Animal Care Technician I: Research Lab Support

University of Kentucky; Lexington (KY); On-site; USD 28,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Kentucky is seeking an Animal Care Technician I to join the Division of Laboratory Animal Resources (DLAR). This role supports routine animal care and facility operations for multiple species, ensuring safe, reliable daily activities through cage washing, documentation, and careful monitoring.

Responsibilities include cage washing, animal husbandry, recording observations, and maintaining compliance with SOPs.

Qualifications

• High school education (required)
• 1 year of related experience preferred
• Follows DLAR SOPs, safety procedures, and documentation practices.

Responsibilities

• Clean and sterilize cages, equipment, supplies, rooms, and animal enclosures per SOPs.
• Provide routine animal care: changing cages, feeding and watering per diets.
• Observe animals and document changes in behavior or health promptly.
• Receive, house, and transfer incoming rodents and small animal species with documentation.
• Maintain animal care checklists, room logs, and equipment records.
• Monitor cage wash equipment and report malfunctions to supervisor.
• Assist in training STEPS employees in cage wash and basic animal care.
• Follow DLAR SOPs and established work practices.

Skills

Dependability

Attention to detail

Organization

Documentation

Communication

Teamwork

Willingness to learn

Positive attitude

Professional development

Education

High school education

1 year related experience

Tools

MS Windows

Outlook

Job description

The University of Kentucky is seeking an Animal Care Technician I to join the Division of Laboratory Animal Resources (DLAR). This role supports routine animal care and facility operations for multiple species, ensuring safe, reliable daily activities through cage washing, documentation, and careful monitoring.

Responsibilities include cage washing, animal husbandry, recording observations, and maintaining compliance with SOPs.