Laboratory Animal Technician

Utah State University; Logan (UT); On-site; USD 21,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

Utah State University in Logan, UT is seeking a Lab Animal Technician to care for laboratory animals, provide enrichment, monitor health, and maintain animal rooms in compliance with regulations. The role involves handling animals, sanitation, and occasional weekend shifts.

The position requires prior animal care experience or an allied degree, ALAT certification preferred, and a willingness to work with hazardous materials while adhering to safety standards. Salary is $17.75/hr.

Qualifications

• Two years of experience working with animals in a veterinary facility, research clinic or equivalent OR an Associate’s degree in a Life Sciences or related field OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Responsibilities

• Provides daily care for laboratory research animals, including feeding, watering, and cleaning animal areas.
• Provides enrichment devices to animals as indicated.
• Monitors animal health and behavior.
• Physically handles, restrains, and moves animals without injuring the animals or endangering self.
• Observes, records, and reports common signs of clinical illness and/or irregularities in animals to attending veterinarian.
• Checks and records animal room environmental parameters, including temperature, humidity, room air pressure, and light cycles; informs supervisor of changes which are out of normal ranges.
• Verifies and replenishes room supplies for animals.
• Transports animals and equipment as needed within the facility.
• Performs facility sanitation procedures.
• May work with hazardous agents, including chemical, radiological, and BSL-2-3 bio hazards.
• May train and/or guide other employees and monitors personnel entering/exiting building.
• Assists in maintaining accreditation standards.
• Assists research technicians in resolving problems and provides research support.
• Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.
• Willing to work weekends and holidays as assigned.
• Willing to learn principles and practices of animal research, able and willing to learn and follow all federal regulations pertaining to laboratory animals, learn the principles and practices of laboratory animal science, attend personal hygiene and personal safety training annually, willing to work with biological hazards (BSL 2 and 3), and be willing to operate washing and sterilizing equipment.

Skills

Follow instructions

Safety & infection control

Laboratory equipment operation

Experimental procedures knowledge

Computer skills

Education

ALAT certification (AALAS)

Job description

Overview

Incumbents in the Lab Animal Technician series are responsible for the care and welfare of laboratory animals used in scientific research.

Incumbents provide care for laboratory animals and their environment through animal husbandry and keep records according to State, Federal, and University regulations.

Responsibilities

• Provides daily care for laboratory research animals, including feeding, watering, and cleaning animal areas.
• Provides enrichment devices to animals as indicated.
• Monitors animal health and behavior.
• Physically handles, restrains, and moves animals without injuring the animals or endangering self.
• Observes, records, and reports common signs of clinical illness and/or irregularities in animals to attending veterinarian.
• Checks and records animal room environmental parameters, including temperature, humidity, room air pressure, and light cycles; informs supervisor of changes which are out of normal ranges.
• Verifies and replenishes room supplies for animals.
• Transports animals and equipment as needed within the facility.
• Performs facility sanitation procedures.
• May work with hazardous agents, including chemical, radiological, and BSL-2-3 bio hazards.
• May train and/or guide other employees and monitors personnel entering/exiting building.
• Assists in maintaining accreditation standards.
• Assists research technicians in resolving problems and provides research support.
• Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.
• Willing to work weekends and holidays as assigned.
• Willing to learn principles and practices of animal research, able and willing to learn and follow all federal regulations pertaining to laboratory animals, learn the principles and practices of laboratory animal science, attend personal hygiene and personal safety training annually, willing to work with biological hazards (BSL 2 and 3), and be willing to operate washing and sterilizing equipment.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Two years of experience working with animals in a veterinary facility, research clinic or equivalent OR an Associate’s degree in a Life Sciences or related field OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• ALAT certification through AALAS

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to follow routine verbal or written instructions.
• Ability to maintain quality, safety, and/or infection control standards.
• Skilled in providing guidance and instruction in laboratory protocols and in the safe use of laboratory equipment.
• Knowledge of experimental procedures, protocols, and preparation techniques within area of specialty.
• Knowledge of related accreditation and certification requirements.
• Ability to set up, calibrate, operate, and maintain standard laboratory and test equipment.
• Knowledge of the cleaning specifications of various laboratory and/or medical equipment, fixtures, utensils, and related materials.
• Computer skills including, spreadsheet and word-processing programs

Required Documents

Along with the online application, please attach:

• Resume/CV to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under “Resume/CV”
• Cover Letter to be typed/pasted at the end of your application
• Answer the following questions within the application:
  • What experience do you have working with animals?
  • How do you ensure the well-being of the animals you work with?
  • What are your thoughts on animal research and euthanasia?

Document size may not exceed 10 MB.

Advertised Salary

17.75/hr

ADA

This position requires moderate physical activity. Employees must have sufficient strength to perform the duties and responsibilities of the position including moderate lifting (up to 50 pounds), walking, bending, stooping, kneeling, and squatting. Employees may be exposed to unusual elements including extreme temperatures, dust, fumes, smoke, unpleasant odors, and/or loud noises.

University Highlights

Founded in 1888, Utah State University is Utah’s premier land-grant, public service university. As an R1 research institution, Utah State is dedicated to advancing knowledge and serving the public good through innovative research and scholarly activities that are grounded in reciprocal engagement with local, regional, and global communities. USU prepares students to be active, civically engaged leaders who are prepared to address critical societal challenges. Dedicated to providing a high-quality and affordable education, USU remains a leader in research, discovery, and public impact.

USU enrolls over 29,800 students, both online and in person atlocations throughout the state.Utah State’s 30 locations include a main campus in Logan, Utah, residential campuses in Price and Blanding, and six additional statewide campuses, along with education centers serving every county. USU educates students from all 50 states and more than 80 countries. For over 100 years, USU Extension has served and engaged Utahns, serving every county in the state.

Competing at the NCAA Division I level in 16 sports, USU is a proud member of the Pac-12 Conference, officially joining on July 1, 2026. The Aggies capped a historic final season in the Mountain West by capturing nine combined regular-season and tournament titles in 2025–26, with five teams advancing to postseason play. This tradition of excellence extends to the classroom, where 232 student-athletes earned academic honors, and to the community, where USU ranked second nationally in Division I service hours, with nine teams placing in the top 10 for community service.

Utah State is dedicated to fostering a community where all individuals feel respected, valued, and supported and where diversity of thought and culture are cultivated. We seek to recruit, hire, and retain people from all walks of life who willchampion excellence in education, research, discovery, outreach, and service.We believe that promoting a strong sense of community and belonging empowers and engages all members of USU to thrive and be successful.Forbes recognized our commitment to employees when they namedUtah State the best employer in Utahin 2023.Learn moreabout USU.

The university provides aDual Career Assistance Programto support careers for partners who are also seeking employment.Additionally,USU is committed to providing access and a reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities. To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability, contact the university’s ADA Coordinator in the Office of Human Resources at [phone] [e-mail].

*updated 07/2026

Notice of Non-discrimination

In its programs and activities, including in admissions and employment, Utah State University does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination, including harassment, based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy, Title IX, or any other federal, state, or local law.

Utah State University is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination including harassment in employment including in hiring, promotion, transfer, or termination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy or any other federal, state, or local law.

Utah State University does not discriminate in its housing offerings and will treat all persons fairly and equally without regard to race, color, religion, sex, familial status, disability, national origin, source of income, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Additionally, the University endeavors to provide reasonable accommodations when necessary and to ensure equal access to qualified persons with disabilities.

In all circumstances, Utah State University follows state and federal laws related to sex-segregated spaces.

The following office has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the application of Title IX and its implementing regulations and/or USU’s non-discrimination policies:

Civil Rights & Title IX Office

Old Main Room 405

1475 Old Main Hill, Logan UT 84322

[e-mail]

[phone]

For further information regarding non-discrimination, please visit crtix.usu.edu or contact:

U.S. Department of Education

Denver Regional Office

303-844-5695| [e-mail]

U.S. Department of Education

Office of Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights

800-421-3481 | [e-mail]

*updated 08/2026