Animal Care Technician I

Posting Details

Posting Details

Job Title Animal Care Technician I Requisition Number RE55413 Working Title Department Name 40832:Laboratory Animal Resources Work Location Lexington, KY Grade Level 40 Salary Range $15.61-24.99/hour Type of Position Staff Position Time Status Full-Time Required Education

HS

Click here for more information about equivalencies: https://hr.uky.edu/employment/working-uk/equivalencies Required Related Experience

1 yr

Required License/Registration/Certification

None

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, cuts/punctures, and bloodborne/airborne pathogens. Able to work in hot, wet areas and wear personal protective clothing.

Shift

Monday - Friday; 7:00 am - 3:30 pm (40 hours per week); This position is 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.

Job Summary

Support Animal Care and Research Operations That Advance Scientific Discovery

The University of Kentucky is seeking an Animal Care Technician I to support the Division of Laboratory Animal Resources (DLAR) in providing high-quality animal care and maintaining research facilities that support the university's teaching and research mission.

This role is responsible for animal husbandry, facility sanitation, equipment maintenance support, and documentation activities that help ensure the health and well-being of research animals. Working alongside animal care professionals and research staff, the successful candidate will help maintain a safe, compliant, and efficient research environment.

What You'll Do

• Provide daily care for rodents, non-human primates, dogs, pigeons, and other research animal species
• Feed, water, observe, and monitor animals, reporting any health or behavioral concerns
• Clean, sanitize, and maintain cages, equipment, animal rooms, and related facilities
• Support cage wash operations and help ensure equipment is operating properly
• Receive, transfer, and house incoming animals according to established procedures
• Maintain accurate records, logs, and quality assurance documentation
• Monitor environmental conditions and report any concerns or irregularities
• Assist with staff training and support departmental operations as needed

What You'll Bring

• Experience working with animals, animal care programs, or laboratory environments
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to following established procedures
• Ability to maintain accurate records and documentation
• Dependability and a strong work ethic
• Commitment to safety, animal welfare, and regulatory compliance
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team

Minimum Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent
• 1 year of related experience

What's In It for You

• Meaningful impact: Support research that advances human and animal health
• Hands-on work: Engage in animal care, facility operations, and research support activities
• Professional development: Build skills in laboratory animal care and research operations
• Team environment: Work alongside dedicated animal care and research professionals
• UK's Exceptional Benefits

Why Now?

Research programs depend on skilled animal care professionals who ensure animals receive consistent, high-quality care while facilities operate safely and efficiently. This position plays an important role in supporting research activities by maintaining animal welfare standards and helping researchers carry out their work in compliance with established regulations and guidelines.

You'll join a team whose daily efforts help create the foundation for scientific discovery, education, and innovation across the university.

Internal Employee Being Considered

Skills / Knowledge / Abilities

MS Windows, Word, Outlook.

Does this position have supervisory responsibilities? No Preferred Education/Experience

Five months or more of satisfactory work in a laboratory animal facility or 1 year experience in an animal related field preferred.

Valid state driver's license preferred.

Completion of PMI Laboratory Animal Care" course preferred.

Deadline to Apply 08/17/2026 Our University Community

We value the well-being of each of our employees and are dedicated to creating a healthy place for everyone to work, learn and live. In the interest of maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our students, employees, patients and visitors, the University of Kentucky is a Tobacco & Drug Free campus.

The University follows both the federal and state Constitutions as well as all applicable federal and state laws on nondiscrimination. The University provides equal opportunities for qualified persons in all aspects of institutional operations and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic origin, religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, uniformed service, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information or social or economic status.

Any candidate offered a position may be required to pass pre-employment screenings as mandated by University of Kentucky Human Resources. These screenings may include a national background check and/or drug screen.

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• • Do you have experience conducting routine inspections (specifically regarding attention to detail) and reporting the findings to your supervisor?

• Yes

• No

• • Rate your level of expertise in using Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Outlook, Excel, and Powerpoint.)

• Novice

• Apprentice

• Proficient

• Distinguished

• • Define your understanding of teamwork and provide an example of how you demonstrate being a team player in the work setting.

(Open Ended Question)

• • The essential functions of this position will require you to push, pull or lift objects over 50lbs. Can you meet this requirement with or without reasonable accommodations?

• Yes

• No

• • Are you willing to work with animals (mice)?

• Yes

• No

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

• Resume
• Cover Letter

Optional Documents