Animal Care Technician II

Drexel University; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); On-site; USD 2,922,000 - 4,487,000; Full time

Job summary

Drexel University in Center City, Philadelphia, is seeking an Animal Care Technician II to ensure humane care and treatment of laboratory animals. This role covers animal housing sanitation, record keeping, and daily observations in a university research setting.

Essential duties include maintaining clean housing, operating equipment such as cage washers and autoclaves, and providing daily care to animals. The position requires flexibility with hours, including weekends and holidays, and

Qualifications

• HS Diploma or GED or equivalent combination of education and work experience.
• Minimum of 1 year of laboratory animal related experience.
• Dedicated to humane care of laboratory animals.
• Knowledge of common practices of animal care.
• Ability to perform repetitive tasks carefully and completely.
• Knowledge of normal animal behavior.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and sanitize animal housing areas and cages.
• Operate cage wash machine and autoclave; keep records of sterilization.
• Observe animals and report abnormalities to Vet Tech, Vet, or PI.
• Provide daily care: food, water, and housing; maintain records.
• Handle equipment safely and store chemicals properly.
• Maintain confidentiality of workplace information.
• Occasionally participate in training Animal Care Technician I.

Skills

Animal care

Record keeping

Observation

Education

HS Diploma or GED

ALAT certification preferred

Tools

Cage wash machine

Autoclave

Chemical Foamer

Floor buffer

Wet/Dry vacuum

Clothes washer/dryer

Job description

Animal Care Technician II

Job no: 507041

Work type: Full-Time

Location: Center City - Philadelphia, PA

Categories: Drexel University, Office of Research & Innovation

Job Summary

This position ensures the humane care and treatment of laboratory animals. It includes general husbandry practices, sanitation of the animal care and use areas, and animal observations and record keeping.

Essential Functions

• Responsible for the physical environment of animals
  • Clean and sanitize animal housing areas.
  • Clean and sanitize animal cages as directed (this includes the operation of the cage wash machine and the autoclave).
  • Clean and sanitize ancillary rooms in the animal facility including receiving, surgery, and recovery areas.
  • Responsible for trash and waste removal consistent with University Laboratory Animal Resources standard operating procedures.
  • Responsible for observing and recording the temperature and humidity of all animal housing areas.
• Responsible for the proper handling and safe use of all equipment operated in the animal facility:
  • Cage wash Machine: Used to sanitize racks, cages, and water bottles (Must keep accurate records to ensure proper temperature and cleaning capability)
  • Autoclave: Used to sterilize caging and supplies.
  • Records must also be kept to validate sterilization.
  • Chemical Foamer: Used to apply cleaning and sanitizing agents.
  • Heavy-duty floor buffer: Used to scrub and wax floors.
  • Wet/Dry Vacuum: Used to remove debris and various liquids.
  • Using moving equipment to transport animals, cages, and supplies.
  • Clothes Washer and Dryer: Used to wash and dry scrub suits, linen and other materials.
  • Knowledge of proper use and application, and handling and storage of all chemicals used throughout the facility is required.
• Maintains confidentiality of workplace information according to policies and procedures of the institution - (Essential)
• Work hours include weekends and holidays on a rotational basis. This position is designated essential personnel as defined by university policy.
• Provide primary care to animals on a daily basis which includes (but is not limited to the following):
  • Observe animals and report any abnormalities to the Veterinary Technician, Veterinarian, and/or Principal Investigator
  • Maintain detailed animal records which include daily/weekly observations, daily room maintenance log.
  • Responsible for providing food and water to all animals in his/her care (may be responsible for feeding special diets or providing special fluids).
  • Responsible for providing clean and appropriate housing for animals in his/her care.
  • Responsible for receiving incoming animals which includes a primary health check, providing immediate housing and verifying the delivery information.
  • May participate in training Animal Care Technician I.
• Other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of a HS Diploma or GED or the equivalent combination of education and work experience. (Please review the Equivalency Chart for additional information.)
• Minimum of Minimum of 1 year of laboratory animal related experience.
• Must be dedicated to the humane care of laboratory animals.
• Have knowledge of common practices of animal care.
• Ability to perform repetitive tasks carefully and completely.
• Knowledge of normal animal behavior.

Preferred Qualifications

• ALAT (Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician) certification preferred and LAT certification within two years of employment

Physical Demands

• Typically standing, walking
• Lifting demands 50lbs

Location

• Center City - Philadelphia, PA

Additional Information

This position is classified as Non-Exempt, grade I. Compensation for this grade ranges from $21.71 - $32.57 per hour. Please note that the offered rate for this position will vary based on the successful candidate's qualifications and experience, department budget, and an internal equity review.

Applicants are encouraged to explore the Professional Staff salary structure and Compensation Guidelines & Policies for more details on Drexel's compensation framework. For information about benefits, please review Drexel's Benefits Brochure.

A review of applicants will begin once a suitable candidate pool is identified.

Advertised: Aug 11 2026 Eastern Daylight Time

Applications close: Sep 11 2026 Eastern Daylight Time