Animal Care Technician

University of Miami; United States; On-site; USD 26,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Miami is seeking an Animal Care Technician to provide daily care for various species in a research setting. Responsibilities include observation, feeding, watering, enrichment, and record-keeping.

You will assist with procedures, monitor environments, and support veterinary staff. The role requires at least a high school diploma, ALAT certification preferred, and the ability to lift up to 50 pounds; evening and weekend work may be necessary.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent required.
• AALAS ALAT certification preferred and strongly encouraged.
• Minimum 1 year of animal care experience in a research setting preferred.
• Ability to work evenings, nights, and weekends; lift up to 50 pounds.

Responsibilities

• Provide daily animal care and observation across species.
• Feed, water, exercise, and provide environmental enrichment.
• Prepare cages, monitor room environment and autoclave where needed.
• Assist veterinary and research staff with procedures and treatments.
• Maintain animal records and support biosafety practices.

Skills

Oral communication

Written communication

Computer literacy

Physical stamina

Ability to lift 50 pounds

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

AALAS ALAT certification

Job description

Base Pay Range: $18.56 - $22 Hourly, based on experience.

CORE JOB SUMMARY

The Animal Care Technician provides daily care for various species of animals. Duties include daily observation; feeding and watering; sanitizing and/or sterilizing animal cages and equipment; exercising and providing environmental enrichment. May assist veterinary and research staff with procedures such as collection of biological samples and administration of medications and treatments. Receives and stores materials/supplies as well as maintains animal records.

CORE JOB FUNCTIONS

Provides animal husbandry to a variety of animals including non-human primates (NHP). This includes daily observation, feeding, watering, exercising and providing environmental enrichment to research animals housed in multiple facilities. Monitors animal room light cycles and document room environment (temperature and humidity) on a daily basis. Sanitizes animal cages and equipment. Receives animals and supplies from vendors and properly house the animals and store supplies according to established SOPs. Prepares animal diets, cages and water for autoclaving. Operates autoclaves to sterilize animal food, water and equipment. Reviews and inspects the animal facility area and report problems to Supervisor (and or Physical Plant, Facilities or Energy Management) so work orders for repairs can be prepared. Assists veterinary and research staff with animal procedures such as collection of biological samples and administration of medications/treatments. Observes animals for signs of injury, discomfort and disease and report findings to Supervisors and or Veterinary staff. Assists with treatment of sick animals as directed. Assist with monitoring animal health status through the use of established sentinel program. Monitors and changes ventilated cage rack filters and animal room filters. Provides preventive maintenance on ventilated racks. Cleans and maintains biosafety hoods and animal change stations in animal rooms. Participation in the department’s Emergency Response Team as Essential Personnel is required. This list of duties and responsibilities is not intended to be all-inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties or responsibilities as necessary.

CORE QUALIFICATIONS

Education: High School diploma or equivalent required.

Certification and Licensing: American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) certification at the Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT) level is preferred and will be strongly encouraged.

Experience: Minimum 1 year of animal care experience. Animal research facility experience in the handling of multiple animal species including Non-Human Primates (NHP) and Virus Antigen Free (VAF) rodents is preferred. Any appropriate combination of relevant education and/or work experience may be considered.

Ability to work evenings, nights, and weekends is required. Must be able to lift/carry/push/pull up to 50 pounds without assistance.

Knowledge, Skills and Attitudes: Strong oral and written communications skills and computer literacy. Thorough knowledge of the handling and care of lab animal species. Ability to complete assignments accurately and with attention to detail. Ability to analyze, organize and prioritize work under pressure while meeting deadlines. Ability to process and handle confidential information with discretion. Ability to work evenings, nights, and weekends as required. Ability to work independently and or in a collaborative environment. Commitment to the University’s core values.

The University of Miami is recognized as one of the nation’s premier research institutions and academic health systems and is among the largest employers in South Florida. With more than 20,000 faculty and staff, the University is committed to excellence and guided by a mission to positively impact the lives of students, patients, and communities locally and globally. We are dedicated to fostering a culture where every individual feels valued and empowered to contribute meaningfully. United by shared values, the University community works together to build an environment defined by purpose, collaboration, and service.

The University of Miami is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Applicants and employees are protected from discrimination based on certain categories protected by Federal law.

Job Status: Full time Employee Type: Staff