Senior Animal Care Technician

Department Summary: Welcome to VCU … a world unlike any other!

We combine learning, research, creativity, service and discovery with a commitment to inclusive excellence. Ranked by U.S. News as one of the 30 “most innovative” public universities in the country, VCU is a premier, urban, public research university home to multiple nationally ranked programs.

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.

Together, we can be unstoppable!

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, 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@vcu.edu