| University of Georgia | Finance & Administration | HR
| LABORATORY ANIMAL TECHNICIAN |
SUMMARY This is highly responsible technical and skilled work
in the clinical care of animals. Work involves the clinical care of a wide variety of animals
used in research and teaching programs. Work also involves performance
of routine laboratory examinations including parasitology, bacteriology,
hematology, and serology which require a considerable degree of accuracy
and manual dexterity, and the maintenance and care of laboratory specimens
and materials. Employees allocated to this class must work in close association
and collaboration with other professional, scientific, and technical personnel.
Work is performed with considerable independence within established methods
and procedures under the general supervision of an administrative superior.
Work is reviewed by observation of health of animals, analyses of reports,
discussion of problems arising in the work, and quality control programs. |
| DUTIES
AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Makes daily rounds of all Laboratory Animal Medicine facilities; observes
status of health of all animals, environmental conditions, temperature,
humidity, and sanitation. Administers medicine and treatment according to prescribed instructions. Performs preventive medicine practices such as routine vaccinations and
administration of antiparasitics. Conducts moderately sophisticated clinical pathology procedures such
as parasitology, hematology, urinalyses, and microbiology. Performs basic physical examination on animals; examines incoming animals
to determine health status and whether or not they meet purchase request
specifications. Assumes responsibility for quarantine and standardization of dogs and
cats received from municipal pounds. Anesthetizes and euthanatizes animals; assists veterinarian with surgery
and postmortem. Maintains clinic area and stock of pharmaceuticals. Performs field and laboratory research using animals, based upon protocol
worked out by a professional and the incumbent. Operates, maintains, and cleans laboratory and research equipment; maintains
laboratory and supplies, and prepares culture media, solutions, and reagents. Collects specimens such as blood, urine, and feces. Observes and records vital data, abnormal signs, body weight, feed, and
water intake. Conducts library searches, writes procedures and reports, and prepares
charts and graphs. Conducts in-house training and on the job training for laboratory animal
caretakers, students enrolled in the ABAC/CVM Veterinary Technician program,
Laboratory Animal Technicians, and veterinary technicians. Conducts area-wide training for laboratory and animal and veterinary
technicians. Assists faculty members with lectures and laboratory sessions in Laboratory
Animal Medicine for veterinary and graduate students. Maintains necessary clinical records for animals kept by the Laboratory
Animal Medicine unit including animal use records required by the Federal
Animal Welfare Act. Supervises laboratory animal caretakers regarding care of ill animals,
preventive medicine practices, collection of specimens, and handling of
animals. Performs related work as required. |
| EDUCATION
AND EXPERIENCE
Graduation from a recognized college or university with a major in biology or a closely related field and one year of related experience; or successful completion of a college level two year Laboratory Animal Technician program/or Veterinary Technician program, and two years of related experience; or any equivalent combination of training and experience. |
| KNOWLEDGE,
SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Considerable knowledge of the care, breeding, and handling of a wide
variety of animals. Considerable knowledge of the biology and physical characteristics of
a wide variety of animals used in research and teaching. Considerable knowledge regarding the methods and materials used in laboratory
work. Some knowledge of the day-to-day operation of the Laboratory Animal Medicine
unit. Ability to recognize signs of illness or abnormality. Ability to make accurate observations. Ability to keep current, accurate, and complete records. Ability to observe and analyze the results of research experience. Ability to work with many professionals, paraprofessionals, caretakers,
and students. Ability to prepare and present lectures. Ability to supervise the work of others. Ability to be certified as a laboratory Animal Technician by the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS). |
| Revised:
01/01/05
This description is intended to be generic in nature, and is not intended
to determine all of the specific duties and responsibilities of any
particular position. |