Animal Caretaker

Summary

This announcement has been extended. Applicants who have applied, do not need to re-apply. Employee will serve as an Animal Caretaker assigned to the Veterinary Medical Unit (VMU), Research Service, location at the Veterans Affairs Nebraska-Western Iowa Healthcare System in Omaha, NE.

Duties

• The primary purpose of this position is responsible for caring for all animal species used in the research. Duties may include but are not limited to: Performs basic animal husbandry duties necessary for the care and feeding and watering of laboratory animals. Cleans and disinfects animal cages, cage racks, sterilize cages, sterilize bedding. Assists in transporting, loading, or unloading cages, animals, supplies, as needed for the care of laboratory animals or conduct of research. Observes animals' appearance and activity for obvious signs of illness, disease, discontent, and their general physical condition; report observed signs of illness, disease, injury or unusual activity to VMU Supervisor and/or Animal Health Technician. Observes environmental conditions in assigned animal wards and reports deficiencies such as temperature, humidity, air exchange or lighting conditions to VMU lead caretaker or supervisor. Assists in setting animal room temperature, humidity, light cycle under direction of the VMU supervisor or with lead animal caretaker; charts temperature, humidity readings as necessary. Maintains accurate animal inventory sheets for every principal investigator who has animals in his/her assigned area. Maintains accurate animal inventory sheets for every principal investigator who has animals in his/her assigned area. Maintains supply and equipment inventories in assigned areas, and reports. Identifies laboratory animals' bye ear tags, ear notches, or tattoos as directed by VMU supervisor. Restrains and handles commonly used animal laboratory species using applied techniques in handling and restraint. Catches, handles and maintains control of docile but agile animals. Determines which animal can be placed together and which one must be housed separately. Perform other related duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Full-Time, Duty days and hours will vary and includes some weekends and holidays. Schedule is determined by the supervisor based on the need of the service. NOTE: This is a TERM appointment (not-to-exceed 1 year and 1 day, may be extended up to 4 years). Term appointments are non-status, nonpermanent appointments of limited duration (more than 1 year but not more than 4). Term employees are eligible to earn leave and generally have the same benefits as permanent employees including health and life insurance, within-grade increases and Federal Employees Retirement System and Thrift Savings Plan coverage. Term appointments may be extended without further competition (up to the 4 year maximum). The appointment to a Term position does not confer eligibility for promotion or reassignment to other positions or the ability to be non-competitively converted to permanent employment. Recruitment & Relocation Incentives: Not authorized Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not Approved

Requirements

You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959 Pre-employment physical required Subject to background/security investigation Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP) As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your probationary period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.