Animal Care Assistant

Vcu Rrtc; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 28,654 - 35,021; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive health benefits

Paid annual leave

Tuition benefits

Retirement planning

Employee discounts

Career development opportunities

Job summary

A university research office in Richmond, Virginia is seeking an Animal Care Assistant to join their team. The role involves cleaning animal cages, managing inventory, and ensuring equipment functionality. Candidates should have a high school diploma, the ability to handle animals safely, and a commitment to working respectfully with a diverse community. The position offers a salary of $31,838 and includes a robust benefits package. This is a full-time, onsite position.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to work with a diverse population.
• Ability to follow both oral and written instructions.
• Experience working with animals or personal pet responsibility.

Responsibilities

• Clean and maintain animal cages and work area.
• Prepare cage setups and manage inventory.
• Test eyewash stations and ensure equipment functionality.

Skills

Ability to work in a diverse environment

Animal care experience

Follow instructions

Teamwork

Ability to lift 50 lbs

Maintain hygiene

Proper chemical handling

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Office of Research & Innovation, Division of Animal Resources invites applicants to apply for an outstanding opportunity to join our Animal Care Team as an Animal Care Assistant.

Duties & Responsibilities

Employee will be responsible for cleaning a variety of soiled animal cages and racks; disinfecting, sterilizing, and maintaining records in accordance with regulatory guidelines. The employee will assemble and prepare cage setups, autoclave sterile housing, manage inventory of sterile cages, unpack feed and bedding, maintain a clean work area, test eyewash stations, and perform other duties as assigned. For barrier facilities, the employee will ensure autoclaving of cage setups and maintain emergency inventories, fill water carboys, and keep all operating equipment functional.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to work in and foster an environment of respect, professionalism, and civility with a diverse population of faculty, staff, and students, or a commitment to do so as a staff member at VCU.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Ability to follow both oral and written instructions.
• Experience working with animals or personal pet responsibility.
• Ability to lift 50 lbs easily.
• Stand for long periods of time.
• Ability to handle animals safely and coexist peacefully.
• Maintain hygiene by disinfecting walls, floors, and cages; daily inspect rooms and determine when supplies are needed.
• Properly handle and apply chemicals safely during cleaning processes; wear protective clothing as required.
• Observe and respond appropriately to situations.
• Work well with others, meet deadlines, and maintain teamwork.

Salary Range

$31,838

Benefits

All full‑time university staff are eligible for VCU’s robust benefits package that includes comprehensive health benefits, paid annual and holiday leave, generous tuition benefits, retirement planning and savings options, tax‑deferred annuity and cash match programs, employee discounts, well‑being resources, abundant opportunities for career development and advancement, and more.

FLSA Exemption Status

Non‑Exempt

Hours per Week

40

Restricted Position

Yes

ORP Eligible

No

Flexible Work Arrangement

Fully Onsite

Contact Information

Contact Name: Niki Boyd
Contact Email: [e-mail]