Animal Care Technician

Wilmington, MA6 month contract to hireThe Technologist performs specialized production duties to maintain and monitor the health, production and physical environment of animals within isolators, micro-isolator cages or barrier rooms. Provides training to departmental staff on all technical skills and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:Has substantial understanding and knowledge to perform husbandry tasks, including supplying food, bedding, water and environmental enrichment.Proficient at maintaining rat and mouse colonies, including setting up matings, weaning and sexing of offspring, genetic sampling of animals, processing samples and other technical tasks as required.Proficient at handling rodents (mice and rats), including restraining of animals for collection of fecal pellets, ear/tail sampling as well as tagging animals for identification.Has substantial understanding and knowledge to observe animals for any abnormalities or common health issues.Has substantial understanding and knowledge to identify and select specific animals for customer shipments, genotyping, health monitoring, matings, transfers or other various tasks as needed.Learn, understand, and comply with all Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Able to complete new processes/tasks with minimal instruction.Strictly follow all animal welfare standards and biosecurity procedures necessary to maintain isolator integrityand animal health status, including the proper sterilization and entry of supplies/animals into isolators.Workload contains complex projects and requires judgement in resolving issues and/or in makingrecommendations. Be detailed-oriented and enter accurate data entry into Internet Colony Management (ICM).Ensure compliance with all local, state and federal laws governing the use of research animals.Ability to collaborate with others to train and mentor on knowledge and skills learned.Ability to self-organize, plan and execute daily tasks.Perform general housekeeping and adhere to EHS, safety, and ergonomic procedures.Has substantial understanding of using general computer skills and ability to quickly learn and master required computer programs, databases and other applications (i.e. ICM and Microsoft Office)Engage in studies, special projects, efficiency improvements, engagement opportunities, etc.Identify issues and recommend potential solutions to management.Able to effectively apply and incorporate CRL DNA into day-to-day work.Perform all other related duties as assigned.MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONSTo qualify for this role, candidates must have one of the following combinations of educations/experience:Bachelor's Degree (B.A./B.S.) plus a minimum of 0-1 years of related experience.Associate's Degree (A.A./A.S.) plus a minimum of 1-2 years of related experience.In addition:Competent with using a tablet computer for data entry and communication (emails, IM's, etc)The ability to develop knowledge of, respect for, and skills to engage with those of other cultures or backgrounds.The ability to communicate clearly and effectively.Must possess a high level of initiative and ability to work with minimal supervisionProficient in computers (IE: MS Office Suite)Competent with using a tablet computer for data entry and communication (emails, IM's, etc)PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONSAALAS certification at the ALATG.