"Senior Animal Care Technician"

Advertising Summary

The Office of the Vice President for Research and Innovation (OVPRI) and Division of Animal Resources (DAR) invites applicants to apply for an outstanding opportunity to join our Team as an Animal Care Technician Specialist (USDA). This is a full time restricted University and Academic Professional position working in the DAR facilities. The Animal Care Technician Specialist is responsible for advanced Handling, Husbandry and Care of USDA species. Conduct accurate observations and reporting of animal health and cage elements for multiple USDA species housed within DAR’s vivarium (food, water, and caging). Provide basic and advanced animal husbandry (i.e., cage, water and food change), cage/animal census, environmental enrichment, and room/vivarium/cage wash housekeeping activities. Attentive and knowledgeable on various health conditions and symptoms of pathogen infection in sensitive USDA species. Ability to plan ahead to ensure needed supplies are properly disinfected, sanitized. Be able to work with little or no supervision once trained on assigned tasks. Participate in staff training and employee health and safety programs. Annual safety requirements will be completed to include; fit testing, TB testing (if applicable) and drug screening. Follow the VCU Code of conduct to offer a consistently high quality of customer service. Extreme attention to detail required in husbandry, cleaning and handling techniques. Work closely with vet staff and research staff ensuring their needs are met.

Work is Monday through Friday and work hours are scheduled between 7am and 4pm. Weekends and Holidays will be required, with optional overtime when needed by the department.

Unit

VP Research MBU

Department

Animal Care Facility

Duties & Responsibilities

This position requires advanced Handling, Husbandry and Care of USDA species. Incumbent will conduct accurate observations and reporting of animal health and cage elements for multiple USDA species housed within DAR’s vivarium (food, water, and caging). Provide basic and advanced animal husbandry (i.e., cage, water and food change), cage/animal census, environmental enrichment, and room/vivarium/cage wash housekeeping activities. Attentive and knowledgeable on various health conditions and symptoms of pathogen infection in sensitive USDA species. Ability to plan ahead to ensure needed supplies are properly disinfected, sanitized. Be able to work with little or no supervision once trained on assigned tasks. Participate in staff training and employee health and safety programs. Annual safety requirements will be completed to include; fit testing, TB testing (if applicable) and drug screening. Follow the VCU Code of conduct to offer a consistently high quality of customer service. Extreme attention to detail required in husbandry, cleaning and handling techniques. Work closely with vet staff and research staff ensuring their needs are met.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to work in and foster an environment of respect, professionalism and civility with a population of faculty, staff, and students from all backgrounds and experiences, or a commitment to do so as a staff member at VCU.
• The candidate possesses a high school diploma
• Strong attention to detail and effective time management skills.
• Significant experience in animal care facilities involving USDA species.
• Excel in following both oral and written instructions.
• Ability to lift 50 pounds and stand for extended periods.
• Expertise in safely handling and interacting with animals and ensures a safe environment.
• The role requires the individual to safely handle and apply cleaning chemicals while properly wearing protective gear.
• Candidates must be observant and respond appropriately to various situations.
• Teamwork and the ability to meet deadlines are essential.

Preferred Qualifications

• ALAS certification at LAT level preferred, or 5 years laboratory animal husbandry experience, or ALAT certification and 3 years laboratory animal husbandry experience.

Salary Range

$40,000-$44,000

Benefits

All full-time university staff are eligible for VCU’s robust benefits package that includes comprehensive health benefits, paid annual and holiday leave granted up front, generous tuition benefits, retirement planning and savings options, tax-deferred annuity and cash match programs, employee discounts, well-being resources, abundant opportunities for career development and advancement, and more.

FLSA Exemption Status

Non-Exempt

Hours per Week

40

Restricted Position

Yes

ORP Eligible

No

Flexible Work Arrangement

Fully Onsite

University Job Title

34024N - Sr Animal Care Technician RS 1