Part-time Animal Caretaker - Comparative Medicine

The Pennsylvania State University; Hershey (PA); On-site; USD 14,000 - 18,000; Part time

Job summary

Penn State College of Medicine in Hershey, PA is hiring a part-time animal caretaker to support the Comparative Medicine department. Responsibilities include sanitizing cages, operating sterilization equipment, maintaining logs, and handling animal supplies in a compliant environment.

The role requires a high school diploma or equivalent, a valid driver’s license, and the ability to lift up to 50 lbs. Some prior care/cleaning experience is preferred.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Valid driver’s license required.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and stand for long periods.
• Some experience in cleaning or care and handling of animals is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Sanitize animal facility caging and equipment by the use of operating cage washing equipment.
• Maintain maintenance logs and daily temperature logs.
• Set up, operate and service cage washing machines and sterilizing equipment as needed.
• Load, unload and store food, bedding and other facility equipment.
• Check cages and other equipment for needed repair; clean and repair equipment for daily service such as cage washers, autoclaves, bottle filling stations, and bedding dispensers.
• Assemble caging supplies with properly sterilized feed, bedding and water (acidified or autoclaved).
• Follow standardized procedures; assure that animal waste is disposed of properly.
• Provide animal related equipment to personnel to ensure appropriate schedules are maintained.

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS

The Penn State College of Medicine, Department of Comparative Medicine, in Hershey, PA is seeking a part time animal caretaker.

• Sanitize animal facility caging and equipment by the use of operating cage washing equipment.
• Maintain maintenance logs and daily temperature logs.
• Set up, operate and service cage washing machines and sterilizing equipment as needed.
• Load, unload and store food, bedding and other facility equipment.
• Check cages and other equipment for needed repair; clean and repair equipment for daily service such as cage washers, autoclaves, bottle filling stations, and bedding dispensers.
• Assemble caging supplies with properly sterilized feed, bedding and water (acidified or autoclaved) in a manner that assures that they remain sterile throughout the handling process.
• Follow standardized procedures; assure that animal waste is disposed of properly.
• Provide animal related equipment to personnel to ensure appropriate schedules are maintained.
• Maintain various records of supplies used for the purpose of cleaning, sanitizing, repairing and or dispensing of waste materials.
• Comply with animal facility and Penn State Hershey medical center policies and standard operating procedures.
• Maintain cage wash rooms, animal rooms and facility hallways in a clean state.
• Operate battery powered cart and/or University motor vehicle (box truck/pickup truck) as necessary.
• Comply with animal facility and Penn State College of Medicine policies and standard operating procedures.
• Attend meeting and training sessions on all aspects of laboratory animal care and uses of animals in biomedical research as assigned by the management staff.
• Perform other related duties incidental to the work described herein.
• Work with a variety of animals, including handling, restraint, feeding, watering and the general husbandry of the animals.
• Change cages or pens following aseptic and conventional technician and assure animals are not contaminated when outside of their primary enclosure.
• Will perform duties within various animal biosafety levels. Will follow posting pre-cautions and wear provided PPE.
• Record critical facility data on a daily basis which is required by local, state and federal regulatory agencies.

This is an entry level position, some experience in the cleaning or care and handling of animals is preferred. This position requires the knowledge and ability to learn to use various technical animal care and research equipment, including cage washers, autoclaves, class II bio-safety cabinets, ventilated cage rack systems, and micro isolator cages.

This position requires proficient verbal and written English and mathematical skills pertinent to the duties of this position and situations encountered in the animal facility. Demonstrate proficiency for core SOP's. Requires the ability to work independently and in a team setting. Customer‑focused attitude and enjoy working with other similarly dedicated persons is a must. Requires the ability to lift up to 50 lbs. on a regular basis and requires long periods of standing.

The animal facility has a variety of environmental conditions including exposure to noise, dust, chemical, heat and animal waste products. The use of appropriate protective clothing and equipment may be required and will be provided when required along with the proper training. Work requires a high school diploma or equivalent. Must have a valid driver's license.

WORK SHIFT

This is a part time temporary position, 40 hours a week, up to 28 weeks.

Shift: 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Monday - Friday.

CLEARANCES REQUIRED

• Pennsylvania State Police Criminal Background Check
• Pennsylvania Child Abuse History
• Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Criminal Background Check

EEO STATEMENT

Penn State is an equal opportunity, affirmative action 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.