Animal Care Technician I

Job Title
Animal Care Technician I

Requisition Number
RE52741

Working Title

Department Name
40832:Laboratory Animal Resources

Work Location
Lexington, KY

Grade Level
40

Salary Range
$15.30-24.50/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. Must report during campus emergency close.

Job Summary

As an Animal Care Technician I, you will play a key role in supporting high‑quality animal care and research at the University of Kentucky. This position is responsible for providing daily husbandry for a variety of species—including rodents, non‑human primates, pigeons, dogs, and others—while maintaining clean, safe, and well‑functioning research facilities. In this role, you will perform routine animal care tasks, assist with cage wash and facility sanitation (up to 70% of your time), and rotate through multiple facilities based on training and staffing needs. All work must be completed in strict accordance with DLAR standard operating procedures, safety guidelines, and regulatory expectations. The ideal candidate is dependable, attentive to detail, and committed to animal welfare. Technicians are expected to promptly report any concerns or deviations, follow assigned schedules, and adhere to DLAR attendance and conduct policies.

IEBC (Internal Employee Being Considered).

Skills / Knowledge / Abilities

MS Windows, and Outlook.

Does this position have supervisory responsibilities?
No

Preferred Education/Experience

AALAS certification at ALAT level is preferred. Promotions are based on DLAR needs and employee ability to compete at this level. Valid state driver’s license if driving animal transport van.

Deadline to Apply
01/13/2026

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.