Animal Care Technician I

Job Title
Animal Care Technician I

Requisition Number
RE55414

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. 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 Programs That Advance Research and Discovery

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.

What You’ll Do

• 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

What You’ll Bring

• Experience 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

Minimum Requirements

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

What’s In It for You

• 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

Why Now?
Research programs rely on skilled animal care professionals to maintain healthy animal populations, support regulatory compliance, and ensure facilities operate efficiently. As research activity continues across the university, this role provides essential support that helps maintain the foundation for successful scientific studies.

You’ll become part of a team whose work directly supports research, education, and innovation while helping uphold the highest standards of animal care and welfare.

Internal Employee Being Considered

Skills / Knowledge / Abilities

MS Windows, Outlook

Does this position have supervisory responsibilities?
No

Preferred Education/Experience

6 months 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

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.