This position is located in the Animal Resources Unit (ARU) of USDA's National Centers for Animal Health (NCAH), based in Ames, IA. In this position, you will perform standard animal husbandry duties related to the care and observation of various laboratory animals used in testing and training in Biological Safety Level 2 or 3 facilities.

Duties

Adheres to guidelines for the humane handling of animals to prevent injury to animal and/or personnel. Assists in procedures by capturing and restraining animals for treatment, examination, or specimen collection. Monitors abnormal characteristics of laboratory animals’ appearance and behavior (i.e. external lesions, rate of growth, weight loss, appetite, feces, etc.) to determine if an animal is ill or injured. Operates equipment in biocontainment facilities to accomplish decontamination of facilities/equipment, movement of animals, collection of samples, and transport of personnel, feed bedding. Collects blood and other body fluids, tissues, or secretions, using techniques as prescribed by animal care and use protocols. Treats injured or ill animals when appropriate by administering medications orally, topically, by inhalation, or parenterally (IM, SQ, or IV) upon instructions from the veterinarian, supervisor, or investigator. Removes and disposes of waste, including soiled bedding and carcasses according to established SOPs.

Requirements

• You must be a US Citizen or US National.
• Males born after 12/31/1959 must be Selective Service registered or exempt.
• Subject to satisfactory adjudication of background investigation and/or fingerprint check.
• Successful completion of one-year probationary period, unless previously served.
• Direct Deposit – Per Public Law 104-134 all Federal employees are required to have federal payments made by direct deposit to their financial institution.
• Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit E-Verify at https://www.e-verify.gov/
• Motor vehicle driver's license required.
• Ability to pass a physical examination for the following: 1) Ability to lift 75 lbs., with occasional lifts of 100 pounds. 2) Respiratory/pulmonary function test for respirator fitting.
• SAC and full background investigation required for positions working with BSL-3 (or higher) agents, or in BSL-3/BSL-4 facilities.
• The incumbent may be required to receive extra vaccinations to work on specific projects, submit to blood tests, and a tuberculosis skin test.
• Immunization against diseases being studied at NCAH which are transmissible to humans may be required where the vaccine has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for safety and effectiveness.
• Must complete a limited background investigation (Personnel Suitability Level 2 (Moderate-Risk)) and a Department of Justice (DOJ) clearance for Select Agent usage.
• Works on weekends, holidays, and occasional evenings as required.
• The incumbent escorts visitors in the laboratory area and/or works with high consequence pathogens.

Qualifications

In order to qualify for this position you must meet the following by the closing date of the vacancy announcement: 10/20/2023. Qualifications will be determined under the Job Element Rating System X-118C, Qualifications Standard Handbook. While a specific length of time and experience is not required for most Wage Grade positions, you must show through experience and training that you possess the best qualified level of knowledge and skill necessary to perform the duties of this position. Qualification requirements emphasize the quality of experience, not necessarily the length. The responses to the questionnaire and your resume should be in significant detail to provide the person rating your application with a good understanding of your ability to do the job, technical knowledge, work, and training experience, etc. (For example You must have the ability to perform the duties of a, Animal Caretaker without more than normal supervision (Screen Out)). Applicants who do not meet the SCREEN OUT ELEMENT will not be given further consideration. Physical Effort The incumbent performs activities involved in the care, treatment, and observation of animals, and collection of biological specimens. Moderate to heavy physical exertion is required daily for restraining large animals and moving feed, hay, bedding, and equipment (up to 75 pounds). May be required to move large animal carcasses and/or portions of carcasses in carts weighing up to 300 pounds, with the assistance of handling equipment. May be required to stand on a ladder to complete overhead tasks, i.e. the cleaning and changing of filters. Stooping, bending, reaching, and active walking may also be required. The incumbent may frequently be required to do physical activity while wearing a respirator, which requires extra effort. Working Conditions Position is located at a biocontainment facility. The work is performed in animal holding facilities where natural and man-made environment extremes (i.e., rain, snow, ice, sunlight, heat, cold, and high humidity) are present. Because this is an exigency position, the incumbent is expected to report for duty when the lab is closed due to hazardous weather, heightened threat levels, or natural disasters. Work may involve discomforts such as having to spend long periods of time on concrete or slippery floors, exposure to bites, scratches, kicks, disagreeable odors, allergens, and animal wastes from diseased or distressed animals. The incumbent will be expected to work with animals infected with zoonotic diseases and therefore be required to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) such as masks or respirators, eye and ear protection, boots, gloves, and coveralls. Various forms of respiratory protection equipment must be worn when working with certain infectious agents, chemicals, and animal allergens. PPE provides necessary protection against biological and chemical hazards but may increase the risk of accidents due to decreased vision, hampered communication, limited mobility and dexterity. Physical well-being may be compromised by the prolonged usage of the PPE may lead to labored respiration, heat stress and dehydration. Work may be performed daily in the presence of hazardous chemicals such as formaldehyde, virucidal and bactericidal disinfectants, and detergents.

Education

This position does not have an education qualification requirement.

Contacts

• Address Agricultural Research Service 5601 Sunnyside Ave Beltsville, MD 20705 US
• Name: Robert Green
• Phone: (703) 259-9392
• Email: [email protected]