Animal Care Technician

Commonwealth of VA Careers

Richmond (VA)

On-site

USD 30,000 - 33,000

Full time

14 days+

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Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Annual leave

Tuition benefits

Retirement plan

Employee discounts

Well-being resources

Career development

Job summary

Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) is seeking an Animal Care Technician RS 1 to assist with the health, care and husbandry of research animals at the Animal Care Facility. The role requires daily animal observations, adherence to safety and cleaning protocols, and routine cage handling and transport.

The position is fully onsite, with a 40-hour workweek and occasional weekend/holiday work as needed. Applicants should be prepared to meet the listed physical and safety requirements.

Qualifications

High school diploma or equivalent; ability to follow oral and written instructions.
Experience working with animals in lab/clinic or caring for personal pets.
Must lift 50 lbs, stand for long periods, interact with animals, and disinfect surfaces.
Ability to handle chemicals safely during cleaning.
Ability to work well with others and meet deadlines.

Responsibilities

Provide health, care, and husbandry for animals under direct supervision.
Observe animals daily for sickness or distress and report to supervisor or veterinarian.
Inspect animal rooms for repairs and environmental needs.
Load/unload cages, operate cage wash equipment, and transport cages to preparation areas.

Skills

Work with animals

Follow instructions

Team collaboration

Chemical safety

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Advertising Summary:

Animal Care Technicians are responsible for cleaning of a variety of soiled animal cages and racks. The incumbent will clean, disinfect and sterilize animal cages using the guidelines established by the regulatory authorities and the Division. The responsibilities of the position will be for the health, care and husbandry of animals under the direct care of the incumbent. You will be responsible for assigned animals, which each animal will be cared for humanely, following the guidelines established by the national regulatory agencies and the Division of Animal Resources.The incumbent must observe animals daily for sickness or signs of distress and immediately report any of these conditions to the reporting supervisor or the clinical veterinarian. Additionally, must perform daily inspections of the animal rooms for repairs and environmental needs and supply requirements. Must be familiar with disease control procedures and be able to handle animals accordingly; be able to perform weekly or as needed, cleaning assignments for areas outside of vivarium; be able to work with little or no supervision once trained on assigned tasks. Annual safety requirements will be completed to include; fit testing, TB testing and drug screening. Training will be given on how to dump soiled bedding into appropriate containers, and disposing of bags of soiled bedding. Loading the cages into cage wash equipment, and unloading and stacking the clean cages. Transporting the cages to cage preparation areas. The VCU, Division of Animal Resources maintains and checks on the research animals 365 days a year. The Animal Care Tech position is a Monday-Friday position, however some weekend and holiday work is required.

Department Summary:

The Office of the Vice President for Research and Innovation (OVPRI) and Division of Animal Resources (DAR) invites applicants to apply for an outstanding opportunity to join our Team as an Animal Care Technician

Duties & Responsibilities:

The responsibilities of the position will be for the health, care and husbandry of animals under the direct care of the incumbent. You will be responsible for assigned animals, which each animal will be cared for humanely, following the guidelines established by the national regulatory agencies and the Division of Animal Resources. .The incumbent must observe animals daily for sickness or signs of distress and immediately report any of these conditions to the reporting supervisor or the clinical veterinarian. Additionally, must perform daily inspections of the animal rooms for repairs and environmental needs and supply requirements. Must be familiar with disease control procedures and be able to handle animals accordingly; be able to perform weekly or as needed, cleaning assignments for areas outside of vivarium; be able to work with little or no supervision once trained on assigned tasks. Annual safety requirements will be completed to include; fit testing, TB testing and drug screening. Training will be provided for the following duties; how to dump soiled bedding into appropriate containers, and disposing of bags of soiled bedding; loading the cages into cage wash equipment; and unloading and stacking the clean cages.; and transporting the cages to cage preparation areas.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications

Demonstrated ability to work in and foster an environment of respect, professionalism and civility with a population of faculty, staff, and students from all backgrounds and experiences, 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 required.
Must have some experience working with animals, either in laboratory or clinic, or have been responsible for personal pets.
Must be able to lift 50 lbs easily; to stand for long periods of time up to one hour; to interact with animals for long periods of time; to handle animals safely; to coexist with animals; to disinfect walls, floors, and cages; to daily inspect rooms and determine when supplies are needed.
Must be able to properly handle and apply chemicals safely during room cleaning processes; to wear any protective clothing or materials as needed; to observe and respond to situations in an appropriate manner.
Individual needs to be able to work well with others and to meet deadlines..

Preferred Qualifications

N/A

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.

Unit:

VP Research MBU

Department:

Animal Care Facility

Salary Range:

$30,000-$33,000

FLSA Exemption Status:

Non-Exempt

Hours per Week:

Restricted Position:

Yes

ORP Eligible: