A Veterinary Technician or Technologist assists veterinarians in diagnosing and treating medical conditions in animals. May perform diagnostic tests or administer medications. Works in private veterinary practices or animal hospitals.
Position Overview Animal Care and Research Technicians (ACRTs) provide high-quality care for our resident canine partners while supporting cutting-edge nutrition research and feeding trials. This position combines hands-on animal husbandry, hygiene and sanitation, precise data collection, facility maintenance, and basic equipment operation. As feeding trials and nutrition research are the primary focus of Four Rivers Kennel, ACRTs have the opportunity to learn, participate in, and contribute directly to the scientific research process. Schedule Options Full-Time (Approx. 35-40 hrs/week): Schedule varies based on operational needs. Mix of weekday shifts (7:00 AM - 4:00 PM) and weekend morning shifts (7:00 AM - 11:30 AM). Part-Time (Approx. 20 hrs/week): Requires 2-3 weekday mornings (7:00 AM - 11:30 AM) plus both weekend mornings (7:00 AM - 11:30 AM). Includes a rotating weekend off every few weeks.
Weekend-Only:
Saturday & Sunday (7:00 AM - 11:30 AM). Potential to expand to additional weekday hours for strong candidates. Key Responsibilities Animal Care & Nutrition Accurately weigh, prepare, and deliver daily meals according to precise research protocols. Assist in weighing canines and collecting exact data to support ongoing nutritional studies. Support exercise trials and behavioral enrichment activities as needed. Apply positive behavioral principles to foster good socialization and cooperative handling. Monitor canines for overall health, behavior, and wellness, reporting any concerns promptly. Administer prescribed medications, vaccines, and routine treatments as directed by veterinary staff. Sanitation & Facility Operations Maintain rigorous sanitation standards across group housing units, kitchen areas, outdoor enrichment areas, and airing yards. Perform regular waste removal, washing, and disinfection of animal housing and care equipment. Wash and sanitize feed bowls, utensils, and kitchen prep areas following standard protocols. Perform routine facility up-keep and groundskeeping tasks as needed. Compliance & Equipment Operate, calibrate, and verify accuracy of research equipment, including digital scales. Strictly adhere to Four Rivers Kennel's Animal Care and Use Policy, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and Employee Handbook.
Qualifications Experience:
Previous experience in animal care, veterinary assisting, or scientific research environments is highly preferred.
Detail-Oriented:
Exceptional precision in data collection, record-keeping, and protocol execution.
Skills:
Strong organizational, communication, and teamwork capabilities.
Knowledge:
Familiarity with basic animal behavior and a passion for canine wellness and research.
Reliability:
Dependable attendance, including the ability to work assigned weekend and holiday shifts. Physical Requirements & Working Conditions Ability to safely handle and lead large, active, and friendly dogs. Capability to regularly lift, push, pull, or carry up to 50 lbs (e.g., feed bags, supplies, equipment). Physical stamina to stand, walk, bend, crouch, and work outdoors in varied weather conditions throughout the shift. To apply for this position, please submit your work experience through Indeed or through our website! www.fourriverskennel.com Four Rivers Kennel is a drug-free workplace and an equal opportunity employer. Please no walk-ins. Join our dedicated team and make a positive impact on the well-being of our pet partners!
Job Types:
Full-time, Part-time Pay:
From $15.00 per hour
Benefits:
401(k) 401(k) matching Dental insurance Flexible schedule Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off Vision insurance People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply Application Question(s): You are supervising a yard of dogs, and you notice two dogs starting to posture stiffly at each other, tails high and growling softly. A third dog is starting to run toward them. Walk us through exactly how you handle this situation step-by-step. Working in a professional kennel involves a high volume of repetitive physical labor, including deep-cleaning runs, power-washing, scooping yards, and managing heavy laundry, often in extreme weather (heat/cold). Tell us about a previous job or experience where you had to maintain high energy and a positive attitude during a physically demanding, fast-paced shift. In a facility caring for multiple animals, keeping precise track of feeding schedules, medication doses, and behavioral notes is critical. If you noticed a discrepancy on a dog's chart—such as a missed morning medication entry or an unclear feeding instruction—what specific actions would you take?
