What are the responsibilities and job description for the Animal Caretaker position at Brandeis University?
Brandeis University is delighted to announce a career opportunity for an Animal Caretaker in the Office of Research Administration. If you are looking for an opportunity to work at a beautiful university campus with lots of perks including free parking and access to a top-of-the-line athletic facility, look no further! At Brandeis we offer competitive benefits and a compensation package which includes medical, dental and life insurance. If you hope to advance your career through educational opportunities, Brandeis offers tuition benefits for employees, dependents and spouses. Our 403b retirement savings plan includes a generous match.
Foster Comparative Medicine Services (FCMS) Animal Caretaker is responsible for the daily care and well-being of animals used in research, including feeding, cleaning cages, monitoring animal health, maintaining accurate records, and ensuring compliance with animal welfare regulations.
Responsibilities:
Primary Responsibilities – 60% of role
- Daily animal care: Feeding, watering, and cleaning cages of species housed in the Foster Bio-medical Research Lab.
- Health monitoring: Observing animals for signs of illness, injury, or distress, reporting any abnormalities to the supervisor or Director.
- Animal handling: Restraining animals for administering medications as directed.
- Facility maintenance: Cleaning and disinfecting animal housing areas and equipment.
- Compliance with regulations: Adhering to all relevant animal welfare laws and protocols.
Additional Responsibilities – 30% of role
- Record keeping: Maintaining room temperature and humidity logs.
- Inventory management: Monitor inventory levels of facility supplies.
Other Responsibilities – 10% of role
- Training and education: Participating in ongoing training on animal handling, care procedures, and safety protocols.
Education & Work Experience:
- High School Diploma or GED required.
- 0-1 years.
- ALAT certificate is required within 6 months.
Additional Requirements:
- Lift up to 50lbs required, prolonged standings, bending, squatting, and kneeling.
- Daily contact and work with live animals and soiled animal bedding.
- Ability to comfortably handle various species of laboratory animals with care and expertise.
- Accurate observation and recording of animal health data.
- Reporting observations and concerns to supervisors effectively.
- Commitment to animal welfare and ethical research practices.
- Weekend and holiday coverage required.
Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Diversity, equity and inclusion are important values at Brandeis today and always have been for they are rooted in our founding as an institution. These values serve as a reminder for self-reflection, and a continuous call to grow for us as Brandeisans. Founded as a model institution for ethnic and religious pluralism, Brandeis University welcomes students, faculty, and staff of all nationalities, religions, and orientations. Moreover, social justice is central to the mission of Brandeis, which endeavors to foster a just and inclusive campus culture that embraces the evolving diversity of our larger society. Read more online about our Mission and Diversity Statements at Brandeis Mission and Diversity Statements.
Diversity, equity and inclusion are important values at Brandeis today and always have been for they are rooted in our founding as an institution. These values serve as a reminder for self-reflection, and a continuous call to grow for us as Brandeisans. Founded as a model institution for ethnic and religious pluralism, Brandeis University welcomes students, faculty, and staff of all nationalities, religions, and orientations. Moreover, social justice is central to the mission of Brandeis, which endeavors to foster a just and inclusive campus culture that embraces the evolving diversity of our larger society. Read more online about our Mission and Diversity Statements at Brandeis Mission and Diversity Statements.
If you are interested in a role and have relevant experience but your work history does not align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we nevertheless encourage you to apply.
Closing Statement
Brandeis University is committed to providing its students, faculty and staff with an environment conducive to learning and working and where all people are treated with respect and dignity. We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ancestry, national origin, ethnicity, caste, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, including transgender identity, religion, disability, age, genetics, active military or veteran status and any other characteristics protected under applicable federal or Massachusetts law.
