Animal Care Technician I — ALAT Path & Hands-On Care

Charles River Laboratories; Bethesda (MD); On-site; USD 28,000 - 33,000; Full time

Job summary

Charles River Insourcing Solutions in Bethesda, MD seeks an Animal Care Technician I to join our team. This entry-level role supports daily animal care, health checks, feeding, and handling for multiple species, with opportunities to pursue ALAT certification within 1–2 years.

The position runs Monday–Friday, with some weekends/holidays as needed, and pays $22/hour. Excellent benefits and a collaborative environment are offered.

Qualifications

• Six months of animal experience (e.g., dog walking, pet sitting, kennel attendant, vet assistant, farm hand, 4-H background, pet store worker)
• Must be successful in obtaining the ALAT (Assistant Lab Animal Technician) Certification within 1-2 years of eligibility
• High school diploma/GED preferred

Responsibilities

• Providing food & water.
• Ensuring cages are clean.
• Performing and recording daily animal health checks.
• Handing & restraining animals for injections.
• Learning & applying quality assurance standards.
• Examining new animals that arrive at the site & helping them to settle in.
• Learn & become involved in breeding of multiple animal species.

Skills

Animal handling

Safety awareness

Team collaboration

Education

High school diploma/GED

ALAT certification planned

Job description

Charles River Insourcing Solutions in Bethesda, MD seeks an Animal Care Technician I to join our team. This entry-level role supports daily animal care, health checks, feeding, and handling for multiple species, with opportunities to pursue ALAT certification within 1–2 years.

The position runs Monday–Friday, with some weekends/holidays as needed, and pays $22/hour. Excellent benefits and a collaborative environment are offered.