Animal Care Technician

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Here your success is supported and your career can thrive. VCU offers a generous leave package, career paths for advancement, competitive pay, and mission-driven work. We advance a conscientious drive to support a climate where excellence and success for all people are valued and differences are celebrated.

Benefits --------

All full-time university staff are eligible for VCUs 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

Animal Care Technicians ------------------------

Animal Care Technicians are responsible for cleaning of a variety of soiled animal cages and racks. The incumbent will clean, disinfect, and sterilize animal cages using the guidelines established by the regulatory authorities and the Division. The responsibilities of the position will be for the health care and husbandry of animals under the direct care of the incumbent.

Responsibilities ----------------

• Clean, disinfect, and sterilize animal cages
• Observe animals daily for sickness or signs of distress and immediately report any conditions to the reporting supervisor or the clinical veterinarian
• Perform daily inspections of the animal rooms for repairs and environmental needs and supply requirements
• Familiarize with disease control procedures and be able to handle animals accordingly
• Perform weekly or as needed cleaning assignments for areas outside of vivarium
• Work with little or no supervision once trained on assigned tasks
• Complete annual safety requirements, including fit testing, TB testing, and drug screening
• Receive training on how to dump soiled bedding into appropriate containers and disposing of bags of soiled bedding
• Load cages into cage wash equipment, unload and stack clean cages, and transport cages to cage preparation areas

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
• High school diploma or equivalent
• Ability to follow both oral and written instructions
• Some experience working with animals either in laboratory or clinic or personal pets
• Ability to lift 50 lbs easily to stand for long periods of time
• Ability to interact with animals for long periods of time
• Ability to handle animals safely and coexist with animals
• Ability to properly handle and apply chemicals safely during room cleaning processes
• Ability to wear protective clothing or materials as needed
• Ability to observe and respond to situations in an appropriate manner
• Ability to work well with others and meet deadlines

Job Title ----------

34021N - Animal Care Technician RS 1

Contact Information ------------------

Contact Name: Niki Boyd Contact Email: tsboyd@vcu.edu