STEPS Animal Care Associate

University of Kentucky; Lexington (VA); On-site; USD 18,000 - 26,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits eligibility

Job summary

The University of Kentucky is seeking motivated individuals for a STEPS Animal Care Associate in Lexington, KY. After 6 months of satisfactory performance, you may be eligible for a full-time staff position or continue as a STEP's employee.

After 12 months you may pursue certification as an Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician through AALAS. You will be trained in routine and specialized animal caretaking duties, including safe handling, feeding, cleaning, record-keeping, and facility

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Microsoft Office and basic computer skills.
• Oral and written communication skills required.

Responsibilities

• Safe handling of multiple species of animals including mice, rats, pigeons, dogs and non-human primates.
• Feeding and watering animals according to prescribed diets.
• Changing cages, cleaning pens or runs.
• Observing animals daily and reporting variances in eating, drinking or habits.
• Monitoring environmental parameters (temperature, humidity, lighting).
• Maintaining records of animals (weight, health, food consumption).
• Cleaning and sterilizing cages and equipment; sanitizing supplies and rooms.
• Operating and maintaining washers and sterilizers to ensure proper functioning.
• Organizing feed, bedding and dry supplies in storage facilities.
• Overtime may be required to meet staffing needs and care requirements.

Skills

Animal care

Teamwork

Attention to detail

Microsoft Office

Communication

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Posting Details

Job Title STEPS Animal Care Associate

Requisition Number TE09419

Department Name 40832:Laboratory Animal Resources

Work Location Lexington, KY

Salary Range $16.15/hour

Type of Position Temporary

Position Time Status Full-Time

Required Education High school diploma or GED

Required Related Experience n/a

Required License/Registration/Certification

Physical Requirements Must be able to stand for long periods, ability to walk to various locations on campus in a timely manner. Requires heavy lifting, pushing or pulling of objects over 50 pounds; Able to work in hot, wet areas and wear personal protective clothing; animal handling (including carcasses); exposure to temperature extremes.

Shift Monday - Friday; 7:00 am - 3:30 pm (40 hours per week)

Job Summary The Division of Laboratory Animal Research seeks motivated individuals for a STEPS Animal Care Associate. After 6 months of satisfactory performance and training you may also be eligible for a full-time University of Kentucky staff position or continue as a STEP's employee. After 12 months you have the potential to become certified as an Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician through AALAS , a membership association of professionals employed around the world in academia, government, and private industry who are dedicated to the humane care and treatment of laboratory animals, as well as the quality research that leads to scientific gains that benefit people and animals.

You will be trained in routine and specialized animal caretaking duties, including:

• Safe handling of multiple species of animals including: mice, rats, pigeons, dogs and non-human primates.
• Feeding and watering animals according to their prescribed diets.
• Changing cages, cleaning pens or runs
• Observing animals regularly during the day, noting and reporting any variances in eating, drinking or deviation from normal habits.
• Observing and reporting changes in environmental parameters (i.e., temperature, humidity, lighting, etc.).
• Assisting in maintaining records of animals such as: weight, health, food consumption.

You will also learn facility maintenance and sanitation procedures including:

• Cleaning and sterilizing cages, equipment
• Sanitizing supplies, animal rooms and procedure space
• Operation and maintenance of washers and sterilizers to maintain proper working condition.
• Efficient operational organization and flow of supplies and equipment throughout the facilities.
• Assists in organizing feed, bedding and dry supplies in storage facilities

Occasional mandatory overtime will be required to meet staffing needs and provide care and feeding of animals.

Interested in Health Benefits? If working over 30 hours per week, on average, you will be eligible for medical/dental/vision plans offered at UK.

Skills / Knowledge / Abilities Microsoft office, basic computer skills. Ability to work independently, as well as part of a team is essential. Strong attention to detail. Oral and written communication skills also required.

Does this position have supervisory responsibilities? No

Preferred Education/Experience Previous animal care experience

Deadline to Apply 09/30/2026

Our University Community

We value the well-being of each of our employees and are dedicated to creating a healthy place for everyone to work, learn and live. In the interest of maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our students, employees, patients and visitors, the University of Kentucky is a Tobacco & Drug Free campus.

The University follows both the federal and state Constitutions as well as all applicable federal and state laws on nondiscrimination. The University provides equal opportunities for qualified persons in all aspects of institutional operations and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic origin, religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, uniformed service, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information or social or economic status.

Any candidate offered a position may be required to pass pre-employment screenings as mandated by University of Kentucky Human Resources. These screenings may include a national background check and/or drug screen.