Animal Care Technician I - Jupiter, FL

University of Florida; Florida; On-site; USD 21,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Florida in Palm Beach, FL is seeking an Animal Care Technician I to provide basic care of animals and facilities, including cage wash duties, under the supervision of the Operations Manager.

Duties include operating cage wash equipment and autoclaves, following ARC SOPs, and maintaining clean storage areas. Requires a high school diploma; preferred candidates with animal care experience and AALAS ALAT certification.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Preferred: HS degree or higher with at least 1 year of experience in research animal care.
• AALAS ALAT certification preferred.

Responsibilities

• Carry out ARC directives and SOPs governing animal welfare and facility operations.
• Perform cage sanitation, inspection and preparation for reuse in a research setting.
• Operate cage wash equipment and perform routine cleaning and preventive maintenance on machinery.
• Operate autoclave to sterilize or decontaminate equipment.
• Maintain cage wash areas and transport waste to designated disposal areas.

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

AALAS ALAT certification (preferred)

Job description

Animal Care Technician I - Jupiter, FL

Job no: 539983

Work type: Staff Full‑Time

Location: Palm Beach

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

Department: 37050300 - SR-VIVARIUM

Classification Title

Animal Care Technician I

Classification Minimum Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.

Job Description

The Animal Care Technician 1 (ACT1) provides basic care of animals and animal facilities by completing primarily simple and routine animal caretaking and cage wash duties as directed by Operations Manager or their designee, which may occur up to 50% of the time of overall job duties and responsibilities. All actions are completed by strictly and consistently following applicable ARC SOPs including safety procedures and policies. Reports any suspected or actual deviations to SOPs or non-routine situations immediately to Operations Manager or their designee. While working in Animal Resources Center cage wash facilities, this ACT1 will operate cage wash machinery to include tunnel washers, rack washers, waste disposal BSCs, water bottle filling stations, bedding dispensers, autoclaves, steam sterilizers and other related units. Will maintain cage washing areas including various types of storage rooms and transport facility waste to designated disposal areas.

Job Responsibilities and Duties

• Responsible for carrying out the Animal Resources Center (ARC) 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 operational 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 ARC 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 Operational Manager.
• 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.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Expected Salary

$16.50 per hour.

Required Qualifications

High school diploma or equivalent.

Preferred Qualifications

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 AALAS ALAT certification.

Special Instructions to Applicants

In order to be considered, you must upload your cover letter and resume.

Please provide names and email addresses of three to five references as part of the application process. When ready, the hiring department will contact the listed references via email requesting their reference letters to be uploaded directly to the application website.

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 the Qualified Positions link on our FAQs page for a list of eligible positions.

This position is open until filled. Application review will begin May 29, 2026.

This is a time‑limited position.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Florida is a member of the State University System of Florida and an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment based on merit.

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.

Health Assessment Required: Yes

Advertised: 22 May 2026 Eastern Daylight Time

Applications close: Open until filled