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.
Laboratory Animal Care Technician (Husbandry Specialist)
Location:
Charlottesville, VA Compensation:
$17.00 / hour
Position Type:
Full-Time Schedule:
Early Morning Shift (Typically 6:30 AM - 3:00 PM | Includes rotational weekend/holiday coverage) About the Role Are you someone who thrives on routine, loves working with animals, and wants a stable position where your work directly supports life-changing biomedical research? We are seeking a reliable, detail-oriented Laboratory Animal Care Technician to join our dedicated biomedical research support team in Charlottesville, VA. In this role, you won't just be feeding and housing animals-you will be an essential guardian of animal welfare, ensuring the health, safety, and comfort of research mice that contribute to breakthroughs in human health. If you enjoy starting your day early, getting your work done while the world is quiet, and leaving work each afternoon knowing you made a real impact, this is the long-term home for you.
Why You'll Love Working Here Job Stability & Growth:
Enjoy a steady, predictable schedule in a resilient research environment. We invest in our long-term team members with ongoing training and opportunities to earn professional industry certifications (such as
AALAS/ALAT
).
Early Riser Advantage:
Get your workday started early and have your late afternoons completely free.
Purpose-Driven Work:
Every cage change, health check, and feeding directly contributes to scientific and medical advancements.
Consistent, Focused Environment:
Work in a clean, quiet, and structured facility following clear daily procedures.
Key Responsibilities Daily Animal Husbandry:
Provide daily care, food, water, and clean bedding for lab rodents (primarily mice).
Health & Welfare Monitoring:
Inspect animals daily for signs of illness, injury, or stress, and report observations promptly to veterinary staff.
Facility & Equipment Sanitation:
Maintain clean, sanitized vivarium rooms, changing stations, and caging equipment according to strict safety guidelines.
Accurate Recordkeeping:
Maintain clear digital and physical logs of animal counts, room conditions, room temperature, and humidity.
Team Collaboration:
Work closely with research staff, veterinary personnel, and facility technicians to maintain high ethical standards of care.
What We Are Looking For Required:
Animal Handling Experience:
At least 6-12 months of experience in animal care (vet clinic, shelter, farm, pet care/boarding, or animal research setting). Comfort with
Rodents:
Must be comfortable and willing to handle, feed, and manage mice daily.
Early Morning Dependability:
A proven track record of punctuality for early morning shifts (starts around 6:30 AM). Attention to
Detail:
Ability to follow strict safety protocols, sanitation guidelines, and scientific procedures.
Physical Stamina:
Ability to stand, bend, stoop, push equipment carts, and lift up to 30-40 lbs throughout the shift.
Preferred:
Interest or background in biology, animal science, pre-vet, or medical research. Desire to stay long-term and build a steady, reliable career in laboratory animal science.
For California Applicants:
We will consider for employment all qualified Applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable federal, state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance (FCIHO), Los Angeles Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers (ULAC), The San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance (FCO) , and the California Fair Chance Act (CFCA). This position is subject to a background check based on its job duties, which may include patient care, working with vulnerable populations, access to financial and confidential information, driving, working with heavy machinery, or working in a warehouse or laboratory environment. Due to these job duties, this position has a significant impact on the business operations and reputation, as well as the safety and well-being of individuals who may be cared for as part of the job position or who may interact with staff or clients.
