Animal Technician 1 | Integrated Vivarium Services Unit

Washington State University; United States; On-site; USD 18,000 - 23,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits package

Job summary

Washington State University’s Integrated Vivarium Services Unit in Pullman is hiring an Animal Technician 1 to join a dedicated animal care team. You will perform routine tasks for animal care, monitoring, handling, and feeding, following detailed instructions.

This 50% FTE permanent role requires weekend/holiday rotation, attention to detail, and ability to work under conditions other staff do. The position offers a comprehensive benefits package and on-campus facilities.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED or equivalent.
• Ability to read and write in English.
• Must 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.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Reading & writing in English

Attention to detail

Effective communication

Education

High School diploma or GED

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

Background Check

This position has been designated by the department to require a background check because it requires access to children or vulnerable adults as defined by RCW 74.34, engages in law enforcement, requires security clearance, interacts with WSU students in a counseling or advising capacity, has access to personal identifying and/or financial information, unsupervised access to university buildings/property, or other business-related need. A background check will not be completed until an initial determination of qualification for employment has been made.

Notice of Non-Discrimination

In matters of admission, employment, housing or services, or in the educational programs or activities it operates, WSU does not discriminate or permit discrimination by any member of its community against any individual on the basis of sex, race, color, national or ethnic origin, physical disability, mental disability, sensory disability, use of a trained service animal, age, religion, creed, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, honorably discharged veteran, member of the military, or immigration or citizenship status except as authorized by federal or state law, regulation, or government contract. Inquiries about the application of federal and state laws and regulations (including inquiries regarding the application of Title IX, ADA/Section 504, and implementing regulations), as well as reports and complaints of discrimination and harassment, can be made verbally or in writing to WSU’s Compliance and Civil Rights, the Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights, or both. More information, resources, and contact information are available here: https://ccr.wsu.edu/notice-of-nondiscrimination/

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View the HRS Benefits website for details on competitive benefits available.