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Position Function:

The Laboratory Animal Technician will serve as a member of a team to provide basic animal care and husbandry for a wide range of animals used in research, teaching and for client animals. This position may also include supervision of student workers.

Salary Grade:  11

Please see Staff Compensation Structure or Skilled Crafts and Service Maintenance Compensation Schedule for salary ranges.  For salary grade UC, these positions are "Unclassified" and salary ranges are determined by the hiring department.

Area of Specialization:

LARAC

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Provide basic animal care and husbandry for various species of animals to maintain a clean and healthy environment. Animal care and husbandry includes cleaning and changing out cages, cleaning stalls and animal runs, feeding, watering, observations, and record keeping.
2. Operate equipment such as cage washer, pressure washer, floor scrubber, forklift, and tractor.
3. Perform complex animal care tasks with research animals in accordance with regulatory and university standards.
4. Assure that the animal environment is following federal regulations and other applicable guidelines and standards, including, but not limited to, assisting with activities to maintain the University’s accreditation program for AAALAC and USDA registration.
5. Maintain records on animal census, health, services, and in compliance with standard practices.
6. Administer animal treatments under the direction of a veterinarian.
7. Work schedule includes weekends and may vary from week to week.
8. Perform related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

Grade and salary will be commensurate with individual’s background, education, and experience.

Trainee - Under immediate supervision, performs a variety of duties related to the care of laboratory animals using established methods, principles, concepts, and procedures. Introductory role with minimal to no experience or certification.

High school education or GED. No previous work experience.

I - Under close supervision, performs a variety of duties related to the care of laboratory animals. Judgements are made on routine matters of relatively small impact. Knows fundamental concepts, practices, and procedures of particular field of specialization

High school education or GED and one year of related experience. For promotion, experience must include one year at the previous level.

II - Under close supervision, performs varied duties and assignments involving some judgement. Resolves routine questions or problems, referring only complex issues to a higher level. Some evaluation, originality, and ingenuity. Knows and applies fundamental concepts, practices, and procedures of particular field of specialization, with awareness of related fields.

High school education or GED and four years of related experience. For promotion, experience must include at least 3 years at the preceding level.

Senior - Under minimal supervision, performs complex assignments and fulfills broad responsibilities where required outcomes are defined, but methods and procedures may vary based on professional judgement or precedent. Considerable latitude for unreviewed action. Confers with supervisor on unusual matters. Coordinate the work of others on projects and may assign work to and assist less experienced staff. Possesses and applies a broad knowledge of principles, practices, and procedures of a particular field of specialization to the completion of difficult assignments. Also possesses knowledge of related areas of operation which affect, or are affected by, their own area.

High school education or GED and seven years of experience. For promotion, experience must include at least 3 years at the preceding level.

Preferred Qualifications:

Completion of ALAT certification (level I)
Completion of LAT certification (level II)
Completion of LAT certification (Senior)

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Excellent telephone and email communication skills, especially related to client service.
Must be capable of working in a team environment comprised of doctors, staff, and students to provide veterinary care of patients and aid in the instruction of veterinary students and veterinary technology students.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

Job frequently requires standing, walking, stooping/kneeling/crouching/crawling, and lifting up to 50 pounds. Vision requirements: Ability to see information in print and/or electronically.

Instructions for Applying:

Link to apply:  http://explore.msujobs.msstate.edu/

Applicants must apply online at www.msujobs.msstate.edu. Please include a cover letter and resume along with names and addresses of at least three references.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

Mississippi State University is an equal opportunity institution. Discrimination is prohibited in university employment, programs or activities based on race, color, ethnicity, sex, pregnancy, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, or any other status to the extent protected by applicable law. Questions about equal opportunity programs or compliance should be directed to the Office of Civil Rights Compliance, 231 Famous Maroon Band Street, P.O. 6044, Mississippi State, MS 39762, (662) 325-5839.

What do I do if I need an accommodation?

In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position with Mississippi State University, please contact the Department of Human Resources Management at tel: (662) 325-3713 or ada@hrm.msstate.edu.

If you have any questions regarding this policy, contact the Department of Human Resources Management at (662) 325-3713 or ada@hrm.msstate.edu. Upon request, sections of this job listing are available in large print, and readers are available to assist the visually impaired.