JOB SUMMARY
This position provides a unique combination of administrative, operational, and animal care support for the Morgan Island program. The successful candidate will work closely with the Project Manager, Veterinarian, Morgan Island ACUC, and Human Resources Representative while also supporting the day-to-day operation of the island and the care and monitoring of its nonhuman primate population.
The role is well suited for a dependable, adaptable individual who is comfortable working in both office and field environments and is interested in developing a broad range of skills. Responsibilities include administrative support, animal health observations and data collection, basic veterinary and laboratory support, supply coordination, and island operations. Training will be provided for specialized duties, including the operation of boats and equipment.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Administrative and Operational Support
- Provide administrative, clerical, and general operational support to the Project Manager, Veterinarian, Morgan Island ACUC, Human Resources Representative, and other team members as needed.
- Assist with documentation, recordkeeping, supply ordering, organization, and other routine office functions.
- Pick up supplies and run local errands related to Morgan Island operational and office needs.
- Assist with general organization and basic housekeeping activities necessary to support efficient operations.
- Maintain proficiency with Microsoft Office programs and online-based ordering systems.
- Assist with a variety of operational projects and responsibilities as assigned.
Animal Care and Technical Support
- Perform animal health observations and promptly report and document abnormal conditions, injuries, or behavior to the Project Manager and appropriate veterinary personnel.
- Observe nonhuman primate social groups and collect reproductive and other program-related data.
- Assist with the capture, handling, and restraint of nonhuman primates as trained and directed.
- Provide basic veterinary and technical support, including bagging and sterilizing surgical instruments and preparing blood or other laboratory specimens for shipment.
- Assist with animal husbandry and other animal care activities as needed.
- Perform duties in accordance with applicable animal welfare requirements, established SOPs, veterinary direction, and specific protocol instructions.
Island and Equipment Operations
- Travel by boat to and from Morgan Island and assist with routine island operations.
- Operate boats, forklifts, Bobcats, and other equipment following required training and authorization.
- Assist with the transportation of personnel, supplies, and equipment as needed.
- Develop familiarity with local tides, waterways, and nautical safety requirements necessary for safe operations.
- Complete certified boater safety training within one year of hire.
Compliance and Safety
- Perform all work in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local requirements, Morgan Island SOPs, safety procedures, and approved protocols.
- Maintain accurate records and documentation as required.
- Follow established procedures for animal care, occupational safety, equipment operation, and island activities.
- Perform other related duties as assigned.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple responsibilities and shifting priorities.
- Effective written and verbal communication skills and the ability to communicate professionally with employees, managers, veterinary personnel, and other stakeholders.
- Ability to work independently with limited supervision while also functioning effectively as part of a team.
- Intermediate computer skills, including Microsoft Office programs and online-based supply ordering.
- Ability to read, understand, and follow Standard Operating Procedures, treatment protocols, safety procedures, and other written instructions.
- Basic veterinary technical skills, including the capture, handling, and restraint of nonhuman primates, or the ability and willingness to develop these skills through training.
- Knowledge of, or willingness to learn, applicable animal welfare and research standards, including the NIH Guide, PHS Policy, USDA Animal Welfare Act, and AAALAC International accreditation standards.
- Familiarity with boats, barges, trailers, forklifts, Bobcats, generators, trucks, and similar equipment is preferred.
- Knowledge of tides, nautical rules, and navigation in creeks, rivers, and tidal waters is preferred.
- Sound judgment and problem-solving skills, including the ability to identify issues, propose practical solutions, and implement approved resolutions.
- Good basic mathematical skills.
- Demonstrated reliability, attention to detail, and willingness to learn new skills and take on a variety of responsibilities.
EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE
- High school diploma or GED required.
- Minimum of two years of administrative experience preferred.
- Experience in a medical, veterinary, laboratory, animal care, research, or similarly regulated environment is a plus.
- Experience with boats, motors, construction or agricultural equipment, or other field operations is helpful but not required.
- Relevant combinations of education, training, and experience will be considered.
LANGUAGE AND COMMUNICATION SKILLS
Ability to read and interpret documents including treatment protocols, Standard Operating Procedures, safety requirements, and other written instructions. Must be able to communicate clearly and professionally, both verbally and in writing, with employees, supervisors, managers, veterinary personnel, and other members of the organization.
REASONING AND PROBLEM-SOLVING ABILITY
The individual must be able to manage a diverse range of responsibilities, recognize and respond appropriately to changing circumstances, identify operational or animal-care concerns, propose solutions, and implement approved resolutions.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, lift, carry, reach, and perform other physical activities associated with field and animal care operations. The employee may occasionally be required to climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
The employee must be able to:
- Lift and/or move up to 50 pounds, including repeated lifting and carrying as required.
- Walk up and down stairs repeatedly, including while carrying supplies or equipment.
- Safely board, ride in, and disembark from boats.
- Perform duties on uneven terrain and in outdoor environments.
- Maintain sufficient vision, with or without corrective eyewear, to safely perform assigned duties, including close, distance, peripheral, and depth perception and the ability to distinguish colors.
- Perform basic addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
- Manage multiple tasks and priorities throughout the workday.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
This position combines office, animal care, marine, and outdoor field work. Administrative responsibilities are generally performed in a typical office environment using a computer and other standard office equipment.
Regular travel to Morgan Island is required by boat. Island and field responsibilities may involve exposure to heat, high humidity, cold, rain, wet conditions, uneven terrain, insects, wildlife, and other conditions associated with outdoor work in the South Carolina Lowcountry. The employee will also work in environments involving nonhuman primates and operational equipment.
The noise level varies depending on the work environment but is generally moderate. Appropriate training, personal protective equipment, and safety procedures will be provided as required.
Pay: From $20.00 per hour
Work Location: In person
