Animal Technician 1

About this Opportunity: Reporting to the Animal Facility Program Supervisor, the Animal Technician 1 is responsible for full cagewash room duties, animal care in rooms, and custodial care for animals and animal facilities.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Animal Care & Husbandry (60%)

• Perform and document daily animal health checks; identify and report illness or abnormalities.

• Perform routine husbandry: cage changes, housing, feed, water, and enrichment.

• Wean or separate animals; handle, restrain, weigh, and sex common laboratory animals.

• Determine daily animal census and provide food and water (including specialized diets), documenting administration and reporting deviations.

• Maintain separation of animals with different health or experimental statuses to avoid cross-contamination.

• Provide husbandry in biocontainment or bioexclusion areas (ABSL2, ABSL2+, isolation, quarantine, Helicobacter-free rooms).

• Monitor and record room environmental parameters and report deviations.

• Assist with animal delivery and transport within the facility.

• Maintain detailed, accurate written and electronic records and logs while following all SOPs and guidelines.

• Communicate animal care issues to research personnel, supervisors, and coworkers, and attend staff meetings and continuing education sessions.

1. Sanitation, Cagewash & Facility Maintenance (20%)

• Follow SOPs and guidelines for cagewash, animal care, and housing, preparing clean cages and enclosures for a wide variety of animals.

• Clean and sanitize animal use areas (walls, floors, ceilings, windows, food prep rooms) and perform general custodial duties (sweeping, mopping, waste transport).

• Dispose of animal carcasses per facility, state, and federal requirements.

• Assist with basic cagewash duties (autoclaves, rack washers, tunnel washers) and operate machinery (change stations, floor scrubbers, animal racks).

• Maintain equipment (ventilated racks, laminar flow stations, biological safety cabinets) and premises to standards.

1. Logistics, Supplies & Operational Support (20%)

• Monitor inventory levels, stock and maintain supplies, and initiate supply and equipment orders.

• Occasionally operate departmental vehicles (car and box truck) and perform related duties as required.

Required Qualifications:

• Minimum Qualifications: Physical ability to do required work; ability to read, write, and communicate orally in English. Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute except where legal requirements apply. Applicants who do not meet these qualifications will not be forwarded to the Hiring Manager.

Preferred Qualifications:

• High school diploma and experience working with animals or in a research facility.

• Ability to take direction, maintain accurate records, and work independently or collaboratively with diverse research teams.

• Comfort working in biohazard facilities and aptitude for operating machinery (autoclaves, tunnel/rack washers).

• Basic computer skills (email, word processing, internet navigation, online time reporting).

• Valid Washington State driver's license (not suspended or revoked in the past 3 years), experience operating a box truck and small car, and ability to complete University driver training.

Working Conditions:

• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs, carry 30 lbs, and work with a wide variety of animals.

• Schedule: Friday–Tuesday, 7:00am–3:30pm (some weekend/holiday work required; subject to change based on department needs). This is an essential position requiring attendance during inclement weather or suspended operations.

• Must pass a Washington State Patrol background check and follow all health, safety, and security policies, including immunizations and wearing respirators or protective clothing against potentially infectious agents.

Compensation, Benefits & Position Details:

• Pay Range: $45,144.00 - $51,936.00 annual

• Position Type: Regular, 100% FTE, First Shift (SEIU Local 925 Nonsupervisory)

• Benefits: Visit https://www.washington.edu/jobs/benefits-for-uw-staff/

About the UW & Our Commitment: The University of Washington offers outstanding benefits, professional growth, and a diverse, welcoming environment. As an equal opportunity employer, UW considers applicants without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. For disability accommodations, contact 206-543-6450 or dso@uw.edu. Selected applicants must disclose any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct per Washington state law.