Animal Care Technician

Onsite in Hollister, CA

3-4 month contract to hire

Overview & Site Context

- The position is for Animal Care Technician at the Hollister site, which breeds mice and rats for biomedical research.

2. Job Duties & Environment

- Main tasks include cage turnover (cleaning, sanitizing, and refilling cages), feeding, watering, and basic animal husbandry.

- High-volume, repetitive work: up to 400 cages per day, standing and moving throughout the shift.

- Technicians work in rooms that can hold up to 100,000 mice; environment can be overwhelming and has a strong odor.

- Use of PPE is extensive: full gowning, gloves, Crocs, and PAPRs (powered air-purifying respirators).

- No personal items (phones, jewelry, coffee, etc.) allowed in the work area; all must be sanitized.

3. Schedule & Shift Details

- Early morning shifts: start times between 4:00 and 5:30 AM, with staggered entries for privacy during gowning.

- Workweek: 9-hour shifts Monday–Thursday (plus lunch), half-day (4 hours) on Fridays.

4. Candidate Requirements & Qualifications

- Two levels: Animal Care Technician I (no experience or education required, must be 18+) and II (requires 1 year of animal experience or any associate’s degree or higher).

- Bachelor’s degrees are acceptable and not considered overqualified.

- Solid work history (tenure at previous jobs) is preferred; high-volume, active jobs (e.g., warehouse, fast food, agriculture) are a plus.

- No current contact with rodents or certain pets (strict pet policy for biosecurity).

5. Interview & Hiring Process

- Karen conducts a brief phone screen, then candidates are invited onsite for a tour and interview.

- Onsite interview includes facility tour, exposure to the environment, and completion of a pet contact form.

6. Screenings & Onboarding

- Standard background checks, INA, and OSHA questionnaire required.

- Allergy survey will be implemented.

- Education/employment verification depends on which role (I or II) the candidate is offered.

- Specific onboarding location and process details will be provided.

7. Training Process

- Initial orientation (classroom-style) followed by hands-on training and shadowing with a team lead.

- First two months: shadowing and observed practice; gradual transition to independent work.

- Weekly check-ins to monitor progress and address questions.

8. Workplace Policies & Environment

- Strict cleanroom protocols: no personal items, jewelry, or outside contaminants.

- Breaks: two 15-minute breaks and a 30-minute lunch; PPE can be partially removed in break space.

- Transparency with candidates about the unique and potentially overwhelming environment is emphasized.

9. Euthanasia Policy

- Technicians may be exposed to animal euthanasia (mainly performed by supervisors or in emergencies).

- Candidates must be comfortable with the possibility, though not primarily responsible for it.

10. Soft Skills & Success Factors

- Ability to work independently and repetitively in a fast-paced, quota-driven environment.

- Open-mindedness, willingness to learn, and adaptability.

- Teamwork is present, but much of the work is independent.

11. Contract Details

- Position is contract-to-hire, with the intention to convert to permanent after 3–4 months if successful. As an Contingent Animal Care Technician for our production site in Hollister, CA. You will be responsible for the well being of our research animals. Your contribution will ensure the health of our animals as well as impact the lives of patients across the world. You will perform routine animal husbandry and other production duties. You will also maintain supplies and the environment of environmentally controlled work areas.

The typical schedule will be 9 hours per day Monday through Thursday, and 4 hours on Friday. You will be assigned a start time between 4:00 AM and 6:00 AM which will be determined during meeting.

Essential Duties / Responsibilities

Perform routine animal husbandry duties and monitor daily health and welfare to maintain quality and health of animals

Handle transfer and distribute animals supplies and waste as needed to and from work areas

Monitor animal health by observing animal behavior physical appearance and environment and identify and report any abnormal findings

Collect health monitoring swabs and follow established health monitoring schedules

Perform housekeeping duties and production operations according to Good Manufacturing Practices GMPs and Standard Operating Procedures SOPs

Maintain records related to animal populations and supply inventories

Follow all procedures necessary to maintain barrier room integrity

Use supplies according to safety guidelines and perform all duties in accordance with company safety procedures

Support colony management activities

Perform all other related duties as assigned

Additional Requisition Requirements

Regularly works with chemicals that require the use of respirators. Medical clearance is required prior to using respirators, PAPR, or N95.

Allergy Test