Careers at Bucknell

Bucknell University encourages applicants to apply for position of Animal Caretaker.  The Animal Caretaker is an active participant in the routine care and husbandry of the animals housed on campus. This position supports the use of animals for teaching and research in the psychology and biology departments and the neuroscience and animal behavior programs. The Animal Caretaker is expected to carry out their duties in strict adherence to USDA, IACUC, and other relevant state and federal regulations, and based on best practices. This position reports to the Animal Caretaker Manager.

Job Duties:
● Perform animal caretaker duties including, but not limited to, animal handling, observations, feeding and food preparation; monitoring of food and liquid intake; provision of adequate environmental enrichment; early detection of signs of illness, injury, pregnancy, or abnormalities in physiology or behavior; routine cleaning of cages and living spaces; keep daily records on animal health, behavior, and provided care as required. In addition, the caretaker will maintain veterinary records and assist the veterinarian with procedures, provide post-operative and emergency care, and dispense medications at the direction of the veterinarian.
● Assist with the primate training program.
● Support students and faculty in scientific research and teaching efforts.
● Evaluate health problems of the animals when they occur. Consult the veterinarian and/or responsible faculty member when medical procedures are called for.
● Under guidance of the Animal Caretaker Manager, help manage rodent breeding colonies and all husbandry.
● Have a working knowledge of basic research protocols and be able to support faculty by consultation and implementation of agreed upon strategies. Facilitate such research as appropriate, understanding that faculty members are responsible for all research activities within the laboratory.
● Participate in department and IACUC inspections, site visits and other regulatory visits, as needed.
● Willingness to participate in appropriate professional development activities to maintain and/or enhance skills, in consultation with supervisor.
● Perform additional related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:
● Previous experience in laboratory animal care, animal husbandry, and/or captive animal care; AND
● ALAT certified or ability to obtain certification OR other relevant professional certifications; OR
● Any combination of experience and education that provides the necessary skills, knowledge and ability to perform assigned tasks.
● Good communication skills and demonstrated ability to work successfully in a team environment
● Technical proficiency for information management. Must be comfortable using email, Google docs, and spreadsheet programs (google sheets, Excel)
● Demonstrated commitment to diversity and inclusion
● Ability to work weekends and some holidays and respond to emergencies as needed
● Some immunizations required

Preferred Qualifications:
● Experience with animal care within the context of biomedical research
● Previous experience in a clean room environment
● Laboratory Animal Technician (LAT) Certification by American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) or ability to obtain such certifications OR other relevant professional certifications.
● Experienced Veterinary Technicians are encouraged to apply.
● Previous experience working with students, faculty, or researchers
● Knowledge of animal care practices as outlined by the federal Animal Welfare Act and The Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals.

Physical Demands:
● Ability to lift minimum of 50 pounds without accommodation
● Exposure to laboratory animals and their waste products
● Requires indoor and outdoor work including exposure to inclement weather

Work Type: 
This position is a full-time, 12-month, benefits-eligible, non-exempt staff position.

This role is not budgeted for visa sponsorship at this time, all candidates must be authorized to work in the US at the time of submission of the application.

Salary Range:
This is a Staff Non-exempt position with a hiring range of $15.99-19.99 (NE07). The offer rate will be based on a review of the candidate's credentials compared to the qualifications of the position, internal equity, and our overall compensation philosophy.

Benefits: 

Eligible full- and part-time employees are compensated beyond base salary through our total rewards package that includes (but is not limited to):
- flexible scheduling options determined by role; 
- medical, prescription drug, vision, dental, life, and long-term disability insurance options
- an outstanding 10% employer contribution to your retirement plan (no contribution requirement for non-exempt positions)
- generous paid time off, including vacation and sick time, a community service day, and 19 paid holidays (including two full weeks off for Winter Break!)
- full-time and part-time members of the faculty and staff are eligible for tuition remission for themselves. Additionally, full-time members of the faculty and staff are eligible for tuition remission for their spouse/spousal equivalent and are eligible for various tuition programs for their children. Credit for full-time benefits eligible employment at other institutions of higher education will be applied to waiting periods.
- a comprehensive employee wellness program including program incentives
- a myriad of other benefits, including parental leave, an employee assistance program, fitness center membership, and the power of your Bucknell ID card 

To learn more about Bucknell's benefits, click here! (*Eligibility criteria and waiting periods may apply.)

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion:
Bucknell is committed to fostering an environment that embraces diversity, equity and inclusion, and seeks candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports the growth and development of a diverse campus community.  We endeavor to enhance our capacity to value and capitalize on the cultural richness that diversity brings.  We encourage all individuals to apply and do not discriminate in admissions, employment, educational programs and/or activities on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, age, religion, disability, pregnancy, sex/gender, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, marital or family status, military or veteran status, or genetic information.