Animal Care Technician II

University of Kentucky; Lexington (KY); On-site; USD 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Kentucky seeks an Animal Caretaker responsible for the care of various research animals, ensuring compliance with established safety protocols. The role requires physical stamina and attention to detail in maintaining facilities and overseeing animal husbandry, with opportunities for continuing education in a supportive environment.

Qualifications

• 18 months of animal care experience or equivalent.
• AALAS certification is preferred.
• Understanding of animal husbandry is essential.

Responsibilities

• Completing intricate animal caretaking duties for various species.
• Maintaining equipment and performing cage wash activities.
• Following DLAR SOPs and ensuring safety procedures.

Skills

MS Windows

Outlook

Education

AALAS Certification at LAT level

18 months animal care experience

Job description

Click here for more information about equivalencies:

Required License/Registration/Certification

None.

Physical Requirements

Requires heavy lifting, pushing or pulling of objects over 50 pounds; animal handling (including carcasses); risk of injuries from use of equipment on the job; exposure to temperature extremes, cuts/punctures, and bloodborne/airborne pathogens. Able to work in hot, wet areas and wear personal protective clothing.

Shift

Monday – Friday; 7:00 am – 3:30 pm (40 hours per week); This position is required to participate in weekend, after hours, Holiday and on-call rotations. Occasional mandatory overtime may be required to meet staffing needs.

Job Summary

Completes more intricate animal caretaking duties for mice and other rodents, non-human primates, pigeons, dogs and other animal species and begins to specialize in the care of individual species. Completes cage wash activities including on-going maintenance of equipment and other duties as assigned by Supervisor. All actions are completed by strictly and consistently following applicable DLAR SOPs including safety procedures and guidelines. Reports any suspected or actual deviations to SOPs or non-routine situations immediately to Supervisor or Team Lead. Arrives, leaves and takes breaks at work as scheduled. Strictly adheres to DLAR attendance policy. Staff will be trained in all facilities and will be rotated on a regular basis through all facilities for scheduled shifts and/or to meet staffing needs.

Skills / Knowledge / Abilities

MS Windows, and Outlook.

Does this position have supervisory responsibilities?

Does this position have supervisory responsibilities? No

Preferred Education/Experience

18 months animal care experience, animal husbandry (laboratory animal husbandry preferred) or equivalent experience directly related to care, use, handling and treatment of animals in a paid position. AALAS certification at LAT level preferred

Deadline to Apply

Deadline to Apply 06/22/2025

Our University Community

We value the well-being of each of our employees and are dedicated to creating a healthy place for everyone to work, learn and live. In the interest of maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our students, employees, patients and visitors the University of Kentucky is a Tobacco & Drug Free campus.


As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we strongly encourage veterans, individuals with disabilities, women, and all minorities to consider our employment opportunities.


Any candidate offered a position may be required to pass pre-employment screenings as mandated by University of Kentucky Human Resources. These screenings may include a national background check and/or drug screen.

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * Rate your level of expertise in using Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Windows, Excel, and PowerPoint).
  • None
  • Basic
  • Average
  • Proficient
  • Expert
• * Describe a situation where you were part of a team and conducted independent work that contributed to a larger goal.

  (Open Ended Question)

• * Describe your experience working with research animals

  (Open Ended Question)

• * Please describe your ability to effectively manage multiple tasks simultaneously.

  (Open Ended Question)

• * Do you have a current AALAS Certification? Please list the level.

  (Open Ended Question)

• * The essential functions of this position will require you to push, pull or lift objects over 50lbs. Can you meet this requirement with or without reasonable accommodations?
  • Yes
  • No
• * The essential functions of this position require you to report to work during emergency closings. Are you willing to abide by this requirement?
  • Yes
  • No