Position Description
Position Title:
Animal Technician (training / graduate)
Reporting to:
Team leaders / Coordinators
Area Supervisor
Level:
TA Level 2
Location:
AMREP AS Pty Ltd
75 Commercial Road Melbourne
Overview
AMREP AS PTY LTD operates an animal facility (PAC) for Alfred Hospital, Baker IDI
Heart and Diabetes institute, Monash Central and Eastern Clinical School and the
Macfarlane Burnet Institute for Medical Research and Public Health.
Summary of Position
Training level or qualifications
It is desirable for the person undertaking this role to have knowledge of the role from
either previous experience of or undertaking training on site or relevant industry
experience.
Applicants should have good oral and written communication skills and the ability to
keep meticulous records. Basic computer skills would be advantageous but not
essential.
Must be undertaking or completing a relevant course e.g. Applied Science Animal
Technology course or have relevant industry experience in breeding and husbandry of
laboratory mice and/or rats.
Persons advancing through this level may perform duties to further develop their
knowledge & skills in order to progress toward completing the relevant
qualifications/course.
Occupational equivalent
Technical Assistant, Animal Attendant, Animal Technician trainee, Lab Assistant.
Level of supervision
Routine supervision, progressing to direction as experience increases; is able to
undertake a vast majority of the role with only minimal supervision/direction.
Task Level
Some complex tasks under supervision; demonstrate applied knowledge on a routine
basis.
May take responsibility for specific tasks of the team, or responsibility for aspects of a
project.
Organisational knowledge
To have an understanding of the role and how it interacts within the organisation and its
processes; an ability to prioritise/organise work in the areas of responsibility.
To understand the physical, behavioural and environmental needs of individual species
and be able to predict and interpret the animals’ responses.
Duties and Responsibilities
The animal technician will work under direct guidance of an experienced animal
technician.
This will include husbandry, breeding, monitoring and record keeping requirements.
It is desirable for the animal technician to have knowledge of the Victorian legislation
and guidelines, NHMRC code and guidelines, AMREP AEC, and the AMREP AS.
The animal technician will be trained, use and evaluate the effective operation of a range
of major equipment,eg. Cage washer, autoclave, micro-isolators.
The environment
Work effectively within time lines.
Have the capacity to interact well with others in a group environment as well as have the
ability to work independently.
Area responsibility and reporting change on an as-needs basis.
Participate in facility and institute meetings, as required.
Colony Husbandry
Care and maintenance of Experimental &/or Breeding and stock animals.
Cleaning and sanitising animal rooms, cages, equipment, corridors and support areas,
including specialised rooms.
Provide nutrition for animals by supplying feed and water.
Operate cage washer, tunnel washer and autoclave.
Breeding colonies
Maintenance of breeding animals across many colonies.
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Apply a range of breeding techniques /systems as directed.
Maintain stud / daily book / history and stock books.
Monitoring
Monitoring the condition of animals and collection of data.
Administer treatments, euthanasia of animals and provide assistance during special
procedures by acting under the direction of superiors & investigators to facilitate
research and/or other activities.
Identify, record and report sick animals, deaths, culls, excess, unusual behaviour, and
appearance.
Identify, record and report incidents.
Identify, record and report issues impacting on operations.
Monitor environment by obtaining, documenting and comparing data against established
standards to provide appropriate environment for animals.
Maintain the following records as required within area
Daily births and weanings.
Weights at weaning.
Weights curves.
Environmental records.
Stocktake records.
Animal Care forms.
DNA sample data
Technical procedures.
Records / procedure books.
Collation of colony production data
Collation of environmental data
Others as nominated
Client Orders
Check Orders
Issuing of animals within defined parameters
Select according to specification
Notify and negotiate variation to order if unable to process.
Dispatch animals into appropriate area
Compliance with bio-security principles, checks and approvals
Technical Support and welfare
Provide technical assistance through handling and restraint of animals and application of
appropriate techniques to allow for the care and research to be performed in a safe and
humane manner.
Conduct Euthanasia
Administration of medication
Identification of animals
Monitoring of health and welfare
Sample collection and administration of agents
Tissue and sample collection
Assisting with experimental protocols
Other technical duties as directed
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Servicing, monitoring and maintenance
Air Filters
Equipment / wheels etc;
Check for vermin
Environmental conditions
Supply
Maintain stock for areas of responsibility
Compliance
Ensure duties are carried out in compliance with all Acts, Codes, Regulations and
policies.
Ensure building security.
OH&S regulations / policy.
Customer Service
Provide prompt efficient service
Communicate and negotiate order deviation
Strive to achieve customer needs with the highest regard for animal care
Identify issues which can affect ability to perform job and take appropriate action
Effective communication with all stakeholders
OTHER DUTIES
Perform other duties as assigned.
Selection Criteria
QUALIFICATIONS & TRAINING
Suitable Qualification in Animal Care /Technology (or equivalent)
EXPERIENCE
Relevant industry experience
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
a) Demonstrated experience maintaining and managing inbred and outbred
strains of laboratory mice and the range of tasks that underpin care and
maintenance.
b) Demonstrated knowledge of genetics and application to mouse breeding,
strain maintenance and creation of new mouse lines
c) Demonstrated experience performing a range of techniques to assist investigators
with approved protocols in particular – bleeding, DNA sampling, euthanasia,
identification etc.
d) Demonstrated ability to meet deadlines without compromising close attention
to detail and accuracy.
e) Proven ability to work as a member of a team as well as on own initiative
without close supervision.
f) Proven ability to manage time effectively to complete tasks.
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COMMUNICATION / INTERPERSONAL SKILLS
a)
Good interpersonal skills, which enable the appointee to liaise effectively
with a wide range of people at a variety of levels internal and external to
AAS.
b)
Excellent oral, electronic and written communication skills.
KNOWLEDGE
a)
Biology of laboratory animals
b)
Animal Health
c)
Care and Husbandry
d)
Legislation and guidelines for animals use
e)
OH&S
ABILITIES
a) Demonstrated ability and willingness to take initiative and to improve and
enhance existing systems and procedures (quality assurance).
b) Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality and comply with privacy
requirements.
c) Demonstrated ability to follow instructions and perform duties in accordance with the
codes of practice, and Victorian legislation pertaining to use of animals for scientific
purposes, institute safety requirements and policies.
d) Application of hygiene principles to maintain health in animal colonies.
e) Comply and cooperate with OH&S procedures and guidelines and take reasonable
care for own health and safety as well as safety of others who may be affected by
conduct in the workplace.
Position Parameters
Supervision and Accountability
This position is accountable to and receives direct supervision from the Team
Leader. This person is not responsible for the supervision of any staff.
Budget
This position does not manage a budget.
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