Animal Care & Research Technician

Hill's Pet Nutrition; Topeka (KS); On-site; USD 44,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Hill's Pet Nutrition in Topeka, KS seeks an Animal Care Research Technician to support pet nutrition studies. You will manage daily care, enrichment, and nutrition for resident animals while following welfare and data protocols.

Responsibilities include hygiene, data collection, and collaboration with veterinarians. A high school diploma and 1 year in an animal facility are required; ability to lift up to 50 lbs. Competitive benefits and a team-focused environment are provided.

Qualifications

• Minimum of a High School Diploma or equivalent.
• At least 1 year of professional experience in a licensed animal facility.
• Must be able to work a flexible schedule including weekends.
• Physical ability to repeatedly lift and transfer up to 50 lbs.

Responsibilities

• Maintain sanitation across housing, enrichment areas, and equipment daily.
• Provide daily animal care, exercise, grooming, and health monitoring.
• Record observations and assist with health procedures and veterinary support.
• Prepare and distribute meals, monitor intake, and log feed data.
• Collect samples and manage data in animal management systems.
• Operate and maintain research equipment and perform routine checks.

Skills

High School Diploma

Animal facility experience

Flexible schedule

Lift 50 lbs

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science or related field

Tools

Google Workspace

Job description

No Relocation Assistance Offered

Job Number #176265 - Topeka, Kansas, United States

Who We Are

Colgate-Palmolive Company is a global consumer products company operating in over 200 countries specializing in Oral Care, Personal Care, Home Care, Skin Care, and Pet Nutrition. Our products are trusted in more households than any other brand in the world, making us a household name!

Join Colgate-Palmolive, a caring, innovative growth company reimagining a healthier future for people, their pets, and our planet. Guided by our core values—Caring, Inclusive, and Courageous—we foster a culture that inspires our people to achieve common goals. Together, let's build a brighter, healthier future for all.

At Hill’s we have a purpose to transform the lives of millions of pet families through pioneering innovation, science-led nutrition, and the best and brightest people. If you’re interested in work that matters, fueled by passion for pets, we invite you to apply.

Founded more than 75 years ago with an unwavering commitment to pet nutrition, Hill’s mission is to help enrich and lengthen the special relationships between people and their pets. Our decades of science and research guide us in creating nutrition that’s a step ahead so pets and pet parents can enjoy every day together. As the US #1 Veterinarian recommended pet food brand, knowledge is our first ingredient with 220+ veterinarians, PhD nutritionists and food scientists working to develop breakthrough innovations in pet health.

Animal Care Research Technician

Are you passionate about advancing pet nutrition and providing world-class care to companion animals? As an Animal Care Research Technician (ACRT), you will directly impact the development of cutting‑edge products at the Hill's Pet Nutrition Science & Technology Center. In this dynamic role, you will own the daily care, enrichment, and nutritional needs of our resident pet partners while executing vital research protocols that improve the lives of pets globally. By delivering exceptional hygiene, precise data collection, and positive behavioral training, you will serve as a critical stakeholder in upholding our rigorous welfare and scientific standards.

You can find more details about our location in the following video!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NMXUDx0_SoM&t=6s

Responsibilities:

Cleaning & Sanitation

• Cleans and disinfects the facility’s housing units, enrichment areas, toys, pet bedding, feeding areas, equipment, and maintains litter boxes, to include tasks such as: Daily power washing and weekly sanitization (including breaking down and resetting) of interior rooms and outdoor spaces for 2‑4 hours each day, scooping feces from indoor/outdoor spaces throughout the day, cleaning all cat areas with disinfectant and scooping litter boxes daily, washing interior and exterior windows as scheduled
• Maintains accurate and current sanitation schedule and records

Animal Care, Health,& Enrichment

• Engage in positive, daily interactions with pets, including exercise, playtime, training, bathing, and grooming
• Perform monthly grooming and bathing for canines and felines, which includes lifting dogs up to 50 lbs, brushing coats, trimming nails, expressing anal glands, cleaning ears, and providing blow drying as needed
• Perform routine procedures including teeth brushing, as well as monitoring temperature, heart rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure, and similar health assessments
• Learn, understand, and adhere to Hill's Global Animal Care and Use Policy and Animal Colony Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
• Observe and document animal behavior, activity levels, and any signs of illness or discomfort
• Support preventative health care, including administering medications, vaccines, and treatments as prescribed by a veterinarian
• Collect and prepare samples (such as feces, urine, or blood) for diagnostic testing as requested by the veterinarian
• Assist veterinarians with exams and provide care for animals with special health needs
• Implement assigned behavior plans and apply animal behavioral principles to promote healthy habits, improve behavior, and support socialization
• Facilitate positive social interactions among animals and supervise group play or introductions
• Train animals using positive reinforcement techniques to encourage desired behaviors and reduce stress
• Record observations of behavior changes and report concerns
• Engage animals in customized enrichment activities designed to stimulate their physical and mental well‑being
• Collaborate with team members to develop new enrichment ideas and improve existing programs

Feeding & Nutrition

• Prepare meals customized to each animal’s needs and research protocols, ensuring food bowls are accurately filled by following labels and feed sheets.
• Accurately place food bowls to assigned feeding locations
• Monitor and record animal food and water intake, making adjustments as necessary, and documenting food returns in the animal management system database
• Report any changes in food intake to veterinarians and following modification plans
• Wash, organize and store food and watering bowls

Sample & Data Collection

• Learn, understand, and adhere to Animal Colony SOPs and procedures to maintain data quality and integrity
• Maintains knowledge of ongoing feeding studies
• Record and manage data in the animal management systems, and promptly communicate any observations or concerns.
• Prepare for and collect samples as outlined in research protocols such as: Perform weekly body weights for test animals, collect and process feces within required time limit, collect and/or assist with blood and urine samples

Equipment Operation

• Understand and operate equipment such as feed stations, food scales, body weight scales, handheld data terminals etc.
• Perform routine maintenance and/or quality checks on equipment
• Identify equipment issues, perform troubleshooting, and escalate problems when necessary

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of a High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum of 1 year of professional experience working in a licensed animal facility.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule supporting a 365-day operation, including a mandatory weekend and holiday rotation.
• Physical capacity to repetitively lift and transfer animals/equipment weighing up to 50 lbs on a daily basis.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science, Biological Sciences, or a related scientific field.
• Credentialed Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT) certification.
• Prior clinical, research, or veterinary hospital experience.
• Demonstrated proficiency with digital collaboration tools, specifically Google Workspace (Sheets, Docs, Drive).
• Strong collaborative competencies, inclusive communication skills, and a proactive approach to team problem-solving.

Physical & Environmental Requirements

• Must be comfortable working closely with both cats and dogs.
• Must successfully pass the PNC Animal Colony Functional Capacity Evaluation.
• Ability to stand, bend, stoop, push, and pull repetitively for extended durations.
• Ability to perform repetitive motions required for high‑pressure power washing and manual facility maintenance.
• Comfortable working in a high‑stimulus environment characterized by loud animal vocalizations (barking), fluctuating temperatures, humidity, and natural animal odors.
• Capability to work safely with and around approved industrial cleaning chemicals, sanitizers, and detergents.

Compensation And Benefits

Salary Range $44,000.00 - $55,000.00 USD

Pay is determined based on experience, qualifications, and location. Salaried employees may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses, profit-sharing, and long‑term incentives for Executive‑level roles.

Benefits: Salaried employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, basic life insurance, paid parental leave, disability coverage, and participation in the 401(k) retirement plan with company matching contributions subject to eligibility requirements. Additional benefits include a minimum of 15 vacation/PTO days (hourly employees receive a minimum of 120 hours) and 13 paid holidays (vacation days are prorated based on the employee's hire date within the calendar year). Paid sick leave is adjusted based on role and location in accordance with local laws. Detailed information regarding paid sick leave entitlements will be provided to employees upon hiring and may be subject to adjustments based on changes in legislation or company policies.

Our Commitment to Inclusion

Our journey begins with our people—developing strong talent with diverse backgrounds and perspectives to best serve our consumers around the world and fostering an inclusive environment where everyone feels a true sense of belonging. We are dedicated to ensuring that each individual can be their authentic self, is treated with respect, and is empowered by leadership to contribute meaningfully to our business.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Colgate is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, marital status, veteran status (United States positions), or any other characteristic protected by law.

Reasonable accommodation during the application process is available for persons with disabilities. Please complete this request form should you require accommodation.

For additional Colgate terms and conditions, please click here.