Animal Care Technician (99251)

Precise Systems; Maryland; On-site; USD 24,796 - 33,062; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health & Welfare benefits

Job summary

Precise Systems is hiring an Animal Care Technician I to care for research animals in a regulated laboratory setting. The role involves daily husbandry, health monitoring, sanitation, and record-keeping under SOPs.

Candidates should have a high school diploma or GED and aim to obtain ALAT certification within a year; familiarity with Microsoft Office and flexibility for on-site work are desirable.

Qualifications

• Must have high school diploma or GED.
• ALAT certification must be pursued within 12 months of employment.
• Experience in animal care or laboratory settings preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide daily husbandry care including feeding, watering, cage changes, and sanitation.
• Monitor animal health and promptly report concerns.
• Maintain clean and compliant animal holding areas.
• Operate equipment such as autoclaves, cage washers, restraint devices, and floor scrubbers.
• Follow biohazard, safety, and infection control protocols (BSL-1/BSL-2).
• Maintain records and documentation in accordance with SOPs.
• Assist with basic procedures under training and supervision.

Skills

Animal care

Reliability

Safety awareness

Attention to detail

Education

High School diploma or GED

ALAT certification (within 1 year)

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Precise Systems delivers integrated, mission-ready solutions that advance warfighter readiness and strengthen our nation's most critical defense programs. Through the power of our combined capabilities, we provide deep expertise in Advanced Engineering, Digital Transformation, Electromagnetic Warfare, Interactive Training & Simulation, Physical Sciences Research, Platform Lifecycle Support, and Foreign Military Sales. Unified by decades of trusted performance and expanded through strategic growth, our team applies innovative technologies, engineering rigor, and customer-focused execution to solve complex challenges and accelerate mission success. Guided by our commitment to partnership, precision, and performance, we deliver the scalable solutions and technical excellence our customers depend on‑today and into the future.

Position Overview

Precise Systems is seeking a dependable and compassionate Animal Care Technician I to support the daily care and well‑being of research animals in a regulated laboratory environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide daily husbandry care including feeding, watering, cage changes, and sanitation
• Monitor animal health and report concerns promptly
• Maintain clean and compliant animal holding areas
• Operate equipment such as autoclaves, cage washers, restraint devices, and floor scrubbers
• Follow biohazard, safety, and infection control protocols (BSL-1/BSL-2 environments)
• Maintain accurate records and documentation in accordance with SOPs and research protocols
• Assist with basic procedures under training and supervision

What We're Looking For

• Strong reliability and consistent attendance
• Compassion for animals and commitment to ethical care
• Comfort working in a hands‑on, physical environment
• Ability to follow detailed procedures and safety requirements
• Willingness to learn and support team operations
• Experience in animal care, veterinary, laboratory, or research settings preferred

Duties

• Provide daily husbandry care including feeding, watering, cleaning, and cage sanitation
• Monitor animal health and report observations
• Maintain clean and compliant animal holding facilities
• Operate equipment such as cage washers, autoclaves, and floor scrubbers
• Support environmental monitoring, waste handling, and facility upkeep
• Maintain accurate records and documentation in accordance with SOPs and protocols
• Assist with basic procedures under proper training and supervision

Required Training/Education

• Must possess a minimum of a High School degree or GED equivalent
• Ability to obtain Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT) Certification within a year of employment

Required Experience

• Reliable, skilled and compassionate animal handling and care
• Excellent time management skills
• Computer experience; familiarity with the Microsoft office suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.)

Conditions of Employment

Due to the regulated research environment and direct animal contact, this position requires:

• Annual influenza (flu) vaccination
• Participation in occupational health, medical surveillance, and immunization programs
• Ability to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE) for extended periods
• Successful completion of pre-employment drug testing and participation in random drug screening
• Up-to-date tetanus shot required
• Reliable attendance and availability to support essential operations, including weekends, holidays, inclement weather, or on-call coverage as needed

Health & Safety Requirements

• Safely work with laboratory animals of multiple species and life stages
• Follow all biosecurity, safety, and infection control protocols
• Wear PPE such as gloves, masks/respirators, scrubs, and protective footwear for extended periods
• Participate in required health screenings and disclose any conditions or allergies that may impact safe job performance

Physical Demands

This is an active, hands‑on role that regularly requires:

• Standing, walking, bending, reaching, and repetitive movement throughout the day
• Lifting and moving cages, feed, bedding, waste, and equipment (up to approximately 50 pounds)
• Manual dexterity and strength for safe animal handling and equipment operation
• Working in environments with noise, humidity, heat, odors, and cage wash/sanitation operations

Core Work Hours, Scheduling, and Attendance Requirements

• This position supports mission-critical operations and requires flexibility to meet operational and contractual requirements.
• Standard core work hours will be assigned; however, weekend, evening, and U.S. Government holiday coverage may be required based on customer or facility needs.
• Employees must report for duty on scheduled weekends, holidays, and during periods of inclement or severe weather, or other adverse working conditions, when operations require on-site support.
• Reliable attendance and punctuality are critical to meeting contractual and operational obligations.

Must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance. Due to the sensitivity of customer-related requirements, U.S. Citizenship is required.

Precise Systems values employee contributions, promotes diverse opportunities for professional growth, and prioritizes overall well‑being.

This position is covered by the Service Contract Act (SCA). Compensation includes an hourly wage of $21.00 plus Health & Welfare benefits as required by the applicable Wage Determination.

Precise Systems is dedicated to a shared vision and core values of Integrity, Respect, and Responsibility, which foster innovation and drive our continued success. Precise Systems and its subsidiaries are Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employers and will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, disability, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law.

Reasonable accommodations available for qualified individuals with disabilities during the application and hiring process upon request.

Precise Systems participates in E-Verify.

Precise Systems complies with all applicable pay transparency and nondiscrimination provisions. Visit www.GoPrecise.com for current openings and a summary of our comprehensive benefits.