Animal Caretaker

Position Summary                                          
The Animal Caretaker is specifically trained in accordance with East Tennessee Clinical Research (ETCR) Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to perform animal husbandry duties at ETCR test facilities.  The primary focus of the Animal Caretaker is to comply with the Animal Welfare Act regulations, Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) policies, study protocols and facility SOPs to ensure the well being of test animals.  These activities include feeding, watering, cleaning, and implementation of the exercise and enrichment plan.  He/she documents daily care of test animals accurately and thoroughly on appropriate forms according to the study protocol and ETCR SOPs.  He/she informs the supervisor and/or veterinarians of any concerns related to animal health.  He/she reports any problems with equipment and the current status of certain inventory (e.g. feed, animal bedding, litter, cleaning supplies).  The Animal Caretaker assists veterinarians with physical examinations, body weights and clinical activities as needed.  He/she always handles test animals in a safe and humane manor while abiding by the safety policies and procedures of ETCR.  The Animal Caretaker is also responsible for keeping the facility environment clean and reporting all maintenance needs to ETCR’s maintenance personnel.
Position Accountabilities and Performance Criteria

1. Provides feed and water to test animals according to the direction of the supervisor, study protocol or ETCR’s SOPs
2. Cleans cages or stalls, dishes or buckets and feeders, and equipment as indicated in ETCR’s written processes
3. Complies with the study protocol; reads the study protocol specific to each study, follows the protocol for all aspects of the study for which he/she is involved
4. Respects the confidentiality of study information; uses discretion in discussing study information
5. Accurately and consistently enters raw data on specified study forms, both paper and electronic, recording data contemporaneously, and accurately and legibly (if applicable).
6. Properly signs and dates study records and all data entries
7. Correctly documents errors or changes in data by using designated codes and signing name or initials; dating corrections or changes
8. Assists the Study Director/Investigator or designee during study activities such as physical examinations, body weights and/or specimen collection
9. Handles animals in a safe and humane manner according to regulations and guidelines
10. Disposes of biohazardous wastes in the appropriate manner
11. Maintains and sanitizes primary and secondary enclosures of the facility according to ETCR’s written processes
12. Restocks supplies and reports any deficiencies to ordering personnel as supplies are needed
13. Sets up cages or stalls in preparation for clinical trials according to direction of the Study Director/Investigator
14. Assists in the transport of small animals, livestock, and equipment as directed
15. Assists in the admission of test animals to the test facility, documenting appropriate information on forms as directed by supervisor
16. Keeps the Director of Animal Care informed of the health status of the test animals and informs the Attending Veterinarian of any health concerns
17. Complies with ETCR safety policies and wears appropriate personal protective equipment as appropriate
18. Keeps the test animal facilities looking clean and neat, stores equipment and tools in designated storage areas
19. Stores feed and medications in appropriate areas
20. Performs routine cleaning and maintenance on equipment and tools as directed
21. Wears appropriate clothing for animal facility; including scrubs and waterproof boots (Small Animal Facility) or long pants and leather boots (Large Animal Facility) for daily cleaning.
22. Takes work direction well and works seamlessly with other ETCR staff members
23. Reports to work as scheduled and completes assigned tasks in a timely fashion

 
 
Position Qualifications

Minimum Education                                                              High School diploma or GED                                                                                                          required, (current enrollment                                                                                                          accepted). 
 
Minimum Experience                                                            Previous experience working with and                                                                                                         caring for animals is preferred.
 
Work Direction                                                                         Takes work direction from the Director of                                                                                                  Animal Care and facility veterinarians.
 
Physical Requirements                                                        Work involves exposure                                                                                                          to environmental elements on a daily                                                                                                          basis, including fluctuations in                                                                                                          temperature throughout the year.  Job                                                                                                          may require heavy lifting, twisting and                                                                                                          turning.  Must be able to move freely                                                                                                          about in working with test animals.