Responsible for providing daily care and husbandry to research animals in accordance with established protocols, regulatory requirements, and institutional policies. This position ensures the health, well-being, and proper housing of animals by performing routine husbandry tasks, maintaining clean and sanitary facilities, and monitoring animal conditions. 

• Provide daily animal care, including feeding, watering, and cleaning cages.
• Observe animals for abnormalities and report findings to designated personnel.
• Transfer animals from soiled to clean enclosures while maintaining proper identification.
• Perform routine sanitation of facilities and equipment.
• Operate industrial cage washing machines, including preparation, startup, and shutdown.
• Ensure all equipment, bedding, and cages are clean, functional, and well-maintained.
• Report equipment or facility issues to designated personnel.
• Follow safety procedures and request assistance when work deviates from standard protocols.
• Stock supplies and personal protective equipment (PPE) for daily operations.
• Document environmental conditions and completed tasks accurately.
• Provide care for animals in high-containment or quarantine areas, managing infectious and specialized conditions.
• Transport animals safely using university vehicles.
• Perform sanitation verification of hand-washed items.
• Maintain and monitor large equipment, including RO watering systems, autoclaves, tunnel/rack washers, washer/dryers, and VHP systems.
• Under veterinary supervision, conduct sample collection, substance administration, restraint, anesthesia, monitoring, and pre-/post-operative care in rodents.
• Document veterinary care activities in animal health records.
• Perform complex animal care procedures as required.
• Performs various duties as needed to successfully fulfill the function of the position

Education:

• High School Diploma or GED

Experience:

• 1 year of experience in animal care, veterinary assistance, laboratory research environment or related field

Certifications or Licenses:

• An American Association of Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) Certification as an Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT)
• Valid Oklahoma Driver's License or the ability to obtain within 30 days of hire.

• Knowledge of applicable federal, state, and institutional requirements, regulations, and laws related to animal care and research.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team.
• Ability to identify and address issues or deficiencies and implement effective solutions.
• Ability to safely handle, restrain, and care for a variety of animal species.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including weekends and holidays, as required to meet operational needs.
• Knowledge of animal husbandry practices, including feeding, handling, restraint, and sanitation procedures.
• Ability to follow detailed written and verbal instructions, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and safety protocols.
• Ability to maintain accurate records of animal care activities, environmental conditions, and facility operations
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to animal welfare and research integrity

Physical: 
Standing for prolonged periods. Lift up to 30 pounds on a regular basis. Requires standing, walking, bending, and lifting or moving cages, equipment, and supplies weighing up to 50 pounds.

Environmental: 
Works in an animal facility. Handling all types of animals which may bite and scratch. 
Regular exposure to animals, animal dander, and waste materials.
May involve working in warm, humid, or odorous conditions due to animal housing and sanitation processes.
Requires use of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, masks, gowns, and eye protection.
Exposure to cleaning agents, disinfectants, and noise