Animal Caretaker C - Grade 8 - Comparative Medicine

The Pennsylvania State University; Hershey (PA); On-site; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

75% tuition discount

Competitive benefits package

Job summary

The Pennsylvania State University is seeking an Animal Caretaker C to join the Comparative Medicine team. Core duties include feeding, monitoring, and assisting with procedures, with a Monday–Friday schedule and rotating weekends/holidays at PSU’s facilities.

The role requires 3–6 months of experience and the ability to work with animals, maintain records, and operate related equipment. PSU offers a robust benefits package including tuition discounts and health coverage.

Qualifications

• 3 to 6 months of relevant experience.
• Ability to use commercial English, grammar and arithmetic and basic measuring tools.
• Authorized to work in the U.S.

Responsibilities

• Provide general care, feeding and watering of animals.
• Operate van for pickup and delivery of cages, racks, bedding, feed and other items.
• Assist in holding animals for administration of drugs, clipping, weighing and other tasks.
• Record and report unusual animal behavior, vermin infestation or health concerns.
• Maintain records of food and bedding on hand and usage.
• Record animal experimental data on a limited scale.
• Perform routine medication and nursing procedures under supervision.
• Collect urine, fecal materials, hair, etc.
• Clean and sanitize cages and animal rooms.
• Operate washing machines, autoclave and related equipment.
• Euthanize small laboratory animals as required.
• Receive animal deliveries and verify against orders.
• Maintain daily census of animals in facilities.
• Carry out quarantine and isolation procedures.
• Instruct students and wage payroll employees in animal care area.

Skills

Animal care

Record keeping

Vehicle operation

English language

Team coordination

Tools

Autoclave operation

Caging & bedding handling

Job description

JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS

Penn State is searching for a full time Animal Caretaker C - Grade 8 - Comparative Medicine - Grade 8 to join the team. Duties include:

Work Schedule and Shift:

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 8am-4:30pm

Rotating weekends and Holidays.

Weekends are 7am-3pm and Holidays are 7am-3:30pm.

Duties Include:

• Provide general care, feeding and watering of animals.
• Operate van for the pickup and delivery of cages, racks, bedding, feed and other miscellaneous items.
• Assist in holding animals for administrating of drugs, clipping, weighing and other tasks as assigned.
• Record and report unusual instances involving behavior of animals, vermin infestation, temperature changes and other conditions affecting the wellbeing of the animals.
• Maintain records of food and bedding materials on hand, used and daily or weekly requirements.
• Record animal experimental data on a limited scale.
• Perform routine medication and nursing procedures under the direction of the supervisor.
• Perform technical aspects of diet preparation, including operation of food grinder.
• Collect urine, fecal materials, hair, etc.
• Clean and sanitize cages, animal rooms and related service areas.
• Operate rack, bottle, cage washing machine, autoclave, floor scrubber and washer, clothes washer and dryer.
• Euthanize small laboratory animals as required.
• Load, unload and store food, cages and bedding materials, and other lab equipment and supplies.
• Deliver orders being careful not to contaminate food sacks.
• Operate incinerator for the destruction of animals and bedding.
• Receive animal deliveries, check received animals against order regarding sex, weight, general health and identify by tattooing.
• Maintain a daily census of all animals in the assigned facilities.
• Carry out quarantine and isolation procedures.
• Purchase small quantities of produce and other animal food items on occasion from local merchants.
• Instruct students and wage payroll employees when they are assisting with animal care in their area.

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.
• Over 3 up to and including 6 months of effective experience.

MINIMUM WORK EXPERIENCE

3 to 6 months 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.

EEO IS THE LAW

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.

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