Sr Animal Caretaker

Temple University's Central Animal Facilities Department is searching for a Senior Animal Caretaker. 

Become a part of the Temple family, and you will have access to the following:

Full medical, dental, and vision coverage
Paid time off
11 Paid Holidays
Tuition remission - eligible employees and their dependents can obtain a degree TUITION FREE
A generous retirement plan and so much more! 

PTEA Union Hourly Rate (V14) $26.99

Position Summary 

The Senior Animal Caretaker position is based in Temple University’s Laboratory Animal Resources Department (ULAR). The individual filling this position will be responsible for providing exemplary animal care, husbandry, customer service, and study support. The individual will also assume a lead husbandry role in animal procurement, front-end billing, staff training, and project management. will be responsible for ensuring good husbandry, nutrition, and sanitation of animals used for research, testing, and educational purposes. The individual is also responsible for monitoring compliance with institutional animal care and use policies and federal laws.

Required Education and Experience

*High School/GED and

*Six or more years of directly related experience handling both rodent and USDA-covered species.

*A.S./B.S. in animal or biology-related discipline preferred.

Required Skills and Abilities

*Proficient at working with and handling rodents, USDA-covered species, and other animal species involved in the Temple University animal program.

*Demonstrated ability to continuously lift 50 lbs.

*Strong organizational skills, along with the ability to be detail-oriented and to handle multiple tasks.

*Strong written and verbal communication skills.

*Demonstrated computer skills, along with the ability to operate standard office equipment and software, including MS Office.

*Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to interact with a diverse population of students, faculty, and staff. 

*Ability to work holiday and weekend hours, as needed.

*Ability to perform husbandry for all applicable species housed at Temple University.

Preferred

*Prior experience working with animals in a private practice, laboratory animal, or zoo animal setting. 

*Prior experience with animal husbandry and behavior.

*Prior experience with cagewash operations. 

*AALAS LATG certification eligible.

Essential Duties

Animal Husbandry

1. Understand and follow all ULAR SOPs, IACUC policies and guidelines, safety procedures,

and Quality Assurance Standards.

2. Perform daily animal health checks and report any abnormal animal conditions to the

veterinary staff. This is to include, ensuring all laboratory animals in their care always

have food and water.

3. Change animal caging, to include feed and water, according to ULAR SOPs

and/or specific approved protocols and the schedule established by the Area

Supervisor.

4. Determine age, sex, and weaning times for animals according to ULAR SOPs and IACUC

policy.

5. Dispose of dead animals according to standard SOPs and policies.

6. Assist with the restraint, handling, and manipulation of various animal species as

requested by the investigators or other ULAR staff members.

7. Receive, examine, transfer, identify, and proper