Animal Care Technician

Virginia Tech•Blacksburg, VA

10d•$41,000 - $46,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The individual serves as an Animal Care Technician within the Animal Resources and Care Division (ARCD) section of the Office of Research and Innovation (ORI). The individual is responsible and accountable for the daily provision of animal husbandry and care at an ARCD facility (vivarium) or facilities. This position will provide support to both the Blacksburg and Roanoke campuses but is primarily based in Blacksburg, VA. This position requires some weekend and holiday work as part of a rotating schedule. This position is considered an emergency position.

Requirements

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).
High school diploma or equivalent.
Valid US driver’s license.

Nice To Haves

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.

Responsibilities

Provides animal husbandry and care for a variety of animal species with minimal guidance from more experienced ARCD personnel and in accordance with applicable regulations, guidelines, and internally established policies and procedures.
Provides sanitation, custodial, and other support services required for the daily operation and maintenance of the animal facility or other animal housing areas.
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.
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 ARCD personnel.