Animal Care Technician

University of Connecticut; United States; On-site; USD 47,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

A public university is seeking an Animal Care Technician to oversee the care of laboratory animals. The role requires knowledge of animal care, and offers a competitive salary ranging from $47,221 to $61,814 annually. This full-time position involves working with various species in a supportive team environment, where adherence to safety and animal welfare standards is essential.

Benefits

Excellent healthcare options

Full benefits package including medical and dental insurance

Employee retirement benefits

Qualifications

• One year of animal care experience related to laboratory animals.
• Substitutable by certification or additional experience.

Responsibilities

• Feed and water laboratory animals.
• Clean and sanitize cages and animal rooms.
• Perform routine physical examinations and laboratory tests.
• Observe and collect operational data.

Skills

Knowledge of animal care requirements

Interpersonal skills

Oral and written communication skills

Ability to follow instructions

Ability to utilize computer software

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Overview

Animal Care Technician
University of Connecticut, Animal Care, Storrs Campus

Salary Range: $47,221 to $61,814 (Individuals new to state service start at the minimum of the pay plan)

Link to Animal Care Technician Job Specification: https://www.jobapscloud.com/CT/specs/classspecdisplay.asp?ClassNumber=0254TC&LinkSpec=RecruitNum2&R1=&R3=

The State of Connecticut, University of Connecticut's Animal Care Department has one durational job opening for an Animal Care Technician at the Storrs Campus. This is a durational, full-time, 37.5 hours/week position. The work schedule is Monday through Friday, 7:00am through 3:00pm, with occasional weekend shifts. The hourly rate of pay is $24.13 and is non-negotiable for those new to State employment.

This position is categorized as Emergency Support Services/Essential Staff. The individual in this role must be willing to work during emergency closures/delayed openings due to inclement weather or for significant events that affect campus operations. Applicants must also be willing to respond to emergencies on overtime (nights, weekends, holidays).

UConn offers the following benefits for NP-2 employees:

• Excellent and affordable healthcare options
• Full benefits package including medical and dental insurance. For more information, please visit: https://hr.uconn.edu/employee-benefits-overview/
• Employee retirement benefits (SERS Retirement plan). For more information, please visit: https://hr.uconn.edu/retirement/

The University offers a competitive salary, outstanding benefits, and a highly desirable work environment. For additional information regarding benefits visit: https://hr.uconn.edu/benefits-beyond-pay/.

Selection Plan

This position is categorized as "Open to the Public." Current, qualified UConn NP-2 employees will be given preference in the hiring process.

To be considered, you must meet the minimum qualifications listed on the job opening and specify your qualifications on your application. Applications will be evaluated to ensure that the Knowledge, Skill and Ability, Minimum Qualifications and Special Requirement sections are met. Demonstrate how you meet any preferred qualifications you have. You will not be able to revise once submitted.

Important Next Steps:

• Applicants may be contacted via email to submit additional documentation (e.g., cover letter, resume, performance reviews, attendance records, supervisory references, licensure) at the discretion of the hiring agency.
• If selected for an interview, provide three professional references with names, titles, and phone numbers. State employee applicants may be asked for last two performance appraisals and CORE attendance records. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a pre-employment physical examination, including drug testing, and a criminal background check.
• Regularly check the email provided on your application, and review SPAM/Junk folders for notifications.

Job Class and Duties

This class is accountable for independently performing a full range of tasks involved in the care of various species of laboratory animals and their environment.

Examples of Duties

• Feeds and waters animals;
• Cleans and sanitizes cages, animal rooms and related environment as necessary;
• Performs routine physical examinations and laboratory tests and special handling techniques for researchers as required;
• Assesses the status of animal shipments including identity, number of individuals, weight, health, etc.;
• Administers medications and gives injections under supervision;
• Identifies animals as to sex, species or strain;
• Provides support during surgical and experimental procedures;
• Observes and collects animal facilities operation data for accurate reports and required records;
• Reports findings to appropriate department staff;
• May breed and wean animals;
• Performs related duties as required.

Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of animal care requirements, including animal facilities and husbandry regulations and basic animal disease problems and prevention techniques;
• Skills
• Interpersonal skills;
• Oral and written communication skills;
• Ability to follow oral and written instructions;
• Ability to utilize computer software;
• Manual dexterity and physical ability sufficient for handling animals, feeds, supplies and equipment.

Minimum Qualifications - General Experience

A high school diploma or GED and one (1) year of animal care experience directly related to the maintenance of the health and wellbeing of laboratory animals to include care, use, handling, and/or treatment of laboratory animals.

Substitutions

• Certification by the American Association of Laboratory Animal Science at the level of Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician may be substituted for the General Experience.
• Two (2) years of animal care experience directly related to the maintenance of the health and wellbeing of laboratory animals may be substituted for the General Experience.
• A college degree of two (2) or more years and one-half (1/2) year of animal care experience directly related to the maintenance of health and wellbeing of laboratory animals may be substituted for the General Experience.

Physical Requirements

• Incumbents must have adequate physical strength, stamina, physical agility and visual and auditory acuity, and must maintain such physical fitness to perform the duties.
• A physical examination may be required.

Working Conditions

Incumbents may be required to lift moderate to heavy weights; may be exposed to communicable diseases, hazardous substances and risk of injury from animals.

Terms and Conditions of Employment

Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background check and pre-employment physical.

Application Instructions

Please apply online at https://hr.uconn.edu/jobs, Faculty and Staff Openings, Search #499230. It is encouraged to submit a resume, cover letter, and three professional references with contact information.

This job posting is anticipated to be removed at 11:55 p.m. Eastern time on October 7, 2025.

Compliance and Diversity

All employees are subject to adherence to the State Code of Ethics. Information regarding Cleary Act, Non-Discrimination Policy, Accommodations for Applicants with Disabilities and Veterans Recruitment can be found on UConn’s Job page: https://hr.uconn.edu/jobs/.

All members of the University of Connecticut are expected to exhibit appreciation of, and contribute to, an inclusive, respectful, and diverse environment for the University community.

The University of Connecticut is an AA/EEO Employer.