Aquatic Facility Specialist III: National Institute of Health

National Institute of Health

Description & Details:

Under the direction of Project Management, the Aquatic Facility Specialist III will provide technical and husbandry services. Primary responsibilities include the provision of animal husbandry to aquatic species (Zebrafish, Xenopus & Cavefish) or any other aquatic or semi-aquatic species that may be utilized in biomedical research, the scheduling of procedure room usage, husbandry room activities, and storage room maintenance. Duties include maintaining/ troubleshooting housing systems, performing basic water quality tests, room sanitation and maintaining detailed records. Responsible for completing assigned duties according to established procedures, guidelines, and instructions. Aquatic Facility Specialists II will demonstrate the ability to interact with investigators and have experience with the type of research animals assigned to the area.

Duties:

• Adhere to established SOPs, NIH security procedures and confidentiality requirements
• Assist in the receipt of animal, supplies, feed, and bedding
• Assure accurate reporting and maintenance of routinely used items
• Identify and report potential problem areas with personnel, equipment, or facilities
• Support/comply with the QA/QC and Training programs
• Maintain a current knowledge of existing and proposed laws, regulations, and guidelines affecting the care and use of animals
• Communicate in English (both oral and written form) and demonstrate use of good leadership, team building and management skills
• Identifies/reports abnormalities (parasites, abnormal behavior, etc.) of aquatic species to Facility Veterinarian
• Technical service to include maintaining all aquatic support equipment, breeding schedules, stock/strain breeding, setup of fish breeding tanks for investigator use, and maintains all aquatics facilities
• Change aquatic holding tanks as per SOP to maintain appropriate water quality and provide visibility of animals for daily observations;
• Deliver dirty tanks to designated facilities for cagewash services
• Applies aquatic terminology in all methods of communication
• Safely and correctly handles and restrains animals for observation and/or minor procedures
• Maintains all aquatic holding systems and areas in clean condition without risk to research animals housed
• Inspect all rooms and common areas for damaged equipment and abnormal environmental parameters
• Identifies, documents, and reports any environmental abnormalities
• Accurately performs all in-house water quality tests. Applies knowledge of basic aquatic water chemistry
• Assist in coordinating the use of all aquatic procedure areas. This involves keeping the areas stocked with supplies, (e.g., crossing tanks, nets, screens, etc.).
• Applies knowledge of similarities and differences of types of aquatic holding systems
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

AALAS LAT certification is required and obtain LATG certification within (6) months of eligibility. Have two years’ experience working with aquatic species required. Formal education shall include a minimum of a BS degree in biological sciences. Must be able to troubleshoot and correct all aquatic support equipment upon direction of the Facility Manager or Veterinarian. Perform prescribed treatment on the animals or system upon direction of the Facility Veterinarian. Researches new species, systems, techniques, products, and management of aquatic related topics relevant to the lab. Application of new knowledge or skills acquired through experience or training to perform the more complex tasks of the position. Must have a working knowledge of computer software (e.g. Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel, etc.)

To Apply:

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