The California National Primate Research Center, CNPRC at UC Davis, is an Organized Research Unit that conducts interdisciplinary research programs on significant human health problems where non-human primates are the animal of choice. In addition to its major efforts in the area of research, the CNPRC is also committed to both UC Davis and NIH missions of teaching and service.

Job Summary

Under supervision of the Animal Care Supervisor, perform routine animal care tasks in the outdoor animal colony with duties that include observing animals for abnormal behavior, health monitoring, feed animals, and clean outdoor animal field corral and enclosures. Provide basic animal care, technical and experimental assistance. Provide routine animal care, technical and experimental project support services and study support services to research Principal Investigators (PIs), which includes performing technical laboratory animal procedures requiring various levels of biohazard containment in the indoor nonhuman primate colony, such as monitoring and assessing health condition and technical procedures.

Works under minimal supervision in compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, industry standards governing animal research (NIH/OLAW/AAALAC) and all safety procedures according to NIH standards and standard operating procedures (SOPs). Familiarity with regulations, guidelines, and policies to ensure that animals are provided appropriate care to promote physical and psychological well-being and minimize discomfort. Required to work with animals (nonhuman primates) that are either naturally or experimentally infected with potentially hazardous infectious agents such as HIV, SIV, Herpes B virus.

Position Information

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Restrain animals for extended periods of time.
• Handle, move, and transport a variety of animals weighing up to 40 pounds to cage elevations 7 feet high.
• Lift and move a 25-pound sack of chow. Occasionally lift up to 50 lbs. containers of enrichment (produce).
• Move up to 70 lbs. of soil in a wheelbarrow (outdoor colonies).
• Repeated lifting of cages that weigh 55-130 lbs.
• Handle diversified tasks that often require squatting, kneeling, bending, stooping, or standing.
• Maneuver feeds.
• Substantial contact with animals, including repeated capture of animals.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Measles vaccination or proof of illness required. This position is subject to Medical Surveillance procedures and review in accordance with Federal and State Laws and Regulations and University Policy.
• Employee shall participate in required preventative medical and medical monitoring programs which may include blood tests, immunizations, TB screening, Blood borne and Airborne Pathogen training, etc., and are provided to meet Federal, State and University requirements.
• Must be willing to perform assigned duties in BioSafety Level (BSL) 2, or 3 facility where nonhuman primates may be either naturally or experimentally infected with potentially hazardous diseases such as HIV, SIV, or Herpes B virus.
• Required to wear protective clothing and respirator in circumstances that require personal protection from infectious diseases and animals.
• Wear protective clothing for extended periods of time including: gown, coveralls, gloves, masks, face shields, goggles, sleeves and head covers.
• Work outdoors daily throughout the year, including rain, warmer temperatures, or cold weather that is consistent with Northern California climate.
• Restricted vacation during peak workload periods. Work irregular shifts, including weekends, holidays, and evenings. Work overtime, occasional weekends on short notice.
• California National Primate Research Center employees are directly or indirectly engaged in the performance of work on Federal or State contracts and grants as well as periodically come into contact with controlled substances; and are expected to abide by the UC Policy on Substance Abuse, the Federal Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988, and the State Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1990.
• The Smoke and Tobacco Free Environment policy is intended to provide a healthier, safer, and more productive work and learning environment for the entire UC community. The University of California prohibits smoking and tobacco use at all University owned or leased properties, or facilities operated by UC staff or faculty. Smoking and tobacco use are strictly prohibited in indoor and outdoor spaces, parking lots, residential space, and University vehicles.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Education/Experience:

• Six months to one year of relevant work experience in animal care performing husbandry duties.
  Experience in outdoor animal husbandry in performing animal care tasks such as having experience in the care, feeding, and handling of laboratory animals.
• Applied experience and ability to handle laboratory animals in a manner that avoids injury to self or animals, and to exercise basic principles of animal care related to disease control, pest control, sanitation, and environmental enrichment.
• Experience to recognize changes in animal physical appearance or behavior, which includes the ability to recognize signs of illness or abnormality as well as to make accurate observations.

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA):

• Skills and ability to capture animals in a net within a half-acre enclosure on uneven terrain.
• Ability to work with animals involved in scientific research as well as the ability to be patient in handling them to help calm nervous or frightened animals during testing or if they are ill.
• Skills to accurately assessing the habits, behavior, and physical appearance of an animal is important to obtaining accurate research findings. Ability to describe and record observations, calculations, and findings clearly and accurately.
• Ability to have strong relationship skills to work effectively with scientists, research staff, and animal care staff, and others involved in animal research. Knowledge of the biology and physical characteristics of a wide variety of animals used in research and teaching.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Preferred License/Certification:

• Animal Technician (ALAT) or Laboratory Animal Technician (LAT) certifications. Eligible to obtain certification to be certified as a laboratory Animal Technician by the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) within one year from date of hire.

Preferred Education/Experience:

• Experience in specialty area such as nonhuman primate facilities, barrier, hazard containment and animal facility.
• Experience handling and training nonhuman primates, including chair training, capture and physical restraint of macaques.
• Experience in Specific Pathogen Free (SPF) animal handling procedures, including infection control and containment, and Animal husbandry experience working with infectious animal housing.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA):

• Knowledge of NIH, OLAW, USDA regulations and AALAS practices and Protocols pertaining to primate non-human animal models.
• Effective communications and active listening skills (written and oral) to convey and understand complex technical issues to Colony Management and academic research faculty and professionals that include skills in customer service and have a collaborative attitude.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

This position is a critical position and subject to a background check. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of background investigation including criminal history and identity checks.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging

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