Animal Care Technician - Comparative Medicine

The Pennsylvania State University; United States; On-site; USD 36,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

75% tuition discount

Job summary

The Pennsylvania State University is seeking a full-time Animal Care Technician - Comparative Medicine - Grade 5 to join the team. You will observe, monitor, and assist with veterinary procedures in an intensive care setting, maintaining records and ensuring animal welfare.

Responsibilities include administering medications under supervision, collecting samples, and preparing animals for procedures. Must have 2–3 years of relevant experience; certifications are not required.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2–3 years of effective animal care experience.
• No specific certifications required.

Responsibilities

• Observe animals in an intensive care setting and report changes to veterinary staff or supervisor.
• Notify on-call veterinarian in emergencies and take appropriate action as needed.
• Monitor animals with artificial organs and respond to alarms or status changes.
• Administer medications under veterinary direction and monitor vitals.
• Collect blood, urine, and fecal samples and run diagnostic tests.
• Maintain records of animal data, vitals, and treatments.
• Restrain, position, and prepare animals for procedures.
• Assist with treatments and routine equipment maintenance.
• Prepare rooms and ensure recovery supplies for post-surgery animals.

Job description

Job Title

Penn State is searching for a full time Animal Care Technician - Comparative Medicine - Grade 5 to join the team.

Duties

• Observe animals in an intensive care setting and report changes to veterinary staff or supervisor; notify on-call veterinarian in emergency situation; as appropriate, take immediate action such as controlling bleeding or seizures, administering oxygen or medication, etc.
• Monitor animals with artificial organs and associated equipment; react properly to alarms and change in status; notify veterinarian or on-call engineer.
• Under veterinary staff direction, use proper aseptic techniques to administer medications orally, intramuscularly, and intravenously; draw up, dilute, or mix medications at the proper levels; monitor blood pressure and heart rate for abnormal conditions.
• Collect blood, urine, and fecal samples; conduct diagnostic tests as directed including blood gases, hematocrits, clot times, etc.
• Maintain records of animal data, vitals, medications, intake and output, etc.; follow orders written by veterinary staff and supervisor.
• Restrain, position, and prepare animals for medical/research procedures.
• Assist with veterinary treatments and activities as directed.
• Operate and perform routine user maintenance on equipment such as blood pressure monitors, fluid pumps, etc.; notify supervisor of malfunctions.
• Prepare room for animals returning from surgery; ensure availability of stanchion with clean mat, oxygen tank, and other equipment/supplies required for animal recovery.
• Maintain a stock of regularly used supplies; request additional supplies to replenish inventory, as necessary; make recommendations to supervisor when new equipment and supplies may be needed.
• Maintain work area and equipment in a clean and orderly condition; keep animals in clean state; promptly remove animal waste.
• Assist with training newly hired Animal Care Technicians.
• Perform the duties of Animal Caretaker C as needed.

Job Requirements

Requires the use of commercial English, grammar and arithmetic such as addition, subtraction, multiplication and division, including decimals and fractions; simple use of formulas, charts, tables, drawings, specifications, schedules, wiring diagrams, together with the use of adjustable measuring instruments, graduates and the like requiring interpretation in their various applications; or the posting, preparation, interpretation, use and checking of reports, forms, records and comparable data.

Qualifications

Minimum work experience 2 to 3 years of effective experience.

Required certifications: None.

Background Checks & Clearances

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies. This position requires that you operate a motor vehicle as a part of your job duties. A valid driver’s license and successful completion of a motor vehicle records check will be required in addition to standard background checks. Penn State does not sponsor or take over sponsorship of a staff employment Visa. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.

Collective Bargaining Agreement

This position is part of the bargaining unit represented by Teamsters Local Union No. 8. More information can be found here: Collective Bargaining Agreement.

Salary and Benefits

For details on starting pay rate and progression, please see the above collective bargaining agreement. Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.

Campus Security Crime Statistics

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473. Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission.

Company Values

• Integrity
• Respect
• Responsibility
• Discovery
• Excellence
• Community