Technician, Large Animal

The University of Pennsylvania; Kennett Square (Chester County); On-site; USD 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player in education and research is seeking a dedicated Technician for Large Animals. This role involves overseeing the care and management of research and teaching animals, ensuring their health and safety while adhering to university and governmental policies. The position offers a unique opportunity to work within a historic institution that values innovation and excellence. If you're passionate about animal care and want to make a meaningful impact in a supportive environment, this role could be your next career step. Join a team that promotes professional development and offers a competitive benefits package, all while enjoying the vibrant culture of Philadelphia.

Benefits

Health insurance

Tuition assistance

Retirement plans

Flexible work hours

Professional development resources

Wellness programs

Discounts on services

Long-term care insurance

Adoption assistance

Time away from work

Qualifications

• High School Diploma/GED with 1-2 years experience required.
• Large animal experience is essential; equine experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily animal husbandry and provide care for research animals.
• Maintain accurate records and ensure compliance with regulations.
• Coordinate animal transport services and assist with inspections.

Skills

Animal husbandry

Medication administration

Record keeping

Farm equipment operation

Compliance with regulations

Education

High School Diploma/GED

Experience with large animals

Tools

Farm equipment

Job description

University Overview

The University of Pennsylvania, the largest private employer in Philadelphia, is a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation. This historic, Ivy League school consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the annual U.S. News & World Report survey. Penn has 12 highly-regarded schools that provide opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and continuing education, all influenced by Penn’s distinctive interdisciplinary approach to scholarship and learning. As an employer Penn has been ranked nationally on many occasions with the most recent award from Forbes who named Penn one of America’s Best Large Employers in 2023.

Penn offers a unique working environment within the city of Philadelphia. The University is situated on a beautiful urban campus, with easy access to a range of educational, cultural, and recreational activities. With its historical significance and landmarks, lively cultural offerings, and wide variety of atmospheres, Philadelphia is the perfect place to call home for work and play.

The University offers a competitive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare and tuition benefits for employees and their families, generous retirement benefits, a wide variety of professional development opportunities, supportive work and family benefits, a wealth of health and wellness programs and resources, and much more.

Posted Job Title

Technician, Large Animal

Job Profile Title

Technician, Animal Laboratory

Job Description Summary

University Laboratory Animal Resources at Penn Vet has an ongoing need for Technicians. This posting describes the basic responsibilities and requirements for this role. If you meet the qualifications outlined below and have an interest in being considered as positions become available, please apply to this posting. Your information will be reviewed, and you will be contacted if we would like to learn more about your background.

Under limited supervision this role provides care, manages, and oversees health and safety of all research and teaching animals and animal facilities at New Bolton Center. Responsibilities include monitoring housing, daily care, vaccinations, worming and hoof care, ordering animal transport services, ordering consumable animal care supplies, monitoring the movement of animals on campus and keeping census records, ensuring compliance with university and Governmental policies, and participating in regulatory agency inspections and following up with compliance issues.

This position is located in Kennett Square, PA (Chester County) which is approximately 34 miles outside of Philadelphia. There is no public transportation to this location. You must have your own transportation. Free on-site parking is available.

Responsibilities include:

• Oversee daily animal husbandry; provide food, water, bedding, and clean trays as well as assist with vaccinations, worming, hoof care, shearing.
• Assist in preparation and/or administration of medication and/or drug compounds.
• Participate in regulatory agency animal inspections and coordinate improvement issues.
• Coordinate and ensure compliance with university and regulatory agency policies.
• Maintain accurate records of animal care, record data and perform other record keeping functions as directed.
• Interact with all levels of faculty, staff, and external vendors.
• Perform daily animal census based on movements of animals to/from various housing locations.
• Observe animal conditions and report abnormal health and unsafe or unusual conditions.
• Maintain/repair ULAR animal facilities and equipment.
• Operate farm equipment.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications

High School Diploma/GED and 1-2 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience. 3-5 years of experience is preferred and large animal experience is required. Equine experience is preferred. Must be physically able to lift heavy objects above the shoulders, handle, catch and restrain animals, perform facilities repair, upkeep, and efficiently operate farm equipment. A valid driver’s license is required. Willing to accept occasional overtime assignments and shift assignments other than Monday through Friday.

Job Location - City, State

Kennett Square, Pennsylvania

Department / School

School of Veterinary Medicine

Pay Range

Salary offers are made based on the candidate’s qualifications, experience, skills, and education as they directly relate to the requirements of the position, as well as internal and market factors and grade profile.

Equal Opportunity Statement
Penn adheres to a policy that prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected class.

Special Requirements
Background check required after a conditional job offer is made. Consideration of the background check will be tailored to the requirements of the job.

University Benefits

• Health, Life, and Flexible Spending Accounts: Penn offers comprehensive medical, prescription, behavioral health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits to protect you and your family’s health and welfare. You can also use flexible spending accounts to pay for eligible health care and dependent care expenses with pre-tax dollars.

• Tuition: Take advantage of Penn's exceptional tuition benefits. You, your spouse, and your dependent children can get tuition assistance here at Penn. Your dependent children are also eligible for tuition assistance at other institutions.

• Retirement: Penn offers generous retirement plans to help you save for your future. Penn’s Basic, Matching, and Supplemental retirement plans allow you to save for retirement on a pre-tax or Roth basis. Choose from a wide variety of investment options through TIAA and Vanguard.

• Time Away from Work: Penn provides you with a substantial amount of time away from work during the course of the year. This allows you to relax, take vacations, attend to personal affairs, recover from illness or injury, spend time with family—whatever your personal needs may be.

• Long-Term Care Insurance: In partnership with Genworth Financial, Penn offers faculty and staff (and your eligible family members) long-term care insurance to help you cover some of the costs of long-term care services received at home, in the community or in a nursing facility. If you apply when you’re newly hired, you won’t have to provide proof of good health or be subject to underwriting requirements. Eligible family members must always provide proof of good health and are subject to underwriting.

• Wellness and Work-life Resources: Penn is committed to supporting our faculty and staff as they balance the competing demands of work and personal life. That’s why we offer a wide variety of programs and resources to help you care for your health, your family, and your work-life balance.

• Professional and Personal Development: Penn provides an array of resources to help you advance yourself personally and professionally.

• University Resources: As a member of the Penn community, you have access to a wide range of University resources as well as cultural and recreational activities. Take advantage of the University’s libraries and athletic facilities, or visit our arboretum and art galleries. There’s always something going on at Penn, whether it’s a new exhibit at the Penn Museum, the latest music or theater presentation at the Annenberg Center, or the Penn Relays at Franklin Field to name just a few examples. As a member of the Penn community, you’re right in the middle of the excitement—and you and your family can enjoy many of these activities for free.

• Discounts and Special Services: From arts and entertainment to transportation and mortgages, you'll find great deals for University faculty and staff. Not only do Penn arts and cultural centers and museums offer free and discounted admission and memberships to faculty and staff, but you can also enjoy substantial savings on other goods and services such as new cars from Ford and General Motors, cellular phone service plans, movie tickets, and admission to theme parks.

• Flexible Work Hours: Flexible work options offer creative approaches for completing work while promoting balance between work and personal commitments. These approaches involve use of non-traditional work hours, locations, and/or job structures.

• Penn Home Ownership Services: Penn offers a forgivable loan for eligible employees interested in buying a home or currently residing in West Philadelphia, which can be used for closing costs or home improvements.

• Adoption Assistance: Penn will reimburse eligible employees on qualified expenses in connection with the legal adoption of an eligible child, such as travel or court fees, for up to two adoptions in your household.

To learn more, please visit: https://www.hr.upenn.edu/PennHR/benefits-pay