Lab Animal Aide - LAA

utoledo.edu; Toledo, Northern (OH, KY); Hybrid; USD 18,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Toledo is seeking a Lab Animal Aide to provide daily husbandry for laboratory animals, observe health, and maintain clean, compliant facilities.

Responsibilities include health checks, cage changes, record-keeping, waste management, and PPE-compliant workflows while supporting research activities under approved protocols.

Shifts include weekends/holidays; ALAT certification is preferred for advancement opportunities.

Qualifications

• High school or equivalent certification required.
• No health or physical conditions that would prevent working with animals in a research setting.

Responsibilities

• Monitors daily animal health and welfare while performing health observations and husbandry duties.
• Performs daily health checks, provides food and water, completes cage changing, and provides clinical care as directed.
• Maintains records of duties and reports abnormalities.
• Cleans and sanitizes animal facility and equipment; manages waste.
• Operates equipment for husbandry operations and reports malfunctions.
• Follows safety, infection control, and regulatory compliance protocols.

Skills

Animal care

Observation

Record keeping

PPE proficiency

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Cage washers

Autoclaves

Job description

Title: Lab Animal Aide - LAA

Department Org: Dept of Lab Animal Resources - 100750

Employee Classification: B1 - Classif'd Full Time AFSCME HSC

Bargaining Unit:AFSCME HSC

Primary Location: HSC H

Shift:1

Start Time:7:15 AM End Time:3:45 PM

Posted Salary: 15.41

Weekend/Holiday: True

Job Description:

Provides daily husbandry of laboratory animals to include observations of animals, handling and restraint, feeding and watering, changing cages/racks, and sanitizing animal areas and equipment. Maintains the facility in compliance with regulations and accrediting bodies. Provides a supportive role in the oversight of research activities to ensure compliance with approved protocols and regulations.

Minimum Qualifications:

• High school or equivalent certification required
• No health or physical conditions that would prevent working with animals in a research setting

Principal Duties and Responsibilities:

• Monitors daily animal health and welfare while performing health observations and animal husbandry duties to maintain the quality and health of research animals
• Performs daily health checks, provides appropriate food and water, completes cage changing as assigned, and provides clinical care as directed.
• Maintains all records associated with duties and reports any abnormalities or irregularities.
• Cleans, sanitizes, disinfects, and/or sterilizes animal facility, equipment and department space and manages waste according to established procedures.
• Performs routine maintenance and minor mechanical adjustments to mobile caging, racks, tables, and automatic watering equipment.
• Operates and utilizes equipment necessary for husbandry operations, including cage washers and autoclaves, and promptly reports equipment malfunctions or concerns.
• Practices safety, environmental, and infection control methods and observes rules of animal disease control.
• Receives, verifies, and documents animal and supply shipments against purchase orders, bills of lading, and related paperwork.
• May guide the work of new departmental or research staff, volunteers and/or student employees.
• Performs other duties as assigned

Communication and Other Skills:

• Demonstrates strong attention to detail and a consistent commitment to high-quality work.
• Communicate effectively and professionally with colleagues, supervisors, and the research community.
• Capable of routinely lifting up to 50 lbs. and performing physically demanding work.
• Able to understand, interpret, and follow written and verbal instructions.
• Effectively manages fluctuating workloads and prioritizes tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Self-motivated and able to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Comfortable working in an environment that requires the routine use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Completes assigned tasks efficiently and proactively supports regulatory compliance and facility needs.
• Available to work weekends and holidays as scheduled and maintains reliable attendance.

Preferred Qualifications:

• ALAT certification
• 6 months of relevant work experience

Conditions of Employment:

To promote the highest levels of health and well-being, the University of Toledo campuses are tobacco-free. Pre-employment health screening requirements for the University of Toledo Health Science Campus Medical Center will include drug and other required health screenings for the position.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

The University of Toledo is an equal opportunity employer. The University of Toledo does not discriminate in employment, educational programs, or activities on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, ancestry, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, military or veteran status, disability, familial status, or political affiliation.

The University is dedicated to attracting and retaining the best and brightest talent and fostering a culture of respect.

The University of Toledo provides reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If you require accommodation to complete this application, or for testing or interviewing, please contact HR Compliance at [e-mail] or 419-530-4747 between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. or apply online for an accommodation request.

Computer access is available at most public libraries and at the Office of Human Resources located in the Center for Administrative Support on the UToledo Main Campus.