Animal Care Specialist

Vassar College • Poughkeepsie, NY

1d • Onsite

About The Position

This entry-level position is designed for individuals interested in careers within laboratory animal research or veterinary medicine. The Animal Care Specialist operates under the minimal guidance and supervision of the Animal Resources Program Facility Manager. The primary function is to support husbandry operations, ensuring compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations, guidelines, and policies concerning the use of laboratory animals. The role may involve rotational assignments across various animal species and support areas. This is a full-time, in-person, CWA Union position for the full year, requiring willingness to work some holidays, one weekend day per week, and occasional overtime hours.

Requirements

• Associates degree in Animal Husbandry, Biology or related field.
• A minimum of one year of relevant previous experience.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency with basic technical procedures, knowledge of clean room techniques or willingness and ability to learn them quickly.
• Strong computer skills including proficiency with Google Suite, Microsoft Word Office suite and ability to learn additional technical systems.
• Ability to consistently apply policies and procedures.
• Ability to undertake physical work, repetitive motion and to regularly move, position, place, push and pull up to and including 50 pounds.
• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods of time.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree in Animal Husbandry, Biology or related field.
• Previous experience in an animal care facility, a veterinary facility, a clinical setting or a research setting.
• Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT) Certification.

Responsibilities

• Perform animal husbandry duties for rats, mice, other rodents, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish and other organisms, complying with all procedures and internal guidelines.
• Perform daily animal health observations and communicate health issues to appropriate personnel.
• Operate equipment and use supplies according to safety guidelines, perform general housekeeping and adhere to safety procedures.
• Maintain exacting hygienic standards and practice clean room technique as instructed.
• Responsible for supervision of student employees including training, task assignments, and providing feedback.
• Support maintenance scheduled and issues associated with department facilities and equipment, communicate updates to department and facilities/vendors.
• Communicate in multiple modes with department members, vendors, on-campus offices, alumnae/i, volunteers, and/or other off-campus partners to complete departmental tasks.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree
• Number of Employees: 251-500 employees