Animal Care Technician I - Research Lab Support

The University of Massachusetts Amherst; Amherst (MA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Massachusetts Amherst is seeking a Technical Assistant I in Animal Care to support laboratory animal health and welfare. Work involves maintaining clean environments, monitoring animal wellbeing, and performing routine husbandry under supervision.

Responsibilities include handling animals, record-keeping, meds preparation, and equipment maintenance in a university facility on-site. Essential personnel status applies with PPE requirements and possible after-hours duties.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or G.E.D. is required.
• Four years of full-time relevant experience or ALAT substitution.
• Experience with common laboratory animals.
• Valid Class D State Driver’s License.
• Ability to care for laboratory animals safely and follow procedures.
• Ability to supervise student workers when needed.

Responsibilities

• Observe and report animal health and environmental conditions.
• Perform animal husbandry tasks: feeding, watering, cage cleaning.
• Sanitize animal rooms and equipment; maintain cleanliness of facilities.
• Handle and restrain laboratory animals; determine gender as needed.
• Maintain animal room records (census, sanitation, feeding, identification).
• Prepare and distribute routine medications under veterinary guidance.
• Operate and maintain equipment (autoclaves, washers, biosafety cabinets).
• Travel between sites using a university vehicle to perform care duties.

Skills

Animal care

Observation

Record-keeping

Safety procedures

Supervision

Computing basics

Education

High School diploma or G.E.D.

Job description

The University of Massachusetts Amherst is seeking a Technical Assistant I in Animal Care to support laboratory animal health and welfare. Work involves maintaining clean environments, monitoring animal wellbeing, and performing routine husbandry under supervision.

Responsibilities include handling animals, record-keeping, meds preparation, and equipment maintenance in a university facility on-site. Essential personnel status applies with PPE requirements and possible after-hours duties.