Animal Care Technician

Taconic Biosciences, Inc.; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 23,000 - 27,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Insurance within 30 days

20 days paid time off

401(k) plan with up to 4% employer match

Tuition reimbursement

Career advancement opportunities

24/7 telemedicine access

Job summary

Taconic Biosciences, Inc. is looking for Animal Care Technicians to join the team at their new Seattle, WA site. The role involves ensuring high standards of animal care and welfare, documenting procedures, and performing husbandry tasks.

The position offers a starting pay of $23.10 per hour and includes various benefits such as health insurance, paid time off, and 401(k) plans. Candidates should possess a high school diploma and exhibit strong organizational and teamwork skills.

Qualifications

• Preferred experience in a laboratory animal setting with proficiency in handling and care.
• Exemplary attendance record and strict adherence to SOPs.
• Commitment to safety, ensuring meticulous adherence to safety protocols.

Responsibilities

• Ensure high standards of animal welfare are met.
• Perform husbandry: supply feed, water, and house animals according to SOP.
• Maintain cleanliness of the area.

Skills

Organizational skills

Detail-oriented

Effective communication

Team collaboration

Adaptability

Education

High School diploma, GED, or equivalent life experience

Job description

Location

Taconic Biosciences is seeking Animal Care Technicians to join our dedicated operations team at our new Seattle, WA site.

Starting Pay

$23.10 per hour. Exact compensation may vary based on several factors including geographic location, experience, training, education, and local market conditions.

Work Schedule

Shifts start at 7:00 am Monday – Friday. Rotating weekends will be required once trained, with a pay differential included.

Benefits

• Insurance within 30 days or less, including medical, dental, vision, pet insurance, and more
• 20 days paid time off + 6 additional holidays + 1 floating holiday
• Work‑life balance
• 401(k) plan with up to 4 % employer match
• Tuition reimbursement
• Career advancement opportunities
• Commitment to training and providing the skills you need for success
• 24/7 telemedicine (including mental health), short‑ and long‑term disability, and life insurance for all employees

Role

Animal Care Technicians begin as trainees, mastering Taconic’s operational protocols. They advance through levels 1 to 3 and may reach Senior Specialist positions based on demonstrated skills and behaviors. Regular check‑ins with managers support growth and success.

Core Responsibilities

• Ensure high standards of animal welfare are met.
• Report any inhumane treatment regarding animal care, use, or abuse.
• Perform husbandry: supply feed, water, and house animals according to SOP.
• Monitor temperature and humidity and report problems.
• Maintain cleanliness of the area.
• Document work performed according to SOPs.
• Follow procedures for dress and/or required showering.
• Follow procedures to maintain health status of designated area.
• Follow procedures for breeding of specific strains or project lines to achieve expected production.
• Participate in weight, feed, and production studies.
• Take samples for quality control.
• Determine timed pregnancy, as assigned.
• Reserve, select, and accurately pack animals for orders.
• Maintain various types of animal colonies.
• Order supplies, load and unload supplies, containers or supply cylinders.
• Transfer to and receive animals from other colonies.
• Maintain accurate inventories and breeding records, and complete weekly reports as required.
• Escalate issues to others as necessary.

Education & Experience

• High School diploma, GED, or equivalent life experience.
• Preferred experience in a laboratory animal setting with proficiency in handling and care.
• Exemplary attendance record and strict adherence to SOPs.
• Unwavering commitment to teamwork, offering assistance and fostering a collaborative environment.
• Proactive engagement with enthusiasm and curiosity, continuously seeking opportunities for learning and growth.
• Commitment to safety, ensuring meticulous adherence to safety protocols.

Additional Skills

• Strong organizational skills and acute attention to detail.
• Adaptable and responsive to dynamic work demands with positive attitude and flexibility.
• Effective communication and proven ability to collaborate within a team.

Physical Requirements & Work Environment

• Regular physical exertion such as climbing, crouching, crawling, and/or lifting up to 50 pounds.
• Limited use of chemicals, protective measures, and/or work with heavy machinery may be required.
• Regular exposure to extremes in temperature, outdoor weather, and noise levels.

Allergen Disclosure

Employees may be exposed to allergens in the workplace, even if their positions do not involve direct handling of animals or bedding. Individuals with preexisting allergies or asthma may be particularly sensitive, but anyone can experience a reaction.

Equal‑Opportunity Employer Statement

Taconic Biosciences is an equal‑opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other category protected by law.