Incumbents in the Lab Animal Technician series are responsible for the care and welfare of laboratory animals used in scientific research.

Incumbents provide care for laboratory animals and their environment through animal husbandry and keep records according to State, Federal, and University regulations.

• Provides daily care for laboratory research animals, including feeding, watering, and cleaning animal areas. Provides enrichment devices to animals as indicated.
• Monitors animal health and behavior.
• Physically handles, restrains, and moves animals without injuring the animals or endangering self.
• Observes, records, and reports common signs of clinical illness and/or irregularities in animals to attending veterinarian.
• Checks and records animal room environmental parameters, including temperature, humidity, room air pressure, and light cycles; informs supervisor of changes which are out of normal ranges.
• Verifies and replenishes room supplies for animals.
• Transports animals and equipment as needed within the facility.
• Performs facility sanitation procedures.
• May work with hazardous agents, including chemical, radiological, and BSL-2-3 bio hazards.
• May train and/or guide other employees and monitors personnel entering/exiting building.
• Assists in maintaining accreditation standards.
• Assists research technicians in resolving problems and provides research support.
• Operate washing and sterilizing equipment.
• Attend personal hygiene and personal safety training annually.
• Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Animal handling experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Two years of experience working with animals in a veterinary facility, research clinic or equivalent OR an Associate’s degree in a Life Sciences or related field OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• ALAT certification through AALAS.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Willing to learn principles and practices of animal research.
• Able and willing to learn and follow all federal regulations pertaining to laboratory animals.
• Able and willing to learn the principles and practices of laboratory animal science.
• Willing to work with biological hazards (BSL 2 and 3).

Along with the online application, please attach:

• Resume/CV to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under “Resume/CV”
• Answer the following during your application:
  • What experience do you have working with animals?
  • How do you ensure proper animal welfare in your care?
  • What are your thoughts about the use of animals in scientific research?
  • Working in an animal facility can be highly routine or repetitive. How do you stay motivated and focused during repetitive tasks?

**Document size may not exceed 10 MB.**

This position requires moderate physical activity. Employees must have sufficient strength to perform the duties and responsibilities of the position including moderate lifting (up to 50 pounds), walking, bending, stooping, kneeling, and squatting. This position requires nearly continuous standing, repetitive hand motions, and reaching overhead. Employees may be exposed to unusual elements including hazardous agents (chemical, radiological, and BSL-2-3 bio hazards.), extreme temperatures, dust, fumes, smoke, unpleasant odors, and/or loud noises. Employees must adhere to safety precautions and may be required to use protective equipment.

Founded in 1888, Utah State University is Utah’s premier land-grant, public service university. As an R1 research institution, Utah State is dedicated to advancing knowledge and serving the public good through innovative research and scholarly activities that are grounded in reciprocal engagement with local, regional, and global communities. USU prepares students to be active, civically engaged leaders who are prepared to address critical societal challenges. Dedicated to providing a high-quality and affordable education, USU remains a leader in research, discovery, and public impact.

USU enrolls over 29,800 students, both online and in person at locations throughout the state. Utah State’s 30 locations include a main campus in Logan, Utah, residential campuses in Price and Blanding, and six additional statewide campuses, along with education centers serving every county. USU educates students from all 50 states and more than 80 countries. For over 100 years, USU Extension has served and engaged Utahns, serving every county in the state.

Competing at the NCAA Division I level, USU is a proud member of the Mountain West Conference and will join the Pac-12 Conference beginning in the 2026-2027 season. The Aggies’ long-standing tradition of athletic and academic excellence is exemplified by recent Mountain West regular-season and tournament championships in women’s volleyball, three consecutive Mountain West tournament titles in women’s soccer conference championships, and a first-ever conference championship for gymnastics, reflecting USU's commitment to perseverance and achievement.

Utah State is dedicated to fostering a community where all individuals feel respected, valued, and supported and where diversity of thought and culture are cultivated. We seek to recruit, hire, and retain people from all walks of life who will champion excellence in education, research, discovery, outreach, and service. We believe that promoting a strong sense of community and belonging empowers and engages all members of USU to thrive and be successful. Forbes recognized our commitment to employees when they named Utah State the best employer in Utah in 2023. Learn more about USU. 

The university provides a Dual Career Assistance Program to support careers for partners who are also seeking employment. Additionally, USU is committed to providing access and a reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities. To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability, contact the university’s ADA Coordinator in the Office of Human Resources at (435) 797-0122 or hr@usu.edu. 

*updated 12/2025

In its programs and activities, including in admissions and employment, Utah State University does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination, including harassment, based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy, Title IX, or any other federal, state, or local law.

Utah State University is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination including harassment in employment including in hiring, promotion, transfer, or termination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy or any other federal, state, or local law.

Utah State University does not discriminate in its housing offerings and will treat all persons fairly and equally without regard to race, color, religion, sex, familial status, disability, national origin, source of income, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Additionally, the University endeavors to provide reasonable accommodations when necessary and to ensure equal access to qualified persons with disabilities.

In all circumstances, Utah State University follows state and federal laws related to sex-segregated spaces.

The following individuals have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the application of Title IX and its implementing regulations and/or USU’s non-discrimination policies:

For further information regarding non-discrimination, please visit crtix.usu.edu or contact:

U.S. Department of Education

Denver Regional Office

303-844-5695| OCR.Denver@ed.gov

U.S. Department of Education

Office of Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights

800-421-3481 |  OCR@ed.gov

*updated 10/2025