LAB ANIMAL TECH/CONTAINMENT

University of Georgia; Athens (GA); On-site; USD 31,500 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

TRS retirement plan

Benefits eligible

Job summary

The University of Georgia is seeking an Lab Animal Technician II for the High Containment Animal Health Research Center in Athens. The role focuses on daily husbandry, health observations, feeding, cleaning, and transport of animals across ABSL-2 to ABSL-3 environments.

Training and strict PPE protocols are required. This position requires suspension of normal duties during rotating weekends/holidays, a high attention to safety, and adherence to SOPs.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent and 2 years related experience.
• Experience in ABSL-2/3 environments preferred.
• Ability to work rotating weekends/holidays and wear PPE.

Responsibilities

• Perform daily animal care and husbandry for research animals in ABSL-2/3/Ag facilities.
• Maintain animal clinical records and environmental monitoring logs.
• Assist with facility sanitation, equipment operation, and preventive maintenance.
• Provide assistance and resources to facility users and staff as needed.

Skills

Animal care

Laboratory experience

Communication

Safety procedures

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Autoclaves

Biosafety cabinets

Job description

Posting Details

Posting Number

S15523P

Working Title

LAB ANIMAL TECH/CONTAINMENT

Department

VetMed-Animal Health Rsch Ctr

About the University of Georgia

Chartered by the state of Georgia in 1785, the University of Georgia is the birthplace of public higher education in America and is the state's flagship university (https://www.uga.edu/). The proof is in our more than 240 years of academic and professional achievements and our continual commitment to higher education. UGA is currently ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report. The University's main campus is located in Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 3,100 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University's enrollment exceeds 41,000 students including over 31,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 19 schools and colleges, including our newly established School of Medicine.

About the College/Unit/Department

The University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine, founded in 1946, is dedicated to training future veterinarians, providing services to animal owners and veterinarians, and conducting investigations to improve the health of animals as well as people. The college benefits pets and their owners, food-producing animals, and wildlife by offering the highest quality hospital and diagnostic laboratory services. Equipped with the most technologically advanced facilities located on a university campus, the college is dedicated to safeguarding public health by studying emerging infectious diseases that affect both animal and human health.

The College of Veterinary Medicine values all members of the university community, recognizing that differences in experience and culture can only lead to a more well-rounded, accepting academic environment as embodied in our Principles of Community.

College/Unit/Department website

www.vet.uga.edu

Posting Type

External

Retirement Plan

TRS

Employment Type

Employee

Benefits Eligibility

Benefits Eligible

Full/Part time

Full Time

Work Schedule

Typical schedule: M-F, 7 am - 4 pm. Rotating weekends and holidays required.

Advertised Salary

$41,500 - $52,000 - commensurate with experience

Posting Date

07/28/2026

Open until filled

Yes

Proposed Starting Date

08/30/2026

Location of Vacancy

Athens Area

EEO Policy Statement

The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status or other protected status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR ([e-mail]).

USG Core Values Statement

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 25 institutions of higher education and learning, as well the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 08.02.18.01.02. Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 06.05 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom.

Position Information

Classification Title

Animal Care Technician II

FLSA

Non-Exempt

FTE

1.00

Minimum Qualifications

High school diploma or equivalent and 2 years of related experience

Position Summary

This is a high containment laboratory animal husbandry position at the Animal Health Research Center ( AHRC ), an AAALC accredited animal facility. This position will perform all aspects of high containment animal husbandry with various species of laboratory and agricultural animals in ABSL -2, ABSL -3, and ABSL3-Ag environments. Animal husbandry duties include, but are not limited to, daily health observations, feeding and watering animals, cleaning caging, receiving, identifying and transporting animals, and providing and monitoring environmental enrichment. The position may require veterinary technical assistance such as blood, tissue, weight, temperature and urine/fecal collections, administering prophylactic and/or terminal treatments and injections, and more. The incumbent will be expected to perform routine cleaning and sanitation duties such as decontaminating, cleaning disinfecting and sterilizing cages, animal rooms, primary enclosures, ancillary areas, and equipment. Duties also include setting up and breaking down laboratories, operating large equipment like autoclaves, cage washers, biosafety cabinets, etc., providing some facility level training, perform minor preventative maintenance and facility monitoring, and maintaining important documentation (room logs, autoclave/cage washer logs, select agent tracking logs, etc.). The incumbent will be expected to perform all duties in various levels of personal protective equipment ( PPE ) when in active laboratories and adhere to strict standard operating procedures. Multiple daily showers are required as part of facility biocontainment policies. Participation in pre-study meetings, continuing education, and training classes is expected. This position will require federal approval to work in certain laboratories and requires rotating weekend and holiday work. Incumbent must participate in the UGA Occupational Health program.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies

• Experience handling various animal species, working in a veterinary, research or laboratory setting, experience working in ABSL -2, ABSL -3, or ABSL -3Ag environments, and/or basic understanding of infectious disease research strategies is preferred.
• Developed communication and critical thinking skills, situational awareness, observational skills, and a desire to promote and foster teamwork while still being able to work independently.
• Abilitiy to listen and take direction.
• Able to adapt quickly to changing priorities when required.

Physical Demands

1. Sustained periods of standing, bending, stooping, reaching above shoulder level and lifting 50 pounds. Work may be physically demanding involving the transport, relocation and positioning of supplies and caging equipment.
2. Work under challenging environmental conditions (high humidity/temperature, unpleasant odors, animal excreta and noise) while wearing PPE .
3. Work involves exposure to biohazards, chemicals, and/or physical risks, which requires following established safety procedures.
4. Daily showers (2+) (required ). The incumbent is required to wear various PPE ( PAPRS , protective clothing, respirators, gloves, etc.) and stand on hard surfaces for prolonged periods of time.
5. Handle and treat multiple species of animals including large hoofstock in relatively confined spaces.

Is driving a responsibility of this position?

No

Is this a Position of Trust?

Yes

Does this position have operation, access, or control of financial resources?

No

Does this position require a P-Card?

No

Is having a P-Card an essential function of this position?

No

Does this position have direct interaction or care of children under the age of 18 or direct patient care?

No

Does this position have Security Access (e.g., public safety, IT security, personnel records, patient records, or access to chemicals and medications)

Yes

Credit and P-Card policy

Be advised a credit check will be required for all positions with financial responsibilities. For additional information about the credit check criteria, visit the UGA Credit Background Check website.

Background Investigation Policy

Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including, a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials (including reference checks) as they relate to the job-based requirements of the position applied for; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. You may also be subject to a pre-employment drug test for positions with high-risk responsibilities, if applicable. Please visit the UGA Background Check website.

Duties/Responsibilities

Performs daily animal care and husbandry duties for research animals in an ABSL -3/ ABSL -3Ag facility including feeding, watering, animal handling/transport, animal health checks, cage changing, providing enrichment and environmental monitoring, communicating and reporting animal health issues, restocking and cleaning animal holding rooms, and maintaining animal clinical records. Ensures animal welfare meets all local, state, and federal regulations.

Percentage of time

50

Duties/Responsibilities

Decontaminates, cleans, and sanitizes animal rooms, ancillary areas, primary enclosures and caging equipment following established procedures and schedules. Operates equipment such as; autoclaves, bedding dump stations, IVC racks, chemical foamer/sprayers, biosafety cabinets, and cage washers. Sets up and breaks down laboratories with various research schedules. Maintains established sanitation and maintenance schedules.

Percentage of time

30

Duties/Responsibilities

Maintains and stocks appropriate supplies and equipment inventories. Performs minor preventative maintenance duties on animal care and ancillary equipment ensuring it is maintained and functioning at optimal performance. Performs and assists with facility annual performance verifications, administering some facility trainings, and monitoring the integrated pest management program.

Percentage of time

10

Duties/Responsibilities

Initiates and maintains compliance records such as animal room logs, sanitation logs, autoclave logs, census activity sheets, select agent tracking logs etc. Assists in standard operating procedures development. Performs and assists with technical services such as; blood/tissue/weight/temp collections and administering animal medications. Participates in multiple training classes as prescribed and participates in UGA Occupational Health & Safety program. Performs weekend and holiday duties as scheduled; and other duties as assigned. Provides assistance and resources to facility users and departmental staff.

Percentage of time

10

Contact Information

Recruitment Contact

Recruitment Contact Name

Hannah Walker

Recruitment Contact Email

[e-mail]

Recruitment Contact Phone

Application Documents

1. Resume/CV
2. Cover Letter