Animal Caretaker - Research

About the role

Employee will serve as an Animal Caretaker within the Veterinarian Medical Unit (VMU) located at the Veterans Affairs Colorado Healthcare System, Aurora, CO. SCREEN-OUT: Requires the ability to perform the work of an Animal Caretaker without more than normal supervision. To qualify and receive consideration for this position, resume(s) must clearly support the qualifying experience that includes working in an Animal Laboratory Research environment providing the animals with basic needs, care and welfare; observation of the animals to detect signs/symptoms of infectious disease and changes in their appearance and activity; using specialized chemicals to decontaminate, sanitize and sterilize animal areas and cages, laboratory areas, and storage areas housing food, bedding cages and equipment; applying proper techniques in handling and restraining laboratory animals; and disposing animals in an acceptable manner according to research regulations. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORKING CONDITION: Work often requires lifting and carrying feed materials weighing up to 75 pounds and frequently handling items weighing up to 50 pounds, such as feed bags. Position requires walking or standing for extended periods and frequently work in a bent position. Often, light physical effort is required to lift or handle docile animals. Work is performed in the Veterinary Medical Unit. There is daily exposure to materials in a controlled environment that may be infectious and/or hazardous to one's health. Proper protective equipment is issued, and employee will be trained in it's proper use. In addition, employee must perform when confronted with unpleasant conditions such as noise, heat, odors, and sick animals. Applicants will be rated in accordance with the OPM Federal Wage System Qualifications. For this position, the job element method is used to match what you, the applicant, can do against what the work calls for. Your knowledge, skills and abilities will be compared to the knowledge, skills and abilities (called job elements) needed for success. Your qualifications will first be evaluated against the prescribed screen out element (WG-2 and higher only; screen-outs are not applicable to WG-1). Applicants who appear to meet the screen out element are considered for further rating; those who do not are rated ineligible and are eliminated from consideration. The potential eligibles are rated against the remainder of the job elements. While a specific length of training and experience is not required, your responses to the questionnaire must be supported by detailed descriptions of your experience on your resume. You will be rated on the following Job Elements as part of the assessment questionnaire for this position: Dexterity and Safety Interpret Instructions, Specifications (other than blueprint reading) Materials Measuring Instruments Technical Practices Use and Maintain Tools and Equipment Without more than normal supervision IMPORTANT: A full year of work is considered to be 35-40 hours of work per week. All experience listed on your resume must include the month and year start/end dates. Part-time experience will be credited on the basis of time actually spent in appropriate activities. Applicants wishing to receive credit for such experience must indicate clearly the nature of their duties and responsibilities in each position and the number of hours a week spent in such employment. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

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