Animal Care Technician

Location:Alachua, FL
Pay:$22–$25 per hour
Job Type:Temp-to-Hire
Schedule:Weekdays, weekends, and holidays as needed

We are seeking anAnimal Technician Ito support daily animal care operations and maintain high standards for animal health, safety, and facility cleanliness. This role is responsible for routine animal care, health monitoring, water quality management, documentation, and equipment maintenance in a controlled aquatic laboratory environment.

The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, dependable, comfortable working with animals, and able to consistently follow established procedures, safety requirements, and biosecurity protocols.

This position is performed in ahumid, temperature-controlled aquatic laboratory environment.

Responsibilities:

• Conduct twice-daily visual health inspections of animals and accurately document findings.
• Safely handle and transport animals as needed.
• Monitor and document animal behavior, appearance, and environmental conditions.
• Follow established feeding schedules and protocols based on animal size and developmental stage.
• Identify and promptly report signs of stress, illness, injury, or other health concerns.
• Document mortality events and animal transfers.
• Follow all required gowning, sanitation, and biosecurity procedures.
• Perform scheduled water changes using established procedures.
• Monitor aquatic housing systems and maintain appropriate water quality.
• Check and maintain water temperature, pH, and chemical balance.
• Collect and test water samples using established testing methods.
• Accurately document water quality results and water changes.
• Complete required daily health, feeding, water quality, and facility logs.
• Maintain accurate and timely records with strong attention to detail.
• Follow all applicable SOPs, safety procedures, and regulatory requirements.
• Complete required training within established timeframes.
• Perform routine equipment checks and promptly report issues or abnormalities.
• Clean and maintain equipment and work areas.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment.
• Follow facility procedures related to safety and animal welfare.

• At least1 year of laboratory and/or animal science experience, OR
• ALAT certification, aquaculture experience, or aquatic animal experience.
• Knowledge of basic water chemistry principles is preferred.
• Associate degree in Biology, Animal Science, or a related field preferred.
• A high school diploma/GED combined with relevant laboratory or animal science experience may be considered in lieu of some education requirements.
• Basic computer skills, including Microsoft Office.
• Ability to use measuring equipment, scales, and other laboratory or animal-care equipment.
• ALAT certification through AALAS is required prior to employment or within the first year of employment.
• Stand and/or walk for approximately 6–8 hours per day.
• Work at a computer as needed.
• Safely handle and work with animals.
• Climb ladders and stairs.
• Regularly lift and carry up to50 pounds.
• Move heavy or large objects, including equipment.
• Perform tasks requiring fine motor skills and careful handling of animals and equipment.
• Maintain keen visual awareness during animal health inspections.