Summary: Welcome to VCU ... a world unlike any other! We combine learning, research, creativity, service and discovery with a commitment to inclusive excellence. Ranked by U.S. News as one of the 30 "most innovative" public universities in the country, VCU is a premier, urban, public research university home to multiple nationally ranked programs. Here, your success is supported and your career can thrive. VCU offers a generous leave package, career paths for advancement, competitive pay and mission-driven work. We advance a conscientious drive to support a climate where excellence and success for all people are valued and differences are celebrated. All full-time university staff are eligible for VCU's generous benefits package that includes: competitive health benefits, paid annual and holiday leave, retirement planning, tax-deferred annuity and cash match programs, Virginia Retirement System (VRS), professional development, tuition waiver, parental leave, caregiving leave and community service leave. Explore our benefits further below: https://hr.vcu.edu/benefits/ Together, we can be unstoppable! Typical Duties The Office of the Vice President for Research and Innovation (OVPRI) and Division of Animal Resources (DAR) invites applicants to apply for an outstanding opportunity to join our Team as an Animal Care Technician Specialist (USDA). This is a full time restricted University and Academic Professional position working in the DAR facilities. The Animal Care Technician Specialist is responsible for advanced Handling, Husbandry and Care of USDA species. Conduct accurate observations and reporting of animal health and cage elements for multiple USDA species housed within DAR's vivarium (food, water, and caging). Provide basic and advanced animal husbandry (i.e., cage, water and food change), cage/animal census, environmental enrichment, and room/vivarium/cage wash housekeeping activities. Attentive and knowledgeable on various health conditions and symptoms of pathogen infection in sensitive USDA species. Ability to plan ahead to ensure needed supplies are properly disinfected, sanitized. Be able to work with little or no supervision once trained on assigned tasks. Participate in staff training and employee health and safety programs. Annual safety requirements will be completed to include; fit testing, TB testing (if applicable) and drug screening. Follow the VCU Code of conduct to offer a consistently high quality of customer service. Extreme attention to detail required in husbandry, cleaning and handling techniques. Work closely with vet staff and research staff ensuring their needs are met. Work is Monday through Friday and work hours are scheduled between 7am and 4pm. Weekends and Holidays will be required, with optional overtime when needed by the department.