Animal Care Technician

Vcu Rrtc; Richmond, Northern (VA, KY); Hybrid; USD 30,000 - 33,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Paid time off

Tuition benefits

Job summary

Virginia Commonwealth University’s Division of Animal Resources is seeking an Animal Care Technician RS 1 to join the team on a full-time basis. You will care for animals, maintain cages, and support health, care, and husbandry under supervision, following regulatory guidelines.

This onsite role requires daily observation of animals and routine cleaning and safety procedures. The position offers a 40-hour week, onsite work, weekend/holiday coverage as needed, and a comprehensive benefits

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; ability to follow oral and written instructions.
• Experience with animals in lab, clinic, or as a pet owner.
• Able to lift 50 lbs and stand for long periods; handle animals safely.
• Disinfect walls, floors, and cages; use chemicals safely.
• Cooperate with others and meet deadlines.
• Capable of daily room inspections and cleanliness responsibilities.

Responsibilities

• Care for the health, care and husbandry of animals under supervision.
• Observe animals daily for illness or distress and report to supervisor or vet.
• Perform daily inspections of animal rooms and environmental needs.
• Clean, disinfect and maintain cages; operate cage wash equipment.
• Transport and stack cages; follow safety procedures.

Skills

Animal handling experience

Lift 50 lbs

Stand for long periods

Follow oral and written instructions

Teamwork

Chemical safety

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Cage wash equipment

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:40

Restricted Position:Yes

ORP Eligible:No

Flexible Work Arrangement:Fully Onsite

University Job Title:34021N - Animal Care Technician RS 1

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