Animal Care Technician Specialist (USDA)

Virginia Commonwealth University; Kansas City (MO); On-site; USD 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

Virginia Commonwealth University invites applications for the Animal Care Technician Specialist role within the Division of Animal Resources. This position involves essential responsibilities regarding animal husbandry and health management, offering a full-time opportunity with competitive pay and benefits. Ideal candidates will demonstrate independence after training and adhere to safety protocols, contributing to the well-being of USDA species.

Benefits

Competitive health benefits

Paid leave

Retirement plans

Tuition waiver

Parental and caregiving leave

Community service leave

Qualifications

• Knowledge of health conditions in USDA species.
• Ability to perform basic and advanced husbandry tasks.
• Must participate in ongoing staff training.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for feeding, watering, and cage changes.
• Observing animal health and reporting any issues.
• Ensuring sanitation of supplies and vivarium upkeep.

Skills

Animal husbandry

Health observation

Sanitation practices

Job description

Summary:

Welcome to VCU, a world unlike any other! We combine learning, research, creativity, service, and discovery with a commitment to inclusive excellence. Ranked by U.S. News as one of the 30 "most innovative" public universities in the country, VCU is a premier, urban, public research university home to multiple nationally ranked programs.

Here, your success is supported and your career can thrive. VCU offers a generous leave package, career paths for advancement, competitive pay, and mission-driven work. We promote a climate where excellence and success for all are valued and differences are celebrated.

All full-time university staff are eligible for VCU's benefits, including: competitive health benefits, paid leave, retirement plans, tuition waiver, parental and caregiving leave, and community service leave. Explore our benefits further.

Together, we can be unstoppable!

Typical Duties

The Office of the Vice President for Research and Innovation (OVPRI) and Division of Animal Resources (DAR) invite applications for the position of Animal Care Technician Specialist (USDA). This full-time, restricted university and academic professional role involves working in DAR facilities. The technician is responsible for handling, husbandry, and care of USDA species, including accurate observation and reporting of animal health and cage conditions.

Responsibilities include basic and advanced animal husbandry (feeding, watering, cage changes), census, environmental enrichment, and housekeeping activities in vivarium rooms. The technician should be knowledgeable about health conditions and symptoms of pathogen infections in USDA species and plan ahead to ensure proper sanitation of supplies. Ability to work independently after training, participate in staff training, and adhere to safety protocols is essential.

Work hours are Monday through Friday, between 7 am and 4 pm, with weekends and holidays required. Overtime may be available as needed.