Job Description

Animal Caretaker I - BRC

LOCATION

This position is fully on-site and requires a regular presence in Fort Smith, Arkansas. Remote or hybrid work is not available for this position.

JOB SUMMARY

The Research Institute Health and Wellness Center (RIHWC) at the Arkansas Colleges of Health Education (ACHE) has rapidly expanded its operations after the opening of our 30,000 ft2 Biomedical Resource Center (BRC). The BRC is an essential component of our goal to support our researchers in all areas of biomedical research. The Animal Caretaker I - BRC will aid in maintaining the health and well-being of our laboratory animal population by preparing and maintaining their living environments and supporting the scientific researchers with experiments and data collection. This position requires a strong commitment to animal welfare, attention to detail, and the ability to work in a fast- paced, research-oriented environment.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Provide daily care and husbandry support, including feeding, watering, and observing animals for signs of illness or stress. Clean and sanitize animal cages, feeders, water bottles, and other equipment according to established protocols. Operate cage wash equipment, including automatic cage washers and sterilizers. Maintain accurate daily records of animal care and husbandry activities. Ensure compliance with ethical standards, institutional policies, and regulatory requirements (e.g., IACUC guidelines). Assist with animal moves, cage changes, and breeding cycles. Collaborate with other animal care team members to ensure efficient and effective animal care operations. Assist research personnel with animal-related tasks such as handling, restraint, and preparation for experiments. Participate in training and professional development opportunities to stay up to date on industry best practices and regulations. Assisting in the maintenance of equipment and supplies related to animal husbandry. Other duties as assigned by the Manager, Biomedical Resource Manager or their designee.

QUALIFICATIONS AND CREDENTIALS

Education and Experience

Minimum Qualifications (Needed to do the job)

High school diploma or equivalent Laboratory animal care (or related field) experience minimum one year. Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and stand for long periods. Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and ability to work in a fast-paced environment. Excellent communication and teamwork skills.

Preferred Qualifications

Knowledge of laboratory animal care principles, practices, and regulations (e.g., AAALAC, OLAW, USDA). Certification from organizations such as the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) as a Laboratory Animal Technician (LAT) or higher (LATG) is preferred.

Required knowledge, skills, and abilities

Demonstrate proficiency in computer skills, i.e. Microsoft Office. Display professionalism in all communication and interactions. Ability to maintain confidentiality and privacy. Ability to prioritize and organize numerous and varied assignments. Ability to work in a laboratory animal facility, with regular exposure to animals, environmental working conditions, and cleaning materials. Ability to work flexible hours, including some weekends and holidays.

ABILITIES AND COMPETENCIES ESSENTIAL TO THE FUNCTION OF THE JOB

Communication and Comprehension

ACHE is in full compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and does not discriminate with regard to applicants or employees with disabilities and will make reasonable accommodations when necessary. The following are essential abilities and physical requirements for all positions at the college.
Ability to orally communicate effectively with others with strong interpersonal skills and customer service orientation. Ability to work cooperatively with colleagues and supervisory staff at all levels. Ability to understand oral and written information, using the English language, and organize thoughts and ideas into effective forms of communication. Ability to make decisions which range from moderate to a significant impact on the immediate work environment, as well as outside contributors. Possess public communication skills that allow professional representation of ACHE to a variety of business and community customers and associates. Strong organizational skills.

Problem Solving

Intuitively able to reason, analyze information and events, and apply judgment in order to solve problems of both a routine and complex nature. Expertise in negotiation.

Physical and Sensory Abilities

May be exposed to short, intermittent, and/or prolonged periods of sitting and/or standing in performance of job duties. May be required to accomplish job duties using various types of equipment/supplies to include, but not limited to pens, pencils, calculators, computer keyboards, telephone, etc. May be required to transport oneself to other campus offices, conference rooms, and on occasion, to off-campus sites to attend meetings, conferences, workshops, seminars, etc. May require significant travel or work away from campus. Requires attendance at events representing ACHE both within as well as outside of the college setting. Frequently required to work at a desk, conference table or in meetings of various configurations. Frequently required to see for purposes of reading matter. Frequently required to hear and understand speech at normal levels. Occasionally required to lift items in a normal office environment. Frequently required to operate office and presentation equipment.

If you need assistance in the application process because of a disability, or any other reason, please contact Vicki Broadaway, Vice President of Human Resources, at 479.308.2287 or vicki.broadaway@achehealth.edu.
Arkansas Colleges of Health Education is an equal opportunity employer.