Animal Care Technician I

Innovive; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 38,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

Paid holidays

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

Disability insurance

FSA/HSA

401k with company match

Employee discounts

Casual work environment

Career development opportunities

Job summary

Innovive in Boston is seeking a Vivarium Technician to provide daily care for research animals, perform basic husbandry, and uphold animal welfare in a fast-paced environment.

You will follow SOPs, maintain accurate records, and support a collaborative team in a humane, compliant research setting.

Qualifications

• Must have a high school diploma or equivalent.
• Experience in animal care and/or research involving mammals.
• Ability to lift a maximum of 50lbs; stand for prolonged periods.
• Must wear full PPE for several hours per day (mask, coveralls, gloves).

Responsibilities

• Follows SOPs to monitor and record animal health daily.
• Perform routine animal husbandry (cage change, food/water).
• Perform daily health checks and report conditions.
• Observe animals for signs of illness or distress.
• Maintain records using colony management software and room logs.
• Follow biosafety procedures and waste SOPs.
• Receive, identify, house incoming shipments; assist in inventory.

Skills

Manual dexterity

Computer literacy

Written communication

Multi-tasking

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Innovive has been a leader in vivarium technologies for over 20 years, dedicated to advancing scientific research while prioritizing animal and human welfare. Our patented technology streamlines operations, reduces stress on animals, and promotes sustainability in research environments. We are committed to innovation, excellence, and ethical practices, providing solutions that make research more efficient and humane. At Innovive, our success is driven by a passionate, collaborative team in an inclusive environment where every voice matters. Join us in shaping the future of scientific discovery.

Position Summary:

This position reports to the Vivarium Manager, and is responsible for the daily care of research animals, including feeding, watering, cage changing, maintaining a clean work environment, and monitoring the overall health of the animals. This role requires a passion for animal welfare, dedication to providing clean living spaces, and flexibility in a fast-paced and dynamic work environment. You will function as part of a team, and your contribution will be valued.

This technician level includes basic animal care tasks with primary duties focused on husbandry and supporting animal welfare daily. Technicians have little to no prior experience or training.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

• Follows existing SOPs and policy standards to monitor, observe, and record animal health and welfare daily, as well as complete various standard animal husbandry duties
• Perform routine animal husbandry (cage change, providing adequate food/water, and reporting health monitoring
• Perform daily health checks and report conditions
• Observes and monitors animals for signs of illness, trauma or social instabilities
• Prepare and submit records using digital colony maintenance software; including creating cage cards, receiving and/or creating animals, and reporting health assessments as needed
• Follow room and/or facility entry order and biosafety procedures
• Follow SOPs and safety protocols, including biohazard containment (BSL I & II)
• Maintains accurate daily records pertaining to animal care such as completing daily census sheets, filling out room logs, and reporting inventories count to management
• Sanitize and decontaminate facility areas
• Dispose of waste following appropriate SOPs and waste streams
• Receive, identify, and properly house incoming animal shipments according to SOPs
• Maintain racks and equipment; assist with supply inventory
• May perform basic health treatments under Manager or Veterinary direction
• Humanely euthanize animals as requested or required
• May assist in animal restraint and manipulation of various rodent species to include mice and rats
• Understands and conveys simple messages and instructions verbally
• Perform other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications:

• Must have a high school diploma or equivalent
• Experience in animal care and/or research involving mammals
• Manual dexterity, ability to write legibly and ability to operate a computer (Office, Gmail) and telephone
• Ability to perform duties and responsibilities with minimal supervision
• Ability to understand light to moderately complex SOPs and protocols
• Must be able to lift a maximum of 50lbs; bend, stoop, climb, and stand for prolonged periods of time
• Be able to wear full Personal Protective Equipment for several hours per day (face mask, coveralls, gloves
• Ability to multi-task and prioritize shifting demands and workload
• Must be able to work on weekend/holiday schedule for vivarium coverage
• Passionate about animal welfare

Work Schedule:

• Weekend and holiday work is required in this position; in addition to extra hours during emergency situations and for study-related activities
• Schedules will be: Sunday – Thursday or Tuesday – Saturday; unless otherwise noted

Benefits Offered:

We offer excellent benefit packages and employee programs including paid time off, paid holidays, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability insurance, FSA or HSA, 401k with Company match, EAP, employee discounts, and a casual work environment with excellent career development opportunities.

At Innovive, we understand that our success and continued growth wouldn't be possible without a dedicated, passionate, hardworking, and talented team. If you relish the challenge, thrive on finding solutions, and like being a part of a fast-growing company that helps make other people’s lives better, we would love to hear from you!