Laboratory Animal Tech Trainee, Animal Resources Program - Wake Forest University School of Medicine : Job Details

Job DescriptionOur program is searching for dedicated individuals to fulfill the husbandry and care duties of Laboratory Animal Technicians (starting as trainees), so we can work together to meet the mission and service responsibilities of our program. We have multiple campuses, serving multiple animal species, including non-human primates.JOB SUMMARYUnder direct supervision, learn to perform general care and maintenance of laboratory animals and facilities in a research and teaching environment. Incumbent must successfully complete structured training within eight to eighteen months to be retained in classification and/or promoted to a Laboratory Animal Technician. This position is considered essential personnel for lab animal care. Starting pay: $17.50/hour.EDUCATION/EXPERIENCEHigh School diploma or recognized equivalent required. Relevant animal work in a professional or farm setting desired.LICENSURE, CERTIFICATION, and/or REGISTRATION

• Valid driver's license required.
• American Association Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) certification at the Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician level preferred, but not required.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Feed, water, and dispense bedding for all animal species according to specific requirements and standard operating procedures (SOPs). Distinguish between different varieties of animal food and bedding.

Observe animals and recognize signs of illness, discomfort, and/or distress. Alert veterinary staff to animals' condition.

Maintain sanitary animal housing equipment and facility according to SOPs to achieve a state of functional readiness.

Monitor environment of animal facility and complete building/room log sheets and or report daily tasks and conditions in electronic system.

Assemble animal cage equipment and observe equipment for evidence of needed repairs.

Safely handle all animal species while maintaining proper identification and location.

Complete and document animal census on a weekly basis.

Communicate pertinent information to clinical, supervisory, and management personnel verbally.

Provide species specific environmental enrichment items according to schedules.

Read, review, and follow all SOPs associated with position and campus specific procedures.

Complete American Association Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) Learning Library training modules associated with Wake Forest Track for this position along with the campus specific modules.

SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS

• Ability to operate routine animal care and use equipment (e.g., tunnel washer, rack washer, bulk sterilizer)
• Ability to communicate effectively; ability to perform necessary documentation and recordkeeping
• Ability to utilize simple computer skills (e.g. email, training modules)
• Ability to work as part of a team
• Good time-management skills
• Good interpersonal/human relations skills

WORK ENVIRONMENTWork includes weekend and holiday work schedules.Work also includes:

• possible exposure to outdoor elements and odors
• exposure to animal and human pathogens and potential allergens
• exposure to animals that can inflict bites, kick, or scratch
• bending and lifting of cages, feed and bedding
• the need to lift, push or pull heavy objects

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Bending and lifting of cages, feed and bedding
• The need to lift, push or pull heavy objects
• Negative tests for active tuberculosis
• Color vision

About UsWake Forest University School of Medicine (WFUSM) is a U.S. News and World Report top 50 ranked medical school, integrated with a world-class health system, Atrium Health. WFUSM, the academic core of Atrium Health Enterprise, is a recognized leader in experiential medical education and groundbreaking research that includes Wake Forest Innovations, a commercialization enterprise focused on advancing health care through new medical technologies and biomedical discovery. WFUSM, has over $300M in annual, extramural funding that drives a cutting-edge Academic Learning Health System by integrating innovative research with excellent patient care across our enterprise. Atrium Health is based in Winston-Salem, North Carolina and is part of Advocate Health, which is headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, and is the fifth-largest nonprofit health system in the United States, created from the combination of Atrium Health and Advocate Aurora Health. AHWFB is an 885-bed tertiary-care hospital in Winston-Salem - that includes Brenner Children's Hospital, five community hospitals, more than 300 primary and specialty care locations and more than 2,700 physicians. Our highly integrated academic and clinical environment is deeply committed to improving health, elevating hope, and advancing healing - for all. It should be noted that while you are applying on the Wake Forest University School of Medicine Career Site, you will receive communications from the Atrium Health Recruitment Team. Please know that this is an expected process. Thanks in advance for your flexibility.About the TeamMission, Vision and Culture CommitmentsMission To improve health, elevate hope and advance healing - for all.Vision To be the first and best choice for care. Culture Commitments We create a space where all Belong We Work as One to make great things happen We earn Trust in all we do We Innovate to better the now and create the future We drive for Excellence - always