Inside Higher Ed
STEPS Animal Care Associate
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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
Physical Requirements Must be able to stand for long periods, walk to various locations on campus in a timely manner, lift, push or pull objects over 50 pounds, work in hot, wet areas while wearing personal protective clothing, handle animals (including carcasses), and be exposed 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 STEP’s employee. After 12 months you have the potential to become certified as an Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician through AALAS.
You will be trained in routine and specialized animal caretaking duties, including:
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 (temperature, humidity, lighting, etc.).
Assisting in maintaining records of animals such as weight, health, food consumption.
You will also learn facility maintenance and sanitation procedures including:
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.
If you are interested in a full-time position that could lead to a potential career in laboratory animal care, you may also be considered.
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 also required.
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.
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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
Physical Requirements Must be able to stand for long periods, walk to various locations on campus in a timely manner, lift, push or pull objects over 50 pounds, work in hot, wet areas while wearing personal protective clothing, handle animals (including carcasses), and be exposed 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 STEP’s employee. After 12 months you have the potential to become certified as an Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician through AALAS.
You will be trained in routine and specialized animal caretaking duties, including:
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 (temperature, humidity, lighting, etc.).
Assisting in maintaining records of animals such as weight, health, food consumption.
You will also learn facility maintenance and sanitation procedures including:
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.
If you are interested in a full-time position that could lead to a potential career in laboratory animal care, you may also be considered.
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 also required.
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.
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