Aquatics and Exotics Laboratory Animal Technician

Monday- Friday 7am-4pm is the default schedule, but this position requires a consistent schedule with weekend shifts included in the regular schedule, offering two consecutive days off, depending on scheduling need

To learn more about the pay band for this branch and role, please see the Career Banding rates spreadsheet.

A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation's top public universities. Known for its beautiful campus, world-class medical care, commitment to the arts and top athletic programs, Carolina is an ideal place to teach, work and learn.

One of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, Chapel Hill has diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community.

University employees can choose from a wide range of professional training opportunities for career growth, skill development and lifelong learning and enjoy exclusive perks for numerous retail, restaurant and performing arts discounts, savings on local child care centers and special rates on select campus events. UNC-Chapel Hill offers full-time employees a comprehensive benefits package, paid leave, and a variety of health, life and retirement plans and additional programs that support a healthy work/life balance.

The Division of Comparative Medicine ( DCM) is responsible for the care of all vertebrate animals on the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill ( UNC-CH) campus. DCM is committed to programs of excellence in veterinary care and laboratory animal management practices for all species used in UNC-CH research endeavors.

A staff of more than 170 professional, technical, and administrative personnel provides quality animal care to a daily population of over 200,000 animals located in 26 animal facilities on and off the UNC campus. Federal funding and foundations sponsor over $1 billion in research on the UNC campus conducted by the Schools of Medicine, Dentistry, Public Health, Pharmacy, as well as the Departments of Biology, Chemistry, and Psychology.

A major responsibility of the Division's veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and laboratory technicians is the health care and humane use of all animals. The Division's program is reviewed semi-annually by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee, and has been accredited by the Association for the Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care International ( AAALAC) since 1973. DCM and the University also meet U.S. Department of Agriculture ( USDA) and Public Health Service standards and regulations. As laboratory animal specialists they provide a comprehensive program of veterinary care, offer technical advice and assistance, and provide needed laboratory and research core services for teaching and research purposes.

The Aquatics and Exotics Laboratory Animal Technician is responsible for the daily care of
research animals, including:
* routine health checks and feeding
* tank cleaning/misting
* room and system maintenance
* zooplankton and insect care and harvesting
* performing water quality analyses
* maintaining accurate records including: room and system logs, animal census, and other records as required
* monitoring supply and equipment inventory to sustain day-to-day operations
* running cage washers and an autoclave
* preparing for all regulatory inspections

The successful candidate will have excellent communication and organizational skills. They will be efficient in their work, able to prioritize tasks effectively and manage their time well to ensure that animal care services are delivered promptly and with attention to detail. We seek a self-motivated individual who will take initiative in their responsibilities and continuously seek ways to improve processes and outcomes.

The candidate will have exceptional communication skills, allowing them to engage clearly and respectfully with researchers, staff, and veterinarians. This includes not only verbal communication but also the ability to listen actively and respond thoughtfully to the needs and concerns of others. Strong organizational skills are essential, enabling them to keep track of various tasks, maintain accurate records, and ensure that all aspects of animal care are well-coordinated.

Together, these qualities will contribute to a collaborative and effective team environment. Prior experience with aquatic animals and a basic understanding of system maintenance and water quality of recirculating aquaculture systems is preferred.

Demonstrated possession of the competencies necessary to perform the work.

Basic computer skills and a working knowledge of computer programs such as Microsoft Outlook, Excel, and Word are required. In addition, the candidate will be required to become ALAT certified through AALAS.

This position requires a consistent schedule with weekend shifts included in the regular schedule, offering two consecutive days off, depending on scheduling needs.

- A degree in any of the life sciences (e.g., animal science ,biology, microbiology, aquaculture).
- Animal technician training.
- Experience in a laboratory animal setting.
- Working knowledge of herpetology and aquatics species (fish).
- Certification by the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science ( AALAS) at the ALAT level or higher strongly preferred.

- Ability to move/lift items weighing up to 50 pounds with or without accommodation.
- Requires prolonged and/or repetitive reaching, bending, and twisting.

Not Applicable.

If you experience any problems accessing the system or have questions about the application process, please contact the Office of Human Resources at (919) 843-2300 or send an email to employment@unc.edu

Please note: The Office of Human Resources will not be able to provide specific updates regarding position or application status.

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, race, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or status as a protected veteran.