The University of Texas Permian Basin's College of Arts and Sciences Biology Department welcomes applications for the position of Student Worker - Small Animal Care

Salary Range

$12.00 an hour

Providing a clean and sterilized living environment for small research animals. Providing laboratory support to Biology Research Lab.
Schedule to be developed with director Supervisor at an estimated 13-15 hours per week with flexibility between the time period of 7AM-7PM Monday-Friday and for two (2) hours during the weekend (Saturday and Sunday) between 7AM-7PM but not to exceed 19.5 hours any given week.

1. Care for small lab animals (mice), including daily checking/supplying animal food and water in each animal cage and monitoring/recording humidity and temperature in the animal room.
2. Prepare clean rodent cages with food, bedding, water bottles and appropriate covering into assembled, sanitized cages.
3. Observe animals for signs of disease, illness, or injury.
4. Notify your supervisor or the designee of deaths or births (if requested) by e-mail or telephone.
5. Maintain detailed records of animal facility maintenance schedules
6. Pre-clean mouse cages for cage wash machinery, including scrape and empty cages of soiled bedding (once a week). Load cages onto cage washer and bring back to animal room after washing.
7. Load, operate and unload steam autoclaves for water bottles and caps.
8. Animal facility waste management, including transferring soiled bedding materials to trash can outside Science and Technology building (once a week).
9. Assist in the preparation of biology lab materials, including chemical solutions, equipment, and supplies. Lab glassware washing, general cleaning.

1. Bachelors of Sciences focused UTPB students, or bachelor's degree holder.
2. Possess or be willing to learn:

a.) Animal care skills
b) Maintaining equipment
c) Ability to follow the specific small animal care directions.

1.Previous animal handling experience
2.Have taken one or more of the following courses: General Biology I and/or General Chemistry I.

Required Application Materials

1. Résumé
Conditions of Employment

1. The job description is not a complete list of all responsibilities and duties performed by employees. Employees may perform other related duties as assigned by their immediate supervisor.
2. Employment is subject to an introductory period to monitor employee performance.
3. Once hired, the prospective employee must present documentation within three (3) days of the hire date to establish their identity and employment eligibility as required by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Applicants must be able to show proof of eligibility to work in the United States by time of hire. UTPB participates in e-Verify.
4. Employees must be able and willing to travel and perform duties away from campus as necessary and must be able to operate a licensed motor vehicle, have access to a dependable motor vehicle, and possess a valid state driver’s license. Must have and maintain a satisfactory driver’s record.
5. Employment is contingent upon a successful background check.
6. UT Permian Basin is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

Schedule

Generally, the normal work hours for the university are Monday through Thursday, 7:30 – 5:30 pm; Friday, 8:00 am – 12:00 pm with a one-hour lunch. The individual holding this position may need to be available early morning, evening, and on weekends to meet the needs of the department. Hours worked may differ with some departments.

Standard Working Conditions

1. Able to lift various materials up to 25 pounds on an occasional basis.
2. Able to bend, crouch, and reach continuously.
3. Physically able remain seated, frequently to continuously.
4. Able to remain standing up to 15% of the time.
5. Possesses dexterity abilities required to perform job duties including extensive keyboard work, operating office equipment, performing filing, and other job-related responsibilities that include extensive wrist and hand movement.
6. Standard working conditions may differ depending on department and occupation

University Benefits

1. UT Permian Basin offers an excellent compensation package including heath, retirement, & fringe benefits for eligible employees.
2. Coverage includes medical, prescriptions, life insurance, AD&D, and matching retirement provided by UTPB.
3. You may also be eligible to add dental, vision, family coverage, & flex-spending accounts, additional retirement, and a few other coverages as options too.
4. Fringe benefits include tuition reimbursement (after one year of service), wellness breaks, employee assistant program (EAP), and meal deals, among other perks and discounts!
5. Our benefits package, along with an ample leave policy, make for a great total compensation package.

About the University

The University of Texas Permian Basin is located in Odessa, Texas. It was authorized by the Texas Legislature in 1969 and founded in 1973. The Permian Basin is one of the fastest-growing, culturally vibrant, economically invigorated regions of the country – full of industry, culture, and wide-open spaces. At the academic heart of this area sits The University of Texas Permian Basin – which every year, delivers smart, savvy leaders across the U.S.

As a regional, comprehensive institution, The University of Texas Permian Basin serves a diverse community of students from the region, the state, and beyond. Through excellence in student-centered teaching, learning, research, and public service, the University cultivates engaged citizens and impacts lives while advancing the technology and public interests of West Texas.

Our vision is that the University of Texas Permian Basin will be an innovative, responsive university that thinks large and lives local. We will lead in advancing education, research, economic competitiveness, and cultural enrichment.