Job Title: Animal Care Specialist
Department: Animal Care
Reports to: Animal Care Manager
JOB SUMMARY:
Animal Care Specialists are responsible for the daily cleaning, care, and well-being of laboratory non-human primates (monkeys) in a farm-style environment. They perform daily cleaning, feeding, and movement of animals in various types of primate enclosures, as well as observing the animals in their care for health issues or behavioral abnormalities.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
The Animal Care Specialist must be able to perform the following tasks with minimal supervision:
- Always consider the welfare of the animals.
- Responsible for daily cleaning of various animal enclosures using a hose and pressure washer.
- Accountable for feeding the animals daily and ensuring they have access to clean water.
- Follow Company Standard Operating Procedures.
- Troubleshoot minor mechanical issues (pressure washer, cage latches, stuck doors, etc.).
- Rake and cut grass in primate outdoor enclosures as required.
- Power wash and disinfect cages, racks, floors, perches, jungle gyms, etc., on a designated schedule or as needed.
- Maintain all outdoor areas of animal enclosures, which may include the removal of dirt, debris, rocks, and bedding daily or as needed.
- Ensure any diseased or injured animals are reported immediately to the veterinary division.
- Observe animals for any behavioral abnormalities.
- Safely catch and restrain strong animals, considering both animal welfare and human safety.
- Keep records of various husbandry tasks performed.
- Prepare, clean, and distribute enrichment items when needed.
- Inspect enclosures frequently.
- Be available to work weekends, holidays, and evening or early morning shifts as needed or on a designated swing shift (e.g., Sun-Thurs, Tuesday-Sat).
- Be team-oriented and willing to work across institutional divisions in a professional and courteous manner.
- Communicate any questions, repairs, animal injuries, etc., to the appropriate personnel.
- Use cleaning chemicals safely and according to the label instructions.
- Record temperatures seasonally.
- Follow the specific biosecurity footpath as applicable to each facility.
- Perform other duties as assigned by a supervisor or manager.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:
None
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:
· Proven experience in outdoor working environments
· Ability to pressure wash and keep areas clean and tidy
· Good organizational skills
· Basic verbal, written, and math skills
· Ability to work in a team environment
· Ability to work unsupervised
EDUCATION:
High School diploma/GED required
CERTIFICATIONS, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS:
South Carolina Driver’s License or equivalent
LANGUAGE SKILLS:
Must be able to read and write, and interpret documents including task descriptions, standard operating procedures, and other instructions.
REASONING ABILITY:
Able to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job, with or without reasonable accommodation. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, lift, and reach. The employee is required to climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, and, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. Additionally, the employee must be able to distinguish colors.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The characteristics of the work environment described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job, with or without reasonable accommodation. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to indoor and outdoor environments, as well as wet and/or inclement weather, including cold temperatures, heat with high humidity, and precipitation. The noise level is typically moderate.
I have read and understood the above expectations of the job description.
_____________________________________________ _____________________
Employee Signature Date
All employees are required to satisfactorily perform the essential duties and responsibilities of their position. The essential duties and responsibilities listed above are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job. However, all employees will be required to pass a physical fitness exam if requested by management.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: From $18.00 per hour
Expected hours: 40 per week
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Schedule:
Ability to Commute:
- Yemassee, SC 29945 (Required)
Ability to Relocate:
- Yemassee, SC 29945: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location: In person