Animal Care Technician I

Grade Level 40 | Full-Time Staff Position

About the Role

The University of Kentucky is seeking an Animal Care Technician I to join the Division of Laboratory Animal Resources (DLAR) and support the daily care of research animals and facility operations. This role helps ensure animals receive consistent, high-quality care while maintaining clean, safe, and compliant research environments. Working as part of a collaborative team, you’ll support animal husbandry, facility sanitation, recordkeeping, and operational activities that are essential to the university’s research mission.

Responsibilities

• Provide daily care for research animals, including feeding, watering, cage changes, and routine observations
• Monitor animal health and behavior and report concerns to veterinary or supervisory staff
• Clean and sanitize cages, equipment, animal rooms, and support areas according to established procedures
• Support cage wash operations and maintain the flow of supplies and equipment throughout the facility
• Receive, transfer, and house incoming animals while maintaining accurate documentation
• Complete required records, checklists, room logs, and quality assurance documentation
• Monitor facility conditions and report equipment issues or operational concerns
• Assist with staff training and support department-wide operations as needed

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent
• 1 year of related experience (e.g., working with animals or in a laboratory, agricultural, veterinary, or animal care environment)
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow established procedures
• Dependability and commitment to maintaining high standards of care
• Ability to maintain accurate records and documentation
• Commitment to workplace safety, animal welfare, and teamwork
• Willingness to learn new skills and adapt to changing operational needs

Physical Requirements

• Requires heavy lifting, pushing, or pulling of objects over 50 pounds
• Animal handling (including carcasses)
• Risk of injuries from use of equipment on the job
• Exposure to temperature extremes
• Able to work in hot, wet areas and wear personal protective clothing

Schedule

• Monday – Friday; 7:00 am – 3:30 pm (40 hours per week)
• Required to participate in weekend, after hours, Holiday, and on-call rotations
• Occasional mandatory overtime may be required to meet staffing needs
• Required to report during university emergency closure to support and feed research animals

Pay

$15.61–24.99/hour

Benefits

• Meaningful impact: Support research programs that contribute to scientific advancement and improved health outcomes
• Hands-on experience: Build skills in laboratory animal care and facility operations
• Professional development: Participate in training and learning opportunities that support career growth
• Team environment: Work alongside dedicated animal care, veterinary, and research professionals
• UK’s exceptional benefits package

Preferred Qualifications

• 6 months of animal care experience, animal husbandry (laboratory animal husbandry preferred), or equivalent experience directly related to care, use, handling, and treatment of animals in a paid position

Skills / Knowledge / Abilities

• Proficiency with MS Windows and Outlook