Animal Care Technician
Job Description
The individual serves as an Animal Care Technician within the Laboratory Animal Resources (LAR) section of the Office of the University Veterinarian (OUV). The individual is responsible and accountable for the daily provision of animal husbandry and care at a LAR facility (vivarium) or facilities.
The position encompasses the following responsibilities.
1. Provides animal husbandry and care for a variety of animal species with minimal guidance from more experienced LAR personnel and in accordance with applicable regulations, guidelines, and internally established policies and procedures.
2. Provides sanitation, custodial, and other support services required for the daily operation and maintenance of the animal facility or other animal housing areas.
3. Performs duties that require specialized skills associated with the care and handling of animals, the sanitation of facilities and the operation and maintenance of equipment.
4. Performs basic technical animal procedures with minimal to no supervision. Assists with or performs advanced technical animal procedures under the guidance and direction of more experienced LAR/OUV personnel.
This position is primarily located in Blacksburg, Virginia but may periodically provide back-up support for the Roanoke campus. This position requires some weekend and holiday work as part of a rotating schedule.
Required Qualifications
Minimum Training, Experience or Skills
• Ability to work directly with a variety of animal species including rodent, companion, agricultural, and aquatic species.
• Ability to operate and perform routine maintenance procedures on mechanical equipment, animal caging, and other equipment commonly utilized throughout the animal facility and animal housing areas.
• Ability to wear personal protection equipment (PPE) appropriate for the species, animal housing conditions, or work area.
• Ability to lift/move 50 pounds.
• Basic computer skills including the ability to utilize common applications (e.g., email, Word, Excel).
Preferred Qualifications
Minimum Education, Certification or Licensure
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Valid US driver’s license.
• Associate’s or Bachelor’s Degree in Animal Science or a similar biological science.
• Certification by the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) at the Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT) level.
• Aquatic experience for locations that support zebrafish and other aquatic species.
• Experience working with farm animals for locations that support agricultural species.
Pay Band
3
Salary Information
Commensurate with Experience
Review Date
October 7, 2019
Additional Information
The successful Candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check
About Virginia Tech
Virginia Tech is a public land-grant university, committed to teaching and learning, research, and outreach to the Commonwealth of Virginia, the nation, and the world. Building on its motto of Ut Prosim (that I may serve), Virginia Tech is dedicated to InclusiveVT—serving in the spirit of community, diversity, and excellence. We seek candidates who adopt and practice the Principles of Community, which are fundamental to our on-going efforts to increase access and inclusion, and to create a community that nurtures learning and growth for all of its members. Virginia Tech actively seeks a broad spectrum of candidates to join our community in preparing leaders for the world.
Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or veteran status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.
If you are an individual with a disability and desire accommodation please contact the hiring department.