Assistant Lab Animal Technician

Inside Higher Ed; Tallahassee (FL); On-site; USD 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A research institution in Tallahassee is seeking an Assistant Lab Animal Technician. This role involves ensuring high standards of animal care, performing routine duties like cage sanitation, and complying with regulations. Ideal candidates will have a high school diploma or equivalent, two years of experience, and a valid driver's license. AALAS certification is preferred but can be obtained within six months. This full-time position offers the chance to work closely with research animals and technical procedures.

Qualifications

• Two years of experience in a relevant field.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Valid State of Florida or Georgia driver's license.

Responsibilities

• Maintain research animals and facilities.
• Perform cage sanitation and preparation.
• Ensure compliance with applicable regulations.

Skills

Ability to operate machinery and equipment

Physical tasks

Establish effective working relationships

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

AALAS certification at ALAT level

Job description

Job Title: Assistant Lab Animal Technician

Location: Tallahassee, FL

Regular/Temporary: Regular

Full/Part Time: Full-Time

Responsibilities

This position plays an integral role in ensuring research animals and facilities are maintained consistent with exemplary standards of animal care. The incumbent is primarily responsible for performing routine duties associated with cage sanitation and preparation for reuse in a research setting, including cage maintenance, monitoring equipment for proper function, and maintaining sanitary conditions. Tasks include operating mechanical washers and ensuring cage washing equipment is in proper working order, performing routine start‑up and shut‑down procedures, operating autoclaves to sterilize or decontaminate caging and equipment, assisting in receiving and storing materials, food, and supplies, and transporting animals, caging, and supplies between animal rooms and facilities. This role requires a valid driver’s license and the ability to lift up to 50 lbs.

This position also requires feeding and watering animals, changing and cleaning cages, sanitizing equipment and facilities, and assisting with technical procedures such as record keeping, animal identification, and diet preparation.

All activities must comply with university policies, the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, USDA Animal Welfare Act and Regulations, OSHA standards, and other applicable federal and state regulations.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent and two years of experience, or post‑high‑school education substituting for experience at an equivalent rate.
• Ability to perform physical tasks such as gripping, reaching, bending, and regularly lifting up to 50 pounds.
• AALAS certification at ALAT level or the ability to obtain certification within six months of eligibility.
• A valid State of Florida or Georgia driver’s license or the ability to obtain one prior to hire.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in laboratory animal sciences or maintaining laboratory animal facilities.
• Knowledge of and ability to safely operate machinery and equipment.
• Ability to identify safety hazards and take necessary precautions.
• Ability to establish effective working relationships and resolve conflicts.
• Some post‑secondary education.

Contact Information

Cassidy Cooksey – [e-mail]

Veterans’ Preference

Certain service members and veterans, and the spouses and family members of such service members and veterans, receive preference and priority. Veterans’ Preference applies to University Support Personnel System (USPS) positions only. To claim Veterans’ Preference, select “yes” to the question on the application questionnaire and upload a DD‑214 (or equivalent), the Veterans’ Preference Certification form, and other documentation with your online application before midnight of the position closing date.

Equal Employment Opportunity

FSU is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.