Primate Caretaker

University of Wisconsin; Madison (WI); On-site; USD 10,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

An established institution seeks a dedicated Primate Caretaker to ensure the health and well-being of nonhuman primates. This role involves performing health checks, administering treatments, and maintaining animal housing. The position requires physical stamina and a passion for animal care, with extensive training provided to develop necessary skills. Join a team committed to animal welfare and research excellence in a supportive environment that values your contributions. If you have a love for animals and a desire to make a difference, this is the perfect opportunity for you.

Benefits

Generous paid time off

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Tax-advantaged savings accounts

Participation in pension fund

Qualifications

• Experience with animal care preferred, especially with nonhuman primates.
• Willingness to learn and undergo extensive training.

Responsibilities

• Perform health checks, feed animals, and administer treatments.
• Maintain cleanliness of animal housing and manage supplies.

Skills

Animal care experience

Knowledge of animal behavior

Physical dexterity

Ability to lift 65 lbs

Education

High School Diploma

Job description

Job Summary:

The Primate Caretaker performs animal health checks on nonhuman primates; performs TB testing procedures; feeds animals and administers special diets when necessary; performs standard animal treatment procedures for minor illnesses; performs blood draw procedures; tattoos animals; cleans and sanitizes animal housing and other animal areas; handles animals including transporting, training and weighing; enters animals health data into database, and other tasks as assigned.

Responsibilities:

• Collects samples from animals and administers medications, injections, and treatments according to established protocols and procedures to be used for diagnostic tests and research (25%)
• Inventories, cleans, and maintains organization of animal holding spaces and supplies (10%)
• Prepares food and formulas and feeds animals according to established schedules and specifications (15%)
• Inspects and reports equipment problems to ensure optimal and safe operation (5%)
• Maintains organization of and updates records related to research procedures (10%)
• Observes animal behavior, performs basic animal care, and reports concerns to the appropriate entities to contribute to the health and well-being of animals and promote research (25%)
• Operation of automatic cage wash machine (10%)

Education:

Preferred: H.S. Diploma

Qualifications:

Evidence of work-related experience with animals, or knowledge of the care of animals through care of household pets, farm animals, or 4-H animals is preferred but not required. The incumbent will work with our training unit and experienced staff to learn the tasks to be performed, including but not limited to nonhuman primate handling and care techniques, utilizing standard safety practices and precautions, and recognizing nonhuman primate behavior considered symptomatic of an illness or injury. The incumbent will undergo extensive training to obtain proficiency in the care of nonhuman primates to perform these tasks under limited supervision.

License/Certification:

Preferred: AALAS - American Association for Laboratory Animal Science Technician Certification

Work Schedule:

Work hours are 7:00 am to 3:30 pm. Job includes a 5-day work week with weekend and holiday work required. Schedule will be Tuesday-Saturday or Sunday-Thursday. Possibility exists that schedule will include both weekend days and will require mandatory overtime.

Work Type:

Full Time: 100%. It is anticipated this position requires work be performed in-person, onsite, at a designated campus work location.

Salary:

Minimum: $18.75 HOURLY. Depending on Qualifications. This position offers a comprehensive benefits package, including generous paid time off, competitively priced health/dental/vision/life insurance, tax-advantaged savings accounts, and participation in the nationally recognized Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) pension fund.

Additional Information:

• Requires the ability to lift a minimum of 65 lbs independently and physical and manual dexterity to perform specialized technical tasks.
• Physical ability to lift, sit, stand, bend, reach, squat, twist and push to safely handle and care for the nonhuman primates.
• Must be TB negative.
• Must be comfortable working with animals in a research setting, and around or directly with infectious diseases and hazardous materials.
• Applicant will be required to have a measles titer within the first week of employment. Depending on the results of the blood test, applicant may need to be immunized.
• Allergies to animals must be controlled by medication.
• A criminal background check is required to ensure eligibility to work with animals.
• Detailed reference checks will be conducted prior to employment to verify prior good standing in animal care.
• Must possess a valid driver's license that meets standards of UW Risk Management in order to operate WNPRC vehicles.
• This is considered an essential position, and as such, applicant must be willing to fulfill the duties of the position.

How to Apply:

We are eager to learn more about how your experience and passion may align with this position. Please submit a cover letter referring to your related work experience and a resume detailing your educational and professional background. Applicants will also be asked to provide 3 professional references, including phone and email addresses.

Contact:

Deb Jurmu
[e-mail]
608-263-3504

Official Title:

Animal Care Technician II(AN009)

Department(s):

A34-OVCR/PRIMATE/PRIMATE

Employment Class:

University Staff-Ongoing

Job Number:

311248-CP

The University of Wisconsin-Madison is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer.