Animal Attendant

UT MD Anderson; Bastrop (TX); On-site; USD 25,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage from day one

Paid time off and holidays

Tuition assistance

Job summary

UT MD Anderson in Bastrop, Texas seeks an Animal Attendant to support animal welfare and facility compliance. You will help maintain clean, safe environments for Rhesus and Baboon care, following AAALAC/IACUC/USDA standards.

The role requires a high school diploma, some animal experience, and strong reliability. Benefits and structured schedules are provided.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or Equivalent.
• Preference for candidates with AAALAS certification requirements.
• Attention to detail, reliability and commitment to animal care and compliance standards.

Responsibilities

• Perform daily animal husbandry and waste disposal.
• Operate cage sanitation equipment and distribute daily diet and enrichment.
• Assist in transporting animals using specialized handling techniques.
• Inspect animal areas, systems and equipment and report issues.
• Maintain facilities and restock supplies.
• Conduct routine health and behavioral observations.

Skills

Some experience with animals

Education

High School Diploma or Equivalent

Job description

UT MD Anderson is seeking an Animal Attendant to support the Department of Comparative Medicine, a specialized department dedicated to the humane care and management of research animals that advance scientific discovery. The Animal Attendant plays a critical role in maintaining animal welfare standards and supporting research activities by ensuring clean, safe, and compliant environments for animal care.

The Animal Attendant position contributes to the mission of UT MD Anderson by enabling high-quality research through consistent care of animals and facilities. The Animal Attendant role supports daily operations within assigned areas, including Rhesus and Baboon care, and ensures adherence to regulatory standards and institutional protocols. The Animal Attendant is essential in maintaining compliance, safety, and operational excellence.

The ideal candidate will have a high school diploma or equivalent, with some experience working with animals and a preference for those who meet American Association of Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) certification requirements. Candidates who demonstrate strong attention to detail, reliability, and a commitment to animal care and compliance standards will be well-suited for this role.

Minimum $18.00 - Midpoint $20.54 - Maximum $23.08

The typical work schedule is Monday-Friday 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (summer hours are presently 6:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.) with rotating weekends and holidays required; weekend and holiday hours are 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. or 7 a.m. to noon.

Work Location: Bastrop, Texas, onsite

Why Us?

At UT MD Anderson, the Animal Attendant role supports groundbreaking research that advances human health while offering meaningful work, professional development, and a stable work-life balance through structured scheduling and comprehensive benefits.

• Employer-paid medical coverage starting day one for employees working 30+ hours/week, plus optional group dental, vision, life, AD&DD, and disability insurance.
• Accruals for PTO and Extended Illness Bank, plus paid holidays, wellness, childcare, and other leave options.
• Tuition Assistance Program after six months of service and access to extensive wellness, fitness, and employee resource groups.
• Defined-benefit pension through the Teachers Retirement System, voluntary retirement plans, and employer-paid life and reduced salary protection programs.

Responsibilities

Animal Husbandry & Facility Maintenance

• Perform daily animal husbandry and waste disposal.
• Operate cage sanitation equipment.
• Prepare and distribute daily diet and environmental enrichment.
• Assist in transporting animals using specialized handling techniques as needed.
• Inspect lixit valves and water lines daily to ensure proper function.
• Inspect assigned animal areas, including rooms, buildings, and equipment, and report issues.
• Maintain facilities, including enrichment tools and infrastructure.
• Perform basic housekeeping duties and restock supplies.

Animal Care & Health Monitoring

• Conduct routine animal health and behavioral observations.
• Report changes in behavior or appearance to Supervisor.
• Assist with infant animal care when needed.

Administrative & Compliance

• Adhere to personal protective equipment requirements.
• Work safely in close proximity to animals.
• Ensure animals have appropriate access to shelter, food, water, and proper group spacing.
• Follow all cage and building lock procedures.
• Maintain accurate animal identification as required.
• Respond to emergency situations when necessary.
• Participate in SOP training and consistently follow departmental policies.
• Comply with AAALAC, IACUC, USDA, and AWA standards.
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation of husbandry and healthcare data, including GLP records.

Education

• Required: High School Diploma or Equivalent.

Work Experience

• Preferred: Some experience working with animals.

Licenses and Certifications

• Preferred: Must meet department American Association of Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) certification requirements.

The Univerity of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center offers excellent benefits, including medical, dental, paid time off, retirement, tuition benefits, educational opportunities, and individual and team recognition.

This position may be responsible for maintaining the security and integrity of critical infrastructure, as defined in Section 113.001(2) of the Texas Business and Commerce Code and therefore may require routine reviews and screening. The ability to satisfy and maintain all requirements necessary to ensure the continued security and integrity of such infrastructure is a condition of hire and continued employment.

It is the policy of The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center to provide equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by institutional policy or by federal, state, or local laws unless such distinction is required by law.

Additional Information

• Employment Status: Full-Time
• Employee Status: Regular
• Work Week: Days, Weekends
• Minimum Salary: US Dollar (USD) 37,450
• Midpoint Salary: US Dollar (USD) 42,725
• Maximum Salary : US Dollar (USD) 48,000
• FLSA: non-exempt and eligible for overtime pay
• Work Location: Onsite