Animal Technician

The McConnell Group; Athens, Northern (GA, KY); Hybrid; USD 32,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Vision benefits

Life insurance

401(k)

Paid Time Off

Job summary

The McConnell Group, Inc. (TMG), a health science company, is seeking an Animal Technician to support poultry and other research animals at the USDA ARS National Poultry Research Center.

You will ensure high-quality husbandry, biosecurity, and assist with routine research and veterinary procedures. Role requires daily care tasks, adherence to SOPs, and ability to work in biosecure facilities, with weekend/evening shifts possible.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Experience working with animals in farm, lab, or veterinary settings.
• Ability to lift 50 lbs and perform physically demanding tasks.
• Attention to detail and ability to follow SOPs and safety protocols.

Responsibilities

• Provide daily feeding, watering, cleaning, and health monitoring of animals.
• Maintain clean cages, pens, and equipment following strict biosecurity protocols.
• Safely handle and restrain animals for exams, treatments, or sampling.
• Record observations, treatments, and environmental conditions accurately.
• Assist veterinarians and researchers with routine procedures and sample collection.
• Operate basic facility equipment (cage washers, scales, autoclaves).
• Follow all USDA, ARS, IACUC, and safety requirements.

Skills

Animal handling

SOPs & safety

Attention to detail

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

The McConnell Group, Inc. (TMG), a health science company and provider of clinical and research support services, is seeking an Animal Technician who supports daily care, handling, and monitoring of poultry and other research animals at the USDA ARS National Poultry Research Center. The role ensures high-quality husbandry, biosecurity, and assistance with routine research and veterinary procedures.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide daily feeding, watering, cleaning, and health monitoring of animals.
• Maintain clean cages, pens, and equipment following strict biosecurity protocols.
• Safely handle and restrain animals for exams, treatments, or sampling.
• Record observations, treatments, and environmental conditions accurately.
• Assist veterinarians and researchers with routine procedures and sample collection.
• Operate basic facility equipment (cage washers, scales, autoclaves).
• Follow all USDA, ARS, IACUC, and safety requirements.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Experience working with animals in farm, lab, or veterinary settings.
• Ability to lift 50 lbs and perform physically demanding tasks.
• Attention to detail and ability to follow SOPs and safety protocols.

Preferred Qualifications

• AALAS ALAT certification.
• Experience with poultry.
• Prior work in an ag setting, research or laboratory animal facility.

Working Conditions

• Work in barns, labs, and animal housing areas with varying temperatures.
• Exposure to dust, feathers, disinfectants, and animal dander.
• Work performed across multiple biosecure buildings with strict PPE and entry/exit protocols.
• Weekend, holiday, and emergency work required to support continuous animal care.

Benefits: The McConnell Group offers a comprehensive benefits program, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401(k), and a range of other voluntary benefits. Paid Time Off (PTO) is offered to regular full-time employees.

The McConnell Group Recruits, employs, trains, compensates, and promotes without regard to race, religion, creed, color, citizenship, national origin, age, sex, gender, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, veteran status or any other legally protected basis, in accordance with applicable federal, state, or local law. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment including termination, layoff, recall, transfer, and leaves of absence.

As required by law, The McConnell Group participates in E-Verify, a service of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Social Security Administration (SSA), to verify the identity and employment eligibility of persons hired to work in the United States. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities as an applicant, please visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify