ANIMAL CARETAKER
Animal Caretaker is non-competitive, meaning the state checks your education and experience against the spec instead of ranking you on a test.
Pay on the FY 2027 schedule runs $42,084 to $60,577.
How to apply
This title is not filled by examination — agencies appoint directly.
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See where to apply for this title →Official job specification
The text below is the official specification published by the New Jersey Civil Service Commission. The plain-language summary and analysis above are derived from it by NJ Civil Service Navigator. Source: the official specification page at NJ CSC.
Definition
Under the close supervision of a supervising official, responsible for the daily feeding, cleaning and observation of research animals in support of the laboratory animal husbandry program. Cleans and disinfects cages, rooms and equipment. Supports veterinary staff and researchers with handling and restraint of animals and administration of treatments; does other related duties.
Examples of work
- Observes, feeds, water, cleans, grooms, and exercises animals.
- Reports all animal health and faculty issues to the manager or other supervising official.
- Monitors and documents environmental parameters in animal rooms.
- Conducts inventory checks including feed, bedding and pharmaceuticals.
- Receives animal and feed/bedding shipments
- Assists Veterinary Staff with the handling and restraint of research animals.
- Cleans and sanitizes cages, animal rooms, and related equipment.
- Assists Supervisor and/or Veterinary Staff with diagnostic and technical procedures.
- Assists investigators with handling, restraint and technical procedures such as maintaining breeding colonies, transgenic research and/or biohazard studies.
- Attends continuing education meetings.
- Will be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
License
Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform the essential duties of the position.
Knowledge, skills and abilities
- Knowledge of the care and feeding of animals.
- Knowledge of the methods of cleaning and disinfecting cages, pens, and related equipment.
- Knowledge of identifying symptoms of health disorders in animals.
- Ability to maintain simple records.
- Ability to deal courteously and tactfully with co-workers and the public.
- Ability to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
- Ability to read, write, speak, understand, or communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication.
- Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible as long as they can perform essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.
Note
The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed.
CERTIFICATION
Applicants must possess a certificate as a Certified Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT), issued by the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS).
<b>SPECIAL NOTE:</b> Appointees must possess the ability to lift food bags and other such material required in facility.