Animal Care Assistant

Laboratory Animal Care AssistantResponsible for providing daily care, cleanliness, and upkeep for a variety of laboratory animals in a laboratory or hospital setting. Position reports to Office Manager (functional supervisor) and Technicians on duty (line managers)Salary Grade: 08Please see Staff Compensation Structure or Skilled Crafts and Service Maintenance Compensation Schedule for salary ranges. For salary grade UC, these positions are "Unclassified" and salary ranges are determined by the hiring department.Area of Specialization: Animal Health CenterEssential Duties and Responsibilities:1. Ensures animal cages and/or containment rooms are kept clean and orderly.2. May perform a variety of animal care duties such as (but not limited to) feeding, watering, and applying shredded paper to cages.The assistant is primarily responsible for cleanliness of the hospital and for assisting technicians with patient restraint.Specific Duties:Sweeping and mopping the floor at least once during each shift.Mixing chemicals for cleaning according to label directions.Cleaning up messes as they occur.Emptying trash as needed. Putting garbage in dumpster.Restocking hospital supplies such as pill vials, syringes, bandage materials and IV supplies.Assisting with unpacking hospital supply shipments and putting items in the proper storage locations. Breaking down and disposing of boxes from shipments.Keeping tables, x-ray machine, CT and counters, clean, dusted, disinfected and free of debris.Keeping hospital laundry washed and dried, including surgery shrouds, towels, etc.Keeping the bathrooms cleaned and disinfected.Replacing blown light bulbs.Keeping the grounds picked up and free of litter or trash.Keeping all doors, internal windows and mirrors cleaned and smudge free.Keeping lower outside windows clean.Spraying any wasp nests as they are found.Helping properly identify and prepare cadavers for pick up.Providing patient restraint for exam, imaging or procedures, as needed.Running errands for the hospital.Walking dogs outside.Cleaning and disinfecting kennels and runs and keeping animals in a clean, sanitary and comfortable environment.Following all safety rules concerning animal restraint, handling cleaning supplies, and radiation safety.Attending hospital meetings or events, when invited.Watering bushes outside, as needed.Helping with triage, including retrieving sick or injured patients from vehicles.Other duties as assigned.Minimum Qualifications:1. High school or equivalent.2. Experience in animal care practices.Preferred Qualifications: N/AKnowledge, Skills, and Abilities:Must be neat and organized and have a strong attention to detail. Must be able to follow instructions and be good at prioritizing work in order to keep the facility, grounds and equipment clean, while at the same time helping as needed with animal restraint.Working Conditions and Physical Effort:Must effectively be able to read, speak and write in English. Must be able to lift 50 lbs., work on feet all day, and handle animals up to 100 lbs. Must be punctual and able to work assigned shifts, including nights, holidays and weekends. Must follow practice dress code and present a clean and professional appearance. Must practice good hygiene minimize disease spread when handling patients. Must understand basic safety guidelines for radiation, handling cleaning chemicals and supplies, and animal restraint.Instructions for Applying:Applicants must apply online at Please include a cover letter and resume along with names and addresses of at least three references.Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:Mississippi State University is an equal opportunity institution. Discrimination is prohibited in university employment, programs or activities based on race, color, ethnicity, sex, pregnancy, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, or any other status to the extent protected by applicable law. Questions about equal opportunity programs or compliance should be directed to the Office of Civil Rights Compliance, 231 Famous Maroon Band Street, P.O. 6044, Mississippi State, MS 39762, View phone number on click.appcast.io.What do I do if I need an accommodation?In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position with Mississippi State University, please contact the Department of Human Resources Management at tel: View phone number on click.appcast.io or View email address on click.appcast.io you have any questions regarding this policy, contact the Department of Human Resources Management at View phone number on click.appcast.io or View email address on click.appcast.io. Upon request, sections of this job listing are available in large print, and readers are available to assist the visually impaired.