The Department of Comparative Medicine provides housing, professional and technical services for laboratory animal care, veterinary medical care, animal research project support, and genetically engineered model development and preservation for the OHSU research community. and research animals housed throughout the OHSU Central and Waterfront campus. The Laboratory Animal Husbandry Technician 1 provides for the basic care and husbandry needs of a large variety of laboratory research animals including but not limited to fish, amphibians, birds and a wide range of rodent and non-rodent mammalian species. Works as a member of a highly interdependent team using a professional approach in providing direct animal care. The technician is most often the first line of defense in spotting animal health and environmental problems. This is the first level of a three level series. It is distinguished from the Laboratory Animal Technician 2 & 3 by requiring close supervision, intensified training and a lower level of independent decision making skills.

• Transports supplies and equipment needed to support the health and wellbeing of laboratory animals. Changes cages and accessory equipment as needed as well as on a predetermined schedule. Feed, water species including but not limited to fish, amphibians, birds and a wide range of rodent and non-rodent mammalian species as required by the departmental, USDA and NIH standards. Exercises USDA maintained species as required by regulation or as directed by departmental veterinary staff.
• Observes animals for health and wellbeing. Reports physical or behavioral abnormalities promptly in writing. Records observations in the clinical record. Administers medications and treatments to animals as instructed by the veterinary staff. Monitors the environment in animal areas for changes or potential hazards to animals and experimental protocol.  Reports any changes to supervisor.
• Maintains and sanitizes animal rooms and support areas. Includes sweeping, mopping, scrubbing, washing and disinfecting floors, walls ceilings, sinks and other equipment. Handle feed and bedding appropriately. Rotates oldest material to be used first.  Maintains clean supply of feed and bedding in animal room containers and label appropriately.
• Maintains records as required by DCM standard operating procedure and federal regulation or guidelines. Keeps accurate census records for billing purposes.

• Ability to follow detailed verbal and written instructions. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others. Skill in making careful visual observations. Skill in communicating verbally and in writing. Skill in performing basic arithmetical calculations. Skill in handling, restraint, identification and sexing common varieties of laboratory animals. Skill in keeping accurate records.  Skill in driving motor vehicles.
• Possess and maintain a valid Class C driver’s license.

• High School diploma or GED equivalent.
• Any direct experience working with animals.

Oregon Health & Science University values a diverse and culturally competent workforce. We are proud of our commitment to being an equal opportunity, affirmative action organization that does not discriminate against applicants on the basis of any protected class status, including disability status and protected veteran status. Individuals with diverse backgrounds and those who promote diversity and a culture of inclusion are encouraged to apply. To request reasonable accommodation contact the Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Department at 503-494-5148 or aaeo@ohsu.edu.