Job Summary
The Farm Animal Research Technician is a seasoned individual who works independently to achieve day to day objectives with limited supervision. This position is necessary to fulfill the research, teaching, and outreach activities of the Department. In this role, you will monitor animal health and environment conditions, assist faculty with various research projects and clinical instruction of students as well as maintain health and performance records and provide tours of research facilities to students, general public, research personnel.
Responsibilities:
- Instructing staff in the proper amount of feed for animals based on age, body weight and general guidelines
- Ensuring animals are maintained on a health program which includes vaccinating, treatment management, deworming, etc.
- Diagnosing common illnesses and administering medications (injections, capsules, etc.) as appropriate and consulting with supervisor or veterinarian if unable to diagnose problem or if animal is not responding to treatment
- Determining when to relocate animals in the proper pens for different phases through gestation and assisting veterinarian with breech births or cesarean sections at delivery time
- Ensuring newborn animals are weighed, fed, identified properly, medicated, etc.
- Assisting supervisor in selecting replacement animals and visually inspecting newly acquired animals to determine their general health and suitability for research
- Ability to transport and properly restrain animals utilizing a variety of techniques
- May be required to euthanize animals as necessary
- Maintaining records of research animals such as birthing, breeding, health, reproductive status, identification and other records related to research
- Maintaining inventory of equipment and supplies
- Overseeing the preparation of experimental supplements and feed as determined by research project
- Supervising technician and students performing research
- Recording procedures used, results of experiment, environmental changes, identification, treatments, etc.
- Assisting in teaching undergraduate/graduate students’ various surgical procedures such as castration, proper injection techniques, embryo transplants, artificial insemination, etc
- Ensuring cleanliness and orderliness of facility
Required:
- Bachelor of Science in Animal Science or closely related field
- 2 years of general farm experience
- An equivalent combination of education and experience may also be considered (Associate’s + 4 years of experience; High School diploma/GED + 6 years of experience)
- Strong communication skills
- Exceptional interpersonal skills to provide good customer service, demonstrating a strong service orientation
- Public relations skills to work congenially with the public and staff, display a good-natured and competitive attitude
- Basic Computer Skills using Outlook, Excel, Google Docs, etc.
- Must frequently lift over 80 lbs.
- Work in extreme cold and heat for extended periods
- A valid U.S. driver’s license
Preferred:
- Swine experience
Additional Information:
- Purdue will not sponsor work authorization for this position.
- A background check is required for employment in this position
- This was formerly classified as an operational/technical position; an internal lateral transfer will retain same benefit standing.
- FLSA: Non-Exempt (Eligible for Overtime)
- Retirement: Non-exempt Defined Contribution Plan
- Purdue University is an EEO/AA employer. All individuals, including minorities, women, individuals with disabilities and veterans are encouraged to apply