STEPS Animal Care Associate

University of Kentucky; Lexington, Northern (KY, KY); Hybrid; USD 30,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Kentucky is recruiting for a STEPS Animal Care Associate on the Lexington campus. The role involves routine and specialized animal caretaking tasks, with training leading toward possible full-time staff positions after 6–12 months and potential certification through AALAS.

Responsibilities include safe handling of various animals, feeding, cage maintenance, daily observations, and record-keeping. The position supports campus research and requires overtime as needed.

Qualifications

• Must be able to stand for long periods and perform heavy lifting (over 50 lbs).
• Previous animal care experience preferred.
• Willing to undergo pre-employment screenings as required.

Responsibilities

• Safely handle multiple species of animals including mice, rats, pigeons, dogs and non-human primates.
• Feed and water animals according to prescribed diets.
• Change cages, clean pens or runs.
• Observe animals daily and report variances in eating, drinking or behavior.
• Monitor environmental parameters (temperature, humidity, lighting).
• Maintain records of animal weight and health.

Skills

Microsoft Office

Teamwork

Detail-oriented

Communication

Job description

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.

If you are interested in full time position that could lead to a potential career in laboratory animal care.

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?

Does this position have supervisory responsibilities? No

Preferred Education/Experience

Previous animal care experience

Deadline to Apply

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.

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * Rate your level of expertise in using Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Windows, Excel, and PowerPoint).

  • None
  • Basic
  • Average
  • Proficient
  • Expert

• * Describe what "teamwork" means to you and how you function in an environment that fosters teamwork.

  (Open Ended Question)

• * Describe your ability to work independently, handling a large, varied and complex workload, including how you address challenges related to balancing attention to detail with working efficiently.

  (Open Ended Question)

• * The essential functions of this position will require you to push, pull or lift objects over 50lbs. Can you meet this requirement with or without reasonable accommodations?

  • Yes
  • No

Required Documents

• Resume
• Curriculum Vita
• Cover Letter

Optional Documents

• Resume
• Curriculum Vita
• Cover Letter

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