Part-time Animal Caretaker - Comparative Medicine

JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS

The Penn State College of Medicine, Department of Comparative Medicine, in Hershey, PA is seeking a part‑time animal caretaker.

• Sanitize animal facility caging and equipment using operating cage washing equipment.
• Maintain maintenance logs and daily temperature logs.
• Set up, operate and service cage washing machines and sterilizing equipment as needed.
• Load, unload and store food, bedding and other facility equipment.
• Check cages and other equipment for needed repair; clean and repair equipment for daily service such as cage washers, autoclaves, bottle‑filling stations, and bedding dispensers.
• Assemble caging supplies with properly sterilized feed, bedding and water (acidified or autoclaved) in a manner that assures sterility throughout the handling process.
• Follow standardized procedures; assure that animal waste is disposed of properly.
• Provide animal‑related equipment to personnel to ensure appropriate schedules are maintained.
• Maintain records of supplies used for cleaning, sanitizing, repairing and dispensing of waste materials.
• Comply with animal facility and Penn State Hershey medical center policies and standard operating procedures.
• Maintain cage wash rooms, animal rooms and facility hallways in a clean state.
• Operate battery‑powered cart and/or university motor vehicle (box truck/pickup truck) as necessary.
• Attend meetings and training sessions on all aspects of laboratory animal care and uses of animals in biomedical research as assigned by management staff.
• Perform other related duties incidental to the work described herein.
• Work with a variety of animals, including handling, restraint, feeding, watering and general husbandry.
• Change cages or pens following aseptic technique to prevent contamination of animals when outside of their primary enclosure.
• Perform duties within various animal biosafety levels; follow posting precautions and wear provided PPE.
• Record critical facility data daily as required by local, state and federal regulatory agencies.

This is an entry‑level position; some experience in cleaning or care and handling of animals is preferred. The position requires the knowledge and ability to learn to use various technical animal‑care equipment, including cage washers, autoclaves, class II biosafety cabinets, ventilated cage rack systems and micro‑isolator cages.

The role demands proficient verbal and written English and basic mathematical skills pertinent to daily duties. Candidates must demonstrate proficiency in core SOPs, work independently and as part of a team, and have a customer‑focused attitude. Must be able to lift up to 50 lb. on a regular basis and stand for long periods.

Requirements: high school diploma or equivalent, valid driver’s license, and completion of the following clearances:
Pennsylvania State Police Criminal Background Check, Pennsylvania Child Abuse History, FBI Criminal Background Check.

• Part‑time temporary position, 40 hours per week, up to 28 weeks.
• 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Monday–Friday.