Animal Care Technician

Animal Care Technician

Virginia Commonwealth University – Animal Care Facility

Animal Care Technicians are responsible for cleaning a variety of soiled animal cages and racks. The incumbent will clean, disinfect and sterilize animal cages using guidelines established by the regulatory authorities and the Division of Animal Resources. The Incumbent must observe animals daily for sickness or signs of distress and immediately report any of these conditions to the reporting supervisor or the clinical veterinarian.

Additional responsibilities include daily inspections of the animal rooms for repairs and environmental needs, supply requirements, and familiarity with disease control procedures.
Annual safety requirements will be completed to include fit testing, TB testing and drug screening. Training will be provided for dumping soiled bedding, loading the cages into cage wash equipment, unloading and stacking the clean cages, and transporting the cages to the cage preparation areas.
The position is a Monday‑Friday position, though some weekend and holiday work is required.

• Observe animals daily for sickness or signs of distress and immediately report any of these conditions to the reporting supervisor or the clinical veterinarian.
• Perform daily inspections of the animal rooms for repairs and environmental needs and supply requirements.
• Perform weekly or as needed cleaning assignments for areas outside of the vivarium.
• Work with little or no supervision once trained on assigned tasks.
• Complete annual safety requirements: fit testing, TB testing and drug screening.
• Complete training on dumping soiled bedding into appropriate containers, disposing of bags of soiled bedding, loading cages into cage wash equipment, unloading and stacking clean cages, and transporting cages to cage preparation areas.

• 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.
• High school diploma or equivalent. Ability to follow both oral and written instructions required.
• Must have some experience working with animals, either in laboratory or clinic, or have been responsible for personal pets.
• Must be able to lift 50 lbs easily; stand for long periods of time up to one hour; interact with animals for long periods of time; handle animals safely; disinfect walls, floors, and cages; daily inspect rooms and determine when supplies are needed.
• Must be able to properly handle and apply chemicals safely during room cleaning processes; wear any protective clothing or materials as needed; observe and respond to situations in an appropriate manner.
• Individual needs to work well with others and to meet deadlines.

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.

VP Research MBU

Animal Care Facility

$30,000 – $33,000

Non‑Exempt

40

Yes

No

Fully Onsite

34021N – Animal Care Technician RS 1

Contact Name:
Niki Boyd
Contact Email:
tsboyd