Animal Caretaker I & II

Temple University's Central Animal Facilities Department is searching for an Animal Caretaker I or II.

Benefits:

• Full medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Paid time off
• 11 Paid Holidays
• Tuition remission - eligible employees and dependents can obtain a degree tuition‑free
• A generous retirement plan and so much more!
• PTEA Union Rate

Position Summary:

The Animal Caretaker I and II 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. They will ensure 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:

• Animal Caretaker I – High school/GED and six months of directly animal‑related experience.
• Animal Caretaker II – High school/GED and 4.5 years of directly related experience with rodents and USDA‑covered species OR 3 years directly related experience with rodents and USDA‑covered species AND AALAS ALAT certification. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

Required Skills And Abilities:

Demonstrated ability to work with and handle rodents, USDA‑covered species, and other animal species involved in the Temple University animal program.

Essential Duties:

• Understand and follow all ULAR SOPs, IACUC policies and guidelines, safety procedures, and Quality Assurance Standards.
• Perform daily animal health checks and report any abnormal conditions to veterinary staff; ensure all laboratory animals have food and water.
• Change animal caging to include feed and water according to ULAR SOPs and approved protocols.
• Determine age, sex, and weaning times for animals according to ULAR SOPs and IACUC policy.
• Dispose of dead animals according to standard SOPs and policies.
• Assist with the restraint, handling, and manipulation of various animal species as requested by investigators or ULAR staff.
• Receive, examine, transfer, identify, and properly house incoming animal shipments according to ULAR SOPs.
• Maintain daily documentation including room logs, animal census sheets, animal care and enrichment logs, room equipment logs, and other forms as requested by the Area Supervisor; ensure all animals are tagged and cages are properly identified.
• Clean and sanitize the animal facility, assigned rooms, and cages according to ULAR SOPs.
• Maintain and repair animal caging and support equipment.
• Operate mechanical equipment such as cage washing machines, the Hydropac water delivery system, and autoclaves.
• Perform routine cleaning, descaling, and preventative maintenance on cage washers and autoclaves, including checking and cleaning filters and spray manifolds.
• Process dirty caging by breaking down parts, dumping bedding, and soaking components.
• Process clean caging and accessory equipment appropriately, including putting bedding into cages, filling water bottles, and autoclaving cages and supplies.
• Prepare and submit records, charts, logs, cage cards, and inventories as required by ULAR SOPs.

Temple University values diversity and is committed to equal opportunity for all persons regardless of age, color, disability, ethnicity, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other status protected by law.

Compliance Statement:

In the performance of their functions as detailed in the position description, employees have an obligation to avoid ethical, legal, financial and other conflicts of interest to ensure that their actions and outside activities do not conflict with their primary employment responsibilities at the institution. Employees are also expected to understand and be in compliance with applicable laws, University and employment policies and regulations, including NCAA regulations for areas and departments which their essential functions cause them to interact.