Animal Support Behavior Technician I

Charles River Laboratories, Inc.; Shrewsbury (MA); Sur place; USD 24 000 - 34 000; Plein temps

Résumé du poste

Charles River Laboratories, Inc. is seeking an Animal Support Behavior Technician I (Habituation Technician) to join the Veterinary Services team.

You will assist with acclimation, enrichment, and conditioning to prepare animals for study procedures, supporting welfare and high-quality care. The role is full-time, Monday–Friday, 9:30 AM–6:00 PM (or 10:00 AM–6:30 PM) with occasional overtime, based in a research and animal care environment.

Qualifications

• Experience with animals in research, husbandry or veterinary settings.
• Ability to safely handle common laboratory animal species.
• Strong organizational and record-keeping skills.

Responsabilités

• Conduct hands-on training and habituation sessions with research animals.
• Use positive reinforcement to familiarize animals with people and handling.
• Prepare animals for routine procedures with gradual exposure.
• Observe behavior and adjust approaches as needed.
• Provide positive human interaction and behavioral support.
• Support weighing, transport, and enclosure checks as needed.
• Prepare enrichment items and materials for training sessions.
• Assist with animal movements and weight data collection.
• Maintain accurate session documentation and observations.
• Communicate observations and opportunities for improvement to the team.

Connaissances

Animal care

Behavioral management

Documentation

Record-keeping

Formation

Associate degree in Animal Science/Life Sciences

High school diploma or GED

Description du poste

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For 75 years, Charles River employees have worked together to assist in the discovery, development and safe manufacture of new drug therapies. When you join our family, you will have a significant impact on the health and well-being of people across the globe. Whether your background is in life sciences, finance, IT, sales or another area, your skills will play an important role in the work we perform. In return, we'll help you build a career that you can feel passionate about.

Job Overview

We are seeking a motivated and compassionate Animal Support Behavior Technician I (Habituation Technician) to join our Veterinary Services team. In this role, you will support animal behavioral management programs by assisting with acclimation, enrichment, and conditioning activities that help prepare animals for study procedures. This position is ideal for individuals with animal care, husbandry, veterinary, or life sciences experience who are passionate about promoting animal welfare and providing high-quality care.

Job Type: Full-Time

Schedule: Monday-Friday, 9:30 AM-6:00 PM (or 10:00 AM-6:30 PM), with occasional overtime

The pay rate for this position is $21/hour.Please note that salaries vary within the range based on factors including, but not limited to, experience, skills, education, certifications, and location.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct hands-on training and habituation sessions with research animals.
• Use treats, positive reinforcement, and gradual exposure techniques to help animals become comfortable with people, handling, equipment, and new experiences.
• Prepare animals for routine procedures by gradually introducing activities such as restraint, specialized equipment, and limb handling.
• Observe animal behavior and training progress, recognizing when an animal may need additional time or an adjusted approach.
• Provide positive human interaction and behavioral support to animals that may be nervous or reactive to handling.
• Use positive reinforcement and target training techniques to support activities such as weighing and transport.
• Prepare enrichment items, forage materials, and treats used during training and behavioral activities.
• Assist with animal movements, body weight collection, equipment and collar checks, and other routine responsibilities.
• Maintain accurate documentation of training sessions, observations, and animal responses.
• Follow established procedures and safety requirements while communicating observations and opportunities for improvement to the team.

Qualifications

Required:

• High school diploma or GED plus 1 year of relevant experience, or
• Associate degree in Animal Science, Life Sciences, or a related field.
• Experience working with animals in a research, husbandry, veterinary, shelter, kennel, or similar environment.
• Ability to safely handle common laboratory animal species.
• Strong organizational and record-keeping skills.

Preferred:

• Bachelor's degree in Animal Science, Life Sciences, or a related discipline.
• Multi-species animal care experience.
• AALAS ALAT certification.
• Knowledge of laboratory animal care standards, protocols, and regulatory requirements.

Physical Requirements

This position is based in a research and animal care environment. Employees may work around laboratory equipment, animal allergens, biological materials, and varying noise levels. Safety equipment and training are provided.

• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs regularly.
• Ability to push wheeled carts weighing up to 1,200 lbs.
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods throughout an 8-hour shift.