Senior Animal Care Technician

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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.

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). Responsibilities include providing basic and advanced animal husbandry (i.e., cage, water and food change), cage/animal census, environmental enrichment, and room/vivarium/cage wash housekeeping activities, and maintaining knowledge of various health conditions and symptoms of pathogen infection in sensitive USDA species.

The candidate must plan ahead to ensure needed supplies are properly disinfected and sanitized, work independently once trained, and 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, with extreme attention to detail 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 with hours scheduled between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. Weekends and holidays will be required, with optional overtime when needed by the department.

Unit: VP Research MBU

Department: Animal Care Facility

The position requires advanced handling, husbandry, and care of USDA species, accurate reporting of animal health and cage elements, animal census, environmental enrichment, housekeeping activities, knowledge of health conditions, and independent work. Participation in staff training and safety programs is essential. Employees must follow the VCU Code of Conduct and provide a high quality of customer service while working closely with vet staff and researchers.

• Demonstrated ability to work in an environment of respect, professionalism, and civility with a diverse faculty, staff, and student population.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Strong attention to detail and effective time‑management skills.
• Significant experience in animal care facilities involving USDA species.
• Excellent ability to follow oral and written instructions.
• Ability to lift 50 pounds and stand for extended periods.
• Expertise in safely handling and interacting with animals and maintaining a safe environment.
• Proper handling and application of cleaning chemicals with protective gear.
• Observant and responsive to various situations.
• Teamwork and ability to meet deadlines.

• ALAS certification at LAT level preferred, or five years of laboratory animal husbandry experience.
• ALAT certification and three years of laboratory animal husbandry experience.

Salary Range: $40,000 - $44,000

Benefits: All full‑time university staff are eligible for VCU’s comprehensive benefits package, including health benefits, paid annual and holiday leave, tuition benefits, retirement planning and savings options, tax‑deferred annuity and cash match programs, employee discounts, well‑being resources, and career development opportunities.

FLSA Exemption Status: Non‑Exempt

Hours per Week: 40

Restricted Position: Yes

ORP Eligible: No

Flexible Work Arrangement: Fully On‑site

University

Job Title:

34024N – Sr Animal Care Technician RS 1

Contact Name:
Niki Boyd

Contact Email: tsboyd

Mid‑Senior level

Full‑time

Research

Higher Education