Zebrafish Husbandry Assistant (Student Assistant l)

Position Purpose: To assist the Animal Care II staff in the zebrafish facility with daily and weekly husbandry tasks, and to cover leave times for regular staff.

Job Description:

Provides high quality daily care and maintenance of fish used in research within the Zebrafish Facility of the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus. Under the direction of the Zebrafish Facility Manager, this position involves varied husbandry activities to support the management of aquaculture facilities and laboratory populations of fish. Performs husbandry and customer service functions and will be supporting a team which is responsible for operating multiple recirculating aquaculture systems. Will help to ensure that optimal animal health and productivity is sustained, all in accordance with federal and institutional regulations and policies.

Examples of Work Performed:

1.      Feeds populations of fish the proper type and amount of food, depending on life stage and experimental application. 

2.      Performs and records daily animal health and welfare observations, communicating adverse findings to the Facility Manager.

3.      Performs daily oversight and operation of aquaculture systems and communicates any problems to the Facility Manager.

4.      Performs various husbandry tasks, including tank changes, spawning and other procedures that involve the handing of fish, including euthanasia.

5.      Monitors supply needs and notifies facility manager.

6.      Ensures the cleanliness of the facility, adhering to established cleanliness schedules.

7.      Upholds facility and regulatory policies and guidelines for the utilization of zebrafish in biomedical research.

Eligibility Requirements:

1. Work in wet, humid environments.
2. Work in hot conditions, indoors.
3. Will need to be able to lift 25lbs.
4. Frequent stepladder and stepstool use
5. Work may include weekends.