Entry-Level Animal Care Tech - Hands-On Research

Charles River Laboratories, Inc.; Shrewsbury (MA); On-site; USD 23,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

Charles River Laboratories, Inc. is seeking an Animal Care Technician in Massachusetts to provide daily care and husbandry for research animals.

This role offers hands-on experience in a regulated research environment, with responsibilities ranging from daily checks to cage maintenance and enrichment. You will work in a physical, fast-paced setting and must be able to follow detailed procedures, maintain cleanliness, and contribute to animal welfare across multiple species.

Qualifications

• Strong work ethic and reliable attendance
• Comfortable performing physically demanding work throughout the day
• Enjoy working in a structured, routine-driven environment
• Understand that animal care involves significant cleaning and sanitation responsibilities
• Be comfortable working in warm, wet, or occasionally unpleasant conditions
• Take pride in maintaining clean, organized spaces
• Be willing to learn and follow detailed procedures and protocols
• Work effectively both independently and as part of a team
• Be comfortable working with multiple animal species
• Be available to participate in shared weekend, holiday, and overtime coverage as needed

Responsibilities

• Perform daily animal health and mortality checks
• Provide food and water according to established procedures
• Clean and maintain animal cages, enclosures, and housing areas
• Handle and move animals as needed to complete routine husbandry tasks
• Perform cage changes, including transferring rodents between cages
• Provide exercise and environmental enrichment for animals
• Assist with daily food preparation, including preparing produce and specialized diets
• Monitor animal housing areas and report any unusual observations or concerns
• Support cage‑wash operations, including removing used bedding and preparing cages for reuse
• Learn and follow husbandry procedures for multiple species, including rodents, dogs, pigs, and nonhuman primates
• Adhere to established procedures, safety requirements, and quality standards in a regulated research environment

Skills

Dependable

Team player

Physically fit

Attention to detail

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Associates in related field preferred

Job description

Charles River Laboratories, Inc. is seeking an Animal Care Technician in Massachusetts to provide daily care and husbandry for research animals.

This role offers hands-on experience in a regulated research environment, with responsibilities ranging from daily checks to cage maintenance and enrichment. You will work in a physical, fast-paced setting and must be able to follow detailed procedures, maintain cleanliness, and contribute to animal welfare across multiple species.