Animal Care Technician

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (VT); Roanoke (VA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

Virginia Tech is seeking an Animal Care Technician for its Animal Resources and Care Division in Roanoke, Virginia. The role focuses on animal husbandry and care across various species, requiring the ability to work with mechanical equipment and perform technical procedures. Candidates should hold a high school diploma and possess skills for handling animals in a research environment.

Qualifications

• Ability to work directly with a variety of animal species.
• Techniques for animal husbandry and care.
• Valid US driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Provides animal husbandry and care for various species.
• Performs duties requiring specialized skills and sanitation tasks.
• Handles basic technical animal procedures.

Skills

Ability to work with various animal species

Routine maintenance of mechanical equipment

Ability to lift/move 50 pounds

Basic computer skills

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Apply now Back to search results Job no: 533355
Work type: Staff
Senior management: Vice President for Research
Department: Animal Care
Location: Roanoke, Virginia
Categories: Research / Scientific

Job Description

The individual serves as an Animal Care Technician within the Animal Resources and Care Division (ARCD) section of the Office of Research and Innovation (ORI). The individual is responsible and accountable for the daily provision of animal husbandry and care at an ARCD facility (vivarium) or facilities.

The position encompasses the following responsibilities:
1. Provides animal husbandry and care for a variety of animal species with minimal guidance from more experienced ARCD personnel and in accordance with applicable regulations, guidelines, and internally established policies and procedures.
2. Provides sanitation, custodial, and other support services required for the daily operation and maintenance of the animal facility or other animal housing areas.
3. Performs duties that require specialized skills associated with the care and handling of animals, the sanitation of facilities and the operation and maintenance of equipment.
4. Performs basic technical animal procedures with minimal to no supervision. Assists with or performs advanced technical animal procedures under the guidance and direction of more experienced ARCD personnel.

This position is primarily located in Roanoke, Virginia but may periodically provide back-up support for the Blacksburg campus. This position requires some weekend and holiday work as part of a rotating schedule. This position is considered an emergency position.

Required Qualifications

• Ability to work directly with a variety of animal species including rodent, companion, agricultural, and aquatic species.
• Ability to operate and perform routine maintenance procedures on mechanical equipment, animal caging, and other equipment commonly utilized throughout the animal facility and animal housing areas.
• Ability to wear personal protection equipment (PPE) appropriate for the species, animal housing conditions, or work area.
• Ability to lift/move 50 pounds.
• Basic computer skills including the ability to utilize common applications (e.g., email, Word, Excel).
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Valid US driver’s license.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s Degree in Animal Science or a similar biological science.
• Certification by the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) at the Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT) level.
• Aquatic experience for locations that support zebrafish and other aquatic species.
• Experience working with farm animals for locations that support agricultural species.

Pay Band

3

Overtime Status

Non-Exempt: Eligible for overtime

Appointment Type

Regular

Salary Information

Starting at $40,000; commensurate with experience

40

Review Date

Additional Information

This recruitment is hiring for a facility in Roanoke, Virginia with some back-up support to the Blacksburg, Virginia facilities as business needs demand. The successful candidate will have a safe driving check and criminal conviction check completed upon hire.

This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

About Virginia Tech

Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges , a school of medicine , a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School , and Honors College . The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including the Innovation Campus in Northern Virginia; the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke; sites in Newport News and Richmond; and numerous Extension offices and research centers . A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $500 million in research annually.

Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities and university shared governance . These valuable contributions to university shared governance provide important representation and perspective, along with opportunities for unique and impactful professional development.

Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, ethnicity or national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.

If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Kaitlin Winfree at [e-mail] during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.

Advertised: June 10, 2025
Applications close: Open until filled