Kennel Care Attendant

About the role

This is a contract‑based entry‑level Research Technician position located in Mexico, MO. You will receive hands‑on training and gain experience in professional animal care, enrichment, feeding programs, and kennel operations within a state‑of‑the‑art facility, working daily with dogs and cats to support their health, comfort, and well‑being.

Responsibilities

• Providing daily care, attention, and enrichment activities for animals
• Exercising and socializing dogs and cats according to established programs
• Feeding animals based on individualized feeding schedules and protocols
• Monitoring animal well-being and documenting observations accurately
• Maintaining clean, safe, and sanitary kennel and animal care areas
• Refreshing water supplies and ensuring animals remain comfortable throughout the day
• Assisting with bathing and cleaning animals when needed
• Performing laundry duties, including washing bedding, towels, and animal care materials
• Preparing animal meals in a food preparation area that operates similarly to a commercial kitchen
• Supporting pet food taste trial programs by preparing and managing feeding materials
• Monitoring inventory levels and notifying supervisors when supplies need replenishing
• Following all safety, sanitation, and animal care procedures

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required
• Ability to safely lift up to 40 pounds
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, and move throughout the shift
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow procedures
• Availability to work a consistent full-time schedule, including rotating weekends and some holidays

Benefits

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Pay

The pay range for this position is $18.50 – $18.50 per hour (effectively $18.50/hour). Individual compensation within this range depends on qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other job‑related factors.

Schedule

This is a full‑time role requiring availability to work a consistent schedule, including rotating weekends and some holidays.