Animal Care Technician I - Cage Wash

University of Florida; Gainesville (FL); On-site; USD 22,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Florida on the Main Campus in Gainesville seeks an Animal Care Technician I for cage wash and sanitation duties within the Animal Care Services. You will operate cage wash equipment and autoclave, follow SOPs, and ensure compliance with the Animal Welfare Act in a research setting.

A high school diploma or equivalent is required, along with a valid Florida driver's license. The role offers full-time hours, an hourly wage of $16.00, and veteran's preference eligibility.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Valid Florida state driver's license.
• Preferred: HS degree or higher with at least one year of experience in research animal care.

Responsibilities

• Carry out cage wash operations and sanitation per SOPs.
• Operate cage wash equipment and autoclave for sterilization.
• Follow Animal Welfare Act directives and ACS SOPs in a research setting.
• Assist with bedding supplies and transport between storage and cage wash areas.
• Maintain SOP training and clock in/out as required; perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

High School Diploma

FL Driver's License

Education

High School Diploma or Equivalent

Job description

Animal Care Technician I - Cage Wash

Job No: 541975

Work Type: Full Time

Location: Main Campus (Gainesville, FL)

Categories: Veteran's Preference Eligible, Veterinary Medicine/Animal Care

Department: 11800000 - RE-ANIMAL CARE SERVICES

Job Description

Classification Title: Animal Care Technician I

Classification Minimum Requirements: A high school diploma or equivalent.

Responsible for carrying out the Animal Care Services' (ACS) directives and SOPs as governed by the Animal Welfare Act and all applicable rules and regulations. Will be assigned to cage wash operations and will perform routine duties associated with cage sanitation, inspection and preparation for reuse in a research setting. Operates cage wash equipment and performs assigned cleaning and preventive maintenance on machinery, including routine start-up and shut down procedures. Operates autoclave to sterilize or decontaminate caging equipment. May provide guidance and instruction to cage wash trainees following directives provided by facility manager.

Processes soiled bedding exposed to potentially hazardous chemicals correctly to the proper waste stream. Ensures equipment exposed to biohazards is processed following strict guidelines. Ensures all trash and disposable items are discarded in the appropriate waste stream, as dictated by UF Environmental Health & Safety or ACS SOPs.

Sanitizes equipment and animal support facilities (storage rooms and hallways). Collects swabs and Biological Indicators and delivers samples for assessment of sanitizing/sterilizing efficacy to our Clinical Diagnostic Lab.

Will assist in requesting, receiving, and rotating bedding and other supplies. Transports caging supplies between clean storage areas and cage washrooms.

Required to keep up to date on SOPs in Policy Manager and other required trainings using facility computers during normal working hours. Clocks in/out according to approved schedule and ensures leave requests are submitted timely in TimeClockPlus.

Other duties as assigned.

Expected Salary: $16.00 per hour

Required Qualifications: A high school diploma or equivalent. valid FL state driver's license

Preferred

Prefer HS degree or higher with at least one year's experience with research animal care at a research institution or other appropriate environment.

Prefer Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT) certification by the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS). Appropriate college coursework or vocational/technical training may substitute at an equivalent rate for the required experience.

Maintains a valid state driver's license.

Able to be accepted by Veterans Administration as a WOC or contract employee as required and maintain status.

This position is eligible for Veteran's preference. If you are claiming Veteran's preference, please upload a copy of your DD 214 Member Copy 4 with your application for consideration. See our Veteran's Preference Page for more specific information.

A criminal background check is required.

Work visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Health Assessment Required:Yes

Applications Close: 23 November 2026

Our Commitment

The University of Florida is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

Hiring is contingent on eligibility to work in the U.S. The University of Florida is a public institution and is subject to all requirements under Florida Sunshine and Public Record laws. If an accommodation due to a disability is needed to apply for this position, please call 352-392- 2477 or the Florida Relay System at 800-955-8771 (TDD) or visit Accessibility at UF.