STEPS Animal Care Associate

Overview

University of Kentucky Equal Employment Opportunity / M / F / disability / protected veteran status.

Posting Details

• Job Title : STEPS Animal Care Associate
• Requisition Number : TE08988
• Department Name : 40832 : Laboratory Animal Resources
• Work Location : Lexington, KY
• Salary Range : $15.65 / hour
• Type of Position : Temporary
• Position Time Status : Full-Time
• Required Education : High school diploma or GED
• Required Related Experience : n / a
• Required License / Registration / Certification :
• Physical Requirements : Must be able to stand for long periods, ability to walk to various locations on campus in a timely manner. Requires heavy lifting, pushing or pulling of objects over 50 pounds; Able to work in hot, wet areas and wear personal protective clothing; animal handling (including carcasses); exposure to temperature extremes.
• Shift : Monday Friday; 7 : 00 am 3 : 30 pm (40 hours per week)
• Job Summary : The Division of Laboratory Animal Research seeks motivated individuals for an Animal Care Associate STEPS position. After 6 months of satisfactory performance and training you may also be eligible for a full-time University of Kentucky staff position or continue as a STEPs employee. After 12 months you have the potential to become certified as an Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician through AALAS, a membership association of professionals employed around the world in academia, government, and private industry who are dedicated to the humane care and treatment of laboratory animals, as well as the quality research that leads to scientific gains that benefit people and animals.
• Responsibilities include :
• Safe handling of multiple species of animals including : mice, rats, pigeons, dogs and non-human primates.
• Feeding and watering animals according to their prescribed diets.
• Changing cages, cleaning pens or runs.
• Observing animals regularly during the day, noting and reporting any variances in eating, drinking or deviation from normal habits.
• Observing and reporting changes in environmental parameters (i.e., temperature, humidity, lighting, etc.).
• Assisting in maintaining records of animals such as : weight, health, food consumption.
• Facility maintenance and sanitation procedures :
• Cleaning and sterilizing cages, equipment.
• Sanitizing supplies, animal rooms and procedure space.
• Operation and maintenance of washers and sterilizers to maintain proper working condition.
• Efficient operational organization and flow of supplies and equipment throughout the facilities.
• Assists in organizing feed, bedding and dry supplies in storage facilities.
• Occasional mandatory overtime will be required to meet staffing needs and provide care and feeding of animals.
• Note : If you are interested in a full-time position that could lead to a potential career in laboratory animal care.
• Health benefits : If working over 30 hours per week, on average, you will be eligible for medical / dental / vision plans offered at UK.

Skills / Knowledge / Abilities

Microsoft Office, basic computer skills. Ability to work independently, as well as part of a team is essential. Strong attention to detail. Oral and written communication skills required.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Does this position have supervisory responsibilities? No

Preferred Education / Experience

Previous animal care experience

Deadline to Apply

10 / 31 / 2025

Our University Community

We value the well-being of each of our employees and are dedicated to creating a healthy place for everyone to work, learn and live. In the interest of maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our students, employees, patients and visitors, the University of Kentucky is a Tobacco & Drug Free campus.

The University follows both the federal and state Constitutions as well as all applicable federal and state laws on nondiscrimination. The University provides equal opportunities for qualified persons in all aspects of institutional operations and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic origin, religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, uniformed service, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information or social or economic status.

Any candidate offered a position may be required to pass pre-employment screenings as mandated by University of Kentucky Human Resources. These screenings may include a national background check and / or drug screen.

Posting Specific Questions

None

Yes

Applicant Documents

Required Documents Optional Documents

Equal employment opportunity, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.

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