AHTs report to the AHT Coordinator and work under the supervision of the AHT Coordinator and Veterinary Director. They maintain knowledge of animal health and husbandry for various species, facilitate research by providing daily care, health assessments, and medical treatments, and maintain animal colonies, including breeding. Technical skills required include handling, tissue sampling, surgical procedures, necropsies, injections, anesthetics, medical treatments, and euthanasia. They support RLATs in performing husbandry duties, ensure proper maintenance of animal housing and environments, assist with machine and supply maintenance, and enhance employee safety. AHTs collaborate with researchers to clarify research needs, provide training related to animal health and husbandry, and develop, implement, and revise standard operating procedures (SOPs). They perform daily environmental checks, disinfection, and sanitization of facility rooms, and operate heavy machinery, while ensuring awareness and understanding of infectious substances and pathogens.
AHTs are expected to uphold the highest standards of ethical research and confidentiality, reflecting ACS’s mission with professionalism. They work a modified schedule, adapting to changing priorities, and serve as tertiary call-out contacts for urgent animal health and welfare issues, including evenings and weekends. Working in a lab environment with potential hazards, AHTs follow mandatory safety requirements and maintain no known allergies to rodents or rabbits. They work outdoors with aquatic and amphibian species, using department-provided clothing for inclement weather. Responsibilities include assessing animal health, documenting findings, following SOPs for treatment and euthanasia, performing medical/surgical procedures, and managing multiple health concerns. AHTs deliver training programs, assist researchers with Animal Use Protocols, maintain detailed training records and SOPs, and represent ACS at meetings and conferences. They also perform and document inventory of laboratory and surgical equipment and supplies, monitor environmental conditions, perform animal census, and participate in SOP development and revision.
The role involves a range of physically demanding tasks, including repetitive pushing, pulling, lifting, kneeling, bending over, and reaching overhead. AHTs work in biosafety cabinets or transfer stations, often standing in congested spaces. They handle biohazardous materials and engage in intensive, repetitive tasks such as cleaning aquatic tanks, lifting heavy items, and reaching into restrictive spaces. AHTs ensure the health and safety of animals and staff, particularly in level II and III biocontainment facilities, and contribute to efficient operations by supporting RLATs in workload management and maintaining animal housing and environments. Their actions significantly impact animal welfare, research integrity, and the overall operations of ACS, making their role crucial in upholding the highest standards of animal care and ethical research.
