Senior Animal Care Technician

Advertising Summary

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. The 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 (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 and sanitized. 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 consistently high quality customer service. Extreme attention to detail required in husbandry, cleaning and handling techniques. Work closely with vet staff and research staff to ensure their needs are met.

Work schedule:

Monday through Friday, 7 am–4 pm. Weekends and holidays may be required, with optional overtime as needed by the department.

Unit: VP Research MBU

Department: Animal Care Facility

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 (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 to ensure their needs are met.

• 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.
• Excellent 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 ensuring a safe environment.
• Ability to safely handle and apply cleaning chemicals while properly wearing protective gear.
• Observant and able to respond appropriately to various situations.
• Teamwork and the ability to meet deadlines are essential.

• 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

Contact Information
Contact Name: Niki Boyd
Contact Email: tsboyd