POSITION TITLE: Document Control Specialist (DCS) / Animal Care Technician (ACT) I 

Position Duties:

Document Control Specialist (DCS) 

Supports quality assurance (QA) activities by reviewing records and documents for accuracy, completeness, and adherence to quality and regulatory requirements and performs document management, tracking, and administrative support tasks for controlled document record systems as well as other tasks to ensure the schedules and goals of the quality system are met. 

Animal Care Technician (ACT) 

Performs animal husbandry chores associated with the maintenance of a high-quality designated pathogen-free (DPF) swine herd in accordance with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), USDA/AWA regulations, AAALAC program description, and FDA Guidance. 

Job Duties:

Document Control 

• • Supports overall Quality Assurance (QA) document control coordination and functions, including document logs, tracking, processing, review, distribution, release, scanning, and archiving of documents per applicable SOPs. 
  • Supports the revision, review, and approval and retirement of controlled documents such as Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).  
  • Supports biennial review and continuous improvement review of all controlled documents. 

Animal Care and Veterinary 

• • Feed and water animals and perform daily animal health checks.  
  • Assist with hands-on animal procedure included boar semen collection, artificial insemination, and farrowing. 
  • Assist with operating and necropsy procedures. 
  • Perform general facility cleaning and maintenance, such as power washing and laundry within a biosecure facility (shower in/shower out required). 

Travel: Infrequent overnight domestic travel as normal and customary for the position to perform on-site audits of suppliers, as part of a team initially and thereafter, depending on the scale and scope of the audit, approximately 5% of the time.

Position Requirements:

Document Control: 

• • Maintain SOP binders, paper-based logs, and controlled notebooks. 
  • Organize and ensure accurate and reliable filing systems for all paper-based and computer-based GXP documents. 
  • Maintain training records and ensure timely completion of scheduled training.  
  • Maintain change control and deviation processes for SOPs, master batch records, specifications, test methods, validation protocols/reports, technical protocols, reports, and other GMP documents. 
  • Participate in QA-related duties, as assigned. 

Animal Husbandry: 

• • Feeding and providing water to animals. 
  • Perform daily animal health checks.  
  • Assist with hands-on animal procedures including boar semen collection, artificial insemination, and farrowing.  
  • Maintain animal tracking, breeding, birthing, and room maintenance records. 
  • Monitoring the health and behavior of animals. 
  • Administering medications and treatments as prescribed. 
  • Maintaining accurate records of animal health and care. 
  • Providing environmental enrichment to promote natural behaviors. 
  • Following strict protocols to ensure ethical treatment of animals. 
  • Transporting animals safely within the facility. 

Animal Barrier Operations: 

• • Maintaining a clean and safe work environment. 
  • Cleaning and disinfecting animal cages and enclosures. 
  • Perform general facility cleaning and maintenance such as disinfecting animal pens, power washing, and laundry. 

Surgical/Veterinary: 

• • Assisting veterinarians with medical procedures. 
  • Examine and observe animals to detect signs of illness, disease, or injury. 
  • Assisting with euthanasia procedures under supervision. 
  • Assist with operating room and necropsy procedures. 

Other: 

• • Have or develop an understanding of Laboratory Animal and GLP/GMP regulations.  
  • Perform duties on weekends on a rotating basis.  
  • Work both as a team member and independently. 
  • Be resourceful at solving day-to-day problems associated with equipment and the animals that affect it. 
  • Respect and care for all animals at all times. 
  • Participate in training and continuing education sessions. 
  • Perform other duties as assigned. May be directed to perform additional job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description. 

Physical Demand and Work Environment 

Movement and Exertion:

• Stamina: The ability to stand, walk, and move around for extended periods throughout a workday. 
• Lifting and carrying: The physical strength to lift and carry animals and supplies, frequently up to 50 pounds, and sometimes up to 150 pounds, especially with assistance. 
• Pushing and pulling: The ability to push and pull objects, sometimes weighing up to 150 pounds. 
• Restraining animals: The strength and dexterity to physically restrain animals of varying sizes and temperaments. 
• Dynamic movements: The ability to bend, stoop, kneel, and balance to care for animals and clean facilities. 
• Repetitive motions: Performing tasks that involve repetitive movements of the arms, legs, and hands.
• Climbing: Ascending or descending stairs.
• Stooping or crouching: Positioning oneself to maintain items or access files in lower file cabinets.

Fine Motor Skills:

• Manual dexterity: The ability to manipulate instruments, equipment, and supplies, and to perform fine motor tasks like injections or other procedures. 
• Keyboarding: Using hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard and 10-key numeric keypad.
• Computer use: Operating a computer and other office equipment, including repetitive motions with the wrists, hands, and fingers.

Sedentary activities:

• Sitting: Remaining in a seated, stationary position for prolonged periods, often for 50% or more of the workday.

Other Demands:

• Allergies: A potential disqualification exists for individuals with allergic conditions that are aggravated by contact with animals.
• Hearing: The ability to hear warning signs, alarms, and emergency signals, and to understand speech from colleagues and animals. 
• Vision: The ability to see details at close range. 
• Communication: Speaking and hearing to exchange information in person or over the telephone. 

Education

Essential: High School diploma or GED. 

Desirable: Bachelor’s Degree preferably in biology, chemistry, microbiology, biochemistry or other related scientific fields preferred. Veterinary technician or veterinary assistant certification preferred. Preference will be given to candidates with experience working in FDA-regulated environments.

Experience

Large animal husbandry experience required, (but candidate cannot reside on or near a swine farm or have external swine contact during employment). Swine husbandry experience highly preferred.

Basic understanding of Laboratory Animal and GLP/GMP regulations.

Computer Skills:

• Microsoft 365 proficiency (Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, SharePoint, OneNote, Teams, Excel, Outlook, etc.) 
• Adobe Acrobat proficiency. 

Technical Skills:

• Basic understanding of statistics is preferred.
• Mechanical aptitude preferred. 
• Effective oral and written communication skills.

Organizational and Time Management Skills:

• Must be able to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Must be highly detailed-oriented and can maintain attention to detail while executing multiple tasks.
• Must be extremely well-organized with strong communication skills both verbal and written.
• Must be self-motivated with ability to handle, organize, and prioritize multiple tasks to meet deadlines.

Communication Skills:

• Ability to effectively build and maintain interdepartmental coordination, communication, and relationships.
• Must have the ability to work in a cross-functional team environment.

Additional Skills/Requirements:

• Must be able to lift 50 pounds.
• Must be able to work a flexible schedule with occasional weekend work availability required.
• Capable of tolerating normal farm odors and noise levels while using personal protective equipment.

Applicants who are interested in the Position should send a cover letter and resume to: Thomas Spizzo, Executive Director, tspizzo@springpointproject.org