Animal Care Technician Specialist (USDA)

Virginia Commonwealth University; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a leading public research university as an Animal Care Technician Specialist, where your dedication to animal welfare and research will shine. This full-time role offers a dynamic environment focused on advanced husbandry and care for USDA species. You'll be responsible for ensuring the health and well-being of animals while collaborating with veterinary and research staff. Enjoy competitive pay, generous leave packages, and a commitment to inclusive excellence. Be part of a vibrant community that values your contributions and fosters your career growth.

Benefits

Competitive health benefits

Paid leave

Retirement planning

Tuition waivers

Parental leave

Community service leave

Qualifications

• Experience in animal care and handling of USDA species.
• Knowledge of health conditions and sanitation practices.

Responsibilities

• Provide advanced husbandry and care for USDA species.
• Observe and report animal health and cage conditions.
• Maintain cleanliness of animal rooms and cages.

Skills

Animal husbandry

Observation skills

Attention to detail

Education

High School Diploma

Certification in Animal Care

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 planning, tuition waivers, parental and caregiving leave, and community service leave. Explore further: https://hr.vcu.edu/benefits/

Together, we can be unstoppable!

Typical Duties

The Office of the Vice President for Research and Innovation (OVPRI) and Division of Animal Resources (DAR) are seeking applicants for the position of Animal Care Technician Specialist (USDA). This is a full-time, restricted University and Academic Professional role based in DAR facilities.

The Animal Care Technician Specialist is responsible for advanced handling, husbandry, and care of USDA species. Responsibilities include accurate observation and reporting of animal health and cage conditions, providing basic and advanced husbandry (feeding, watering, cage changes), conducting animal census, environmental enrichment, and maintaining cleanliness of rooms and cages.

The role requires attentiveness to health conditions and symptoms of pathogen infections in USDA species, planning for supplies and sanitation, and working independently once trained. Participation in staff training and safety programs is required, including fit testing, TB testing, and drug screening. The technician must follow the VCU Code of Conduct and maintain high standards of husbandry, cleaning, and handling techniques. Collaboration with veterinary and research staff 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.