Animal Caretaker - 174414

Piper Companies; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); On-site; USD 24,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental

Vision

401K

PTO

Paid Holidays

Job summary

Piper Companies is seeking an Animal Caretaker to support research animals within a vivarium in the Philadelphia region. The role focuses on proper husbandry, nutrition, and sanitation of laboratory animals used for research, testing, and education, while ensuring compliance with animal care regulations and institutional policies.

The ideal candidate has experience handling laboratory animals in a research or educational setting, familiarity with vivarium procedures, and a strong commitment to

Qualifications

• Experience handling laboratory animals in a research, testing, or educational setting.
• Experience working in a vivarium or specialized controlled environment.
• Understanding of animal husbandry, nutrition, and sanitation best practices.
• Ability to work in a regulated environment while following established procedures.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to animal welfare standards.

Responsibilities

• Provide daily husbandry, feeding, watering, and general care for laboratory animals.
• Maintain clean and sanitized animal housing areas in accordance with established protocols.
• Monitor animal health and behavior and promptly report concerns to appropriate personnel.
• Ensure compliance with institutional animal care and use policies as well as applicable federal regulations.
• Assist with facility support activities within a controlled vivarium environment.
• Accurately complete documentation related to animal care, sanitation, and compliance requirements.

Skills

Laboratory animal care

Vivarium experience

Animal husbandry

Regulatory compliance

Attention to detail

AALAS ALAT certification (preferred)

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

AALAS ALAT certification (preferred)

Job description

Piper Companies is seeking an Animal Caretaker to support research animals within the vivarium at a leading health sciences organization in the Philadelphia region. The Animal Caretaker will be responsible for ensuring the proper husbandry, nutrition, and sanitation of laboratory animals used for research, testing, and educational purposes while maintaining compliance with animal care regulations and institutional policies.

Responsibilities of the Animal Caretaker:

• Provide daily husbandry, feeding, watering, and general care for laboratory animals.
• Maintain clean and sanitized animal housing areas in accordance with established protocols.
• Monitor animal health and behavior and promptly report concerns to appropriate personnel.
• Ensure compliance with institutional animal care and use policies as well as applicable federal regulations.
• Assist with facility support activities within a controlled vivarium environment.
• Accurately complete documentation related to animal care, sanitation, and compliance requirements.

Qualifications of the Animal Caretaker:

• Previous experience handling laboratory animals in a research, testing, or educational setting.
• Experience working in a vivarium or specialized controlled environment.
• Understanding of animal husbandry, nutrition, and sanitation best practices.
• Ability to work in a regulated environment while following established procedures.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to animal welfare standards.
• American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) certification at the ALAT level preferred.
• High school diploma or equivalent required; additional related education is a plus.

Compensation for the Animal Caretaker includes:

• Pay rate of $21/hour
• 3-month contract opportunity
• Monday-Friday schedule, 7:00 AM-3:30 PM
• Rotating weekend coverage required
• Comprehensive Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, 401K, PTO, Sick Leave (as required by law), and Paid Holidays

Application Period:

This job opens for applications on 09/14/2026. Applications for this job will be accepted for at least 30 days from the posting date.

Keywords:

Laboratory Operations, Animal Feeding, Animal Watering, Sanitation Procedures, Facility Cleaning, Environmental Monitoring, SOP Compliance, Controlled Environment, Vivarium, Research Facility, Animal Caretaker, Animal Technician, Rodent Handling, Mouse Handling, AALAS, ALAT

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