Animal Caretaker

The McConnell Group, Inc. (TMG) is seeking several experienced Animal Caretakers to support the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Each Animal Caretaker works within a team to provide humane care and treatment of research animals.  The Animal Caretaker shall independently select and apply appropriate procedures for the supported tasks. The Animal Caretaker shall assist in providing non-routine care, supporting changes in procedure, and addressing problems. In addition, the Animal Caretaker shall assist or independently perform glassware / cagewash support tasks.

Schedule : Full-time. Variable hours to include weekends, holidays, and emergencies as requested.

Duties :

Typical, but not all inclusive, duties are illustrated by the performance of any combination of the following :

Routine Activities (75%)

• Individually or in coordination with other staff members, performs a variety of processes, methods, procedures, and tasks related to the care and feeding of the animals. This also includes routinely communicating with veterinary staff, science team members, and / or personnel involved with the work.
• In coordination with the established project schedule, carries out the day-to-day activities.
• Applies guidelines defined by SOPs for acceptable housing of various species in the daily care and housing of animal. Parameters may include space requirements; temperature and humidity, water quality, directional air flow; and lighting involving light / dark cycles and light levels. Reports any facility items concerning potential safety issues, accident, injury, or near miss activities to supervisor.
• Provides feed and liquids according to such factors as age, activity, and state of health requirements. In addition, follows provided instructions for special feed requirements including feed supplements to increase or decrease amounts of feed for over and underweight or change of diets for young, pregnant, or nursing species.
• In accordance with SOPs, mixes diets and rations. Ensures feed is stored appropriately per facility SOPs, identifies, and clearly labels spoiled or contaminated feed for disposal, ensuring feed is within the prescribed shelf life or expiration date.
• Maintains required records such as feed consumed and refused, weight, birth date including condition at birth and parentage, mortality date, general conditions, etc.
• Routinely observes animals for appearance and activity and signs of illness, disease, discontent behavior, and / or refusal of feed. This also includes observations concerning normal exercise and movement, rate of growth, weight change, appetite, feces, skin lesions, and discolored or rough fur or skin as a sign of internal parasites or improper diet. Initiates routine care according to available guidance.
• Documents and reports animal health and general physical condition per facility-specific guidance. To maintain consistency of care, communicates and cooperates with other staff.
• Determines and performs such things as the amount and type of nesting / bedding materials and when to dehorn, shear, clip, or grooming.
• In adherence to instructions or SOPs, cleans, sanitizes, and decontaminates immediate animal environments, trailers, corridors, or any other areas. This work involves activities such as disposing of manure / waste, and replacing environmental support, etc. This may require use of indicators to verify effectiveness of sanitation.
• Performs routine preparation and packaging of carcasses for disposal, which may include transporting of carcasses to disposal site.

Clinical Activities (25%)

Supportive activities

Minimum Qualification :

Skills : Skill in handling animals, including catching, holding in the proper position, transferring, and operating restraint equipment and restraining often frightened, unpredictable, and ill-natured animals in accordance with humane practices. Knowledge of the normal appearances and activities of animals to recognize changes and skill in recognizing observable signs of illness, common diseases, discontent, or general physical conditions. Skill in calibrating equipment to gather samples and maintaining records from which to generate data and spreadsheets. Ability to carry out the day-to-day animal care activities and the preparation of animals involved in a variety of multiphase projects / experiments. Ability to administer drugs, medications, or other chemical agents such as routine vaccines.

Physical fitness : Moderate to heavy physical exertion is required daily for restraining larges animals and moving feed, hay, bedding, and equipment (up to 75 pounds). May be required to move large animal carcasses and / or portion of carcasses in carts weighing up to 300 pounds with the support of handling equipment. May require standing on a ladder to complete overhead tasks, i.e., the cleaning and changing of filters; stooping, bending, reaching, and active walking. The incumbent may frequently be required to do physical activity while wearing a respirator which requires extra effort.

Availability : Works on weekends, holidays, and occasional evenings, as required.

Security : Ability to pass a background check and drug screening.

Benefits : The McConnell Group offers a comprehensive benefits program, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401(k), and a range of other voluntary benefits. Paid Time Off (PTO) is offered to regular full-time employees.

The McConnell Group recruits, employs, trains, compensates, and promotes without regard to race, religion, creed, color, citizenship, national origin, age, sex, gender, gender identity / expression, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, veteran status or any other legally protected basis, in accordance with applicable federal, state, or local law. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment including termination, layoff, recall, transfer, and leaves of absence.

The McConnell Group uses E-Verify to confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities as an applicant, please visit

Applications can be submitted electronically or by submitting a paper resume to The McConnell Group, Attention : HR, 8400 Corporate Drive, Suite 240, Landover, MD 20785.

Disclaimer : Nothing in this job description / posting shall constitute an offer or promise of employment.

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