Animal Technician 1 - Integrated Vivarium Services Unit

Washington State University; Pullman (WA); On-site; USD 18,000 - 23,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid sick leave

Paid vacation leave

Paid holidays

Retirement plan

Tuition waiver

Job summary

Washington State University is seeking an Animal Technician 1 to join the Integrated Vivarium Services Unit in Pullman. This 50% FTE, permanent position involves routine animal care, monitoring, handling and feeding, along with custodial duties within multiple university facilities.

The role requires follow-through on detailed instructions, effective communication, and attention to safety. Weekend and holiday hours rotate; overtime eligible with salary range provided.

Qualifications

• High School graduation or equivalent required.
• Must read and write in English.
• Must be able to travel to pick up animal shipments from airports.

Responsibilities

• Care for animals including feeding, monitoring and handling.
• Maintain clean and safe animal care facilities and perform custodial tasks.
• Assist with shipments of animals, feed, bedding and supplies.

Skills

English literacy

Reading and writing

Physical ability

Education

High School diploma

Tools

Driver's license

Lift truck operation

Job description

Online applications must be received before 11:59pm on: November 17, 2026 If a date is not listed above, review the Applicant Instructions below for more details.

Available Title(s): 525E-YN_CS_NPS - Animal Technician 1

Business Title: Animal Technician 1 | Integrated Vivarium Services Unit

Employee Type: Classified

Position Details:

The Opportunity: As an Animal Technician 1 , you will work as part of a dedicated animal care team to perform routine tasks related to the care, monitoring, handling, and feeding of animals, as well as custodial duties within multiple university animal facilities. This role will require you to follow detailed instructions, communicate effectively, and maintain strong attention to detail in all aspects of animal care.

You will support vivarium users within the Integrated Vivarium Services Unit (IVS) at Washington State University (WSU) Pullman. This is an essential position, and you will be expected to report to work under conditions that other employees are not required to report to work, such as inclement weather and WSU suspended operations.

This recruitment is for a 50% FTE (part time permanent) position. Weekend and Holiday hours on a rotating bases is also required.

Percentage of task breakdown:

• 35% - Cage Washing & Decontamination Operation: Preparation and Set up of Equipment
• 30% - Animal Care and Husbandry
• 15% - Shipments of Animal, Feed, Bedding, and Supplies
• 15% - Cleaning and Disinfecting of Facility and Animal Rooms
• 5% - Other Duties as Assigned

Additional Information:

This is a part time ( 50% FTE), permanent position. This position is overtime eligible.

Monthly Salary: $1,597.50 to $2,100.50 at 50% FTE ($3,195 to $4,201 at 100% FTE) | Range 34 Steps A-M | Successful candidates are typically hired at the beginning of the salary range and receive scheduled salary increment increases in accordance with WAC 357-28 .

In accordance with RCW 49.58.110 , the above salary reflects the full salary range for this position. Individual placement within the range is based on the candidate's current experience, education, skills, and abilities related to the position.

Benefits: WSU offers a comprehensive benefits package which includes paid sick and vacation leave; paid holidays; medical, dental, life and disability insurance package for employees and dependents; retirement; deferred compensation, optional supplemental retirement accounts; training and development; and employee tuition waiver.

For additional information, please review the detailed Summary of Benefits offered by WSU for Classified staff and Total Compensation .

Required Qualifications:

• Physical ability to do required work, essential functions and the ability to read and write.
• High School graduation, GED, or equivalent education experience.
• Ability to read and write in English.
• Be 18 years or older.
• Must have, or be able to obtain by time of hire, a valid driver's license and meet requirements in accordance with SPPM 7.10 and departmental driving standards.
• Must be able to travel drive distance to pick up animal shipments from airports (i.e. Pullman, Lewiston, or Spokane).
• Must be able to drive 1-ton lift gate truck with manual transmission.
• Must be able to wear respiratory protective equipment if necessary based on research needs, occupational health and safety requirements, and requirements set by WSU bio-safety officer.
• Must abstain from wearing scented products or using scented products at work due to the sensitivity of the animals and research.
• Must be able to work a rotating schedule that could include weekends, after hours and holidays as needed and directed by supervisor.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior husbandry experience with a wide range of animal species and working with animals in a research or teaching institution.
• Experience managing rodent breeding colonies.
• American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) Certification at the Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician level.

Position Sponsorship Eligibility: Not eligible for work visa sponsorship

About Department and Area - The Office of the Campus Veterinarian supports humane and ethical care and treatment of animals involved in research and education at WSU. The OCV Integrated Vivarium Services provides daily care of animals in several facilities located on the WSU Pullman campus. The professional animal care technicians provide care, custodial support, husbandry, technical services and research support. For more information about the great work we are doing and to view our mission and values, please visit our website: Washington State University | Office of Research

Area/College: Office of Research

Department Name: Office of the Campus Veterinarian

Location: Pullman, WA