanical equipment.
Ability to handle, care for and transport experimental animals.
Ability to observe, keep records and communicate with researchers.
Ability to follow instructions.
Ability to establish and maintain an effective working relationship with other employees.
Ability to operate assigned vehicle.
Ability to establish and maintain an effective working relationship with other employees.
Ability to move a minimum of 50 pounds.
Recommended Qualifications
High school graduate or equivalent; possess a valid Tennessee operator license as issued by the Tennessee Department of Safety; possess or obtain Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT) certification by the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) within 18 months of employment.
Date Skill Eval
8/30/99 4 342023114
The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the types of duties and responsibilities that will be required of positions given this title and shall not be construed as a declaration of the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position.