Farm Hand

Hiring for an Animal Care Technician in Preston, CT!

The Animal Care Technician supports safe and humane animal care while maintaining clean, compliant facilities and assisting with laboratory procedures. This role performs general animal husbandry, facility cleaning and disinfection, inoculations and harvests, and routine maintenance tasks in both laboratory and chicken house environments. The technician follows established standard operating procedures, completes accurate documentation, and operates specialized equipment to ensure a high standard of animal welfare, safety, and regulatory compliance.

Responsibilities

• Perform general animal husbandry, including feeding, watering, monitoring, and caring for animals in accordance with established procedures.
• Conduct weekly test bleeds and other routine animal care activities as directed.
• Carry out general cleaning of the facility, including rooms and work areas, to maintain a sanitary environment.
• Disinfect rooms and equipment following standard operating procedures (SOPs) and applicable facility documentation.
• Recycle chicken houses in alignment with SOPs and USDA-filed facility documents.
• Perform various inoculations and harvests according to scheduled timelines and procedural instructions.
• Prepare inoculum in accordance with SOPs and operational procedure (OP) instructions.
• Work in the BDA laboratory and/or chicken houses as required to support ongoing operations.
• Perform basic grounds maintenance, such as light outdoor upkeep, as needed.
• Complete required batch records, forms, logs, and other documentation associated with assigned tasks accurately and in a timely manner.
• Operate CO2 tanks and carts, power washers, building foggers, laboratory equipment, and autoclaves as assigned.
• Conduct daily, weekly, and monthly preventive maintenance, rounds, and cleaning of equipment and work areas.
• Perform routine cleaning and sterilization of glassware, equipment, and laundry to support laboratory and facility operations.
• Communicate work-related information, issues, and concerns clearly and promptly with the management team.
• Properly segregate, handle, and dispose of general trash and hazardous waste in accordance with safety guidelines and regulations.
• Understand, follow, and conform to applicable methods, SOPs, and facility procedures at all times.
• Work effectively at multiple designated locations as required by operational needs.
• Perform all other related duties as assigned to support overall animal care, facility maintenance, and laboratory operations.

Essential Skills

• Demonstrated comfort working with animals in a care, research, or husbandry setting.
• Basic animal handling and animal husbandry skills, including safe and humane handling practices.
• Ability to perform cleaning, washing, and sterilization tasks consistently and thoroughly.
• Capability to operate or learn to operate equipment such as CO2 tanks and carts, power washers, building foggers, laboratory equipment, and autoclaves.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills to document work and communicate with team members.
• Self-motivated, dependable, and flexible approach to daily tasks and changing priorities.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team across multiple functions and locations.
• Willingness and ability to work at multiple locations, including Preston, Windham, and Norwich.
• Valid drivers license with a good driving record.
• High school diploma, General Education Degree (G.E.D.), or equivalent education.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Interest in developing skills in animal science, animal research, and laboratory procedures.
• Ability to follow detailed SOPs, written instructions, and regulatory guidelines with a high level of accuracy.
• Comfort working in environments that may include wet or humid conditions, mechanical equipment, and controlled exposure to chemicals.
• Strong attention to detail when completing batch records, forms, and other documentation.
• Adaptability to perform both indoor and basic outdoor tasks, including grounds maintenance.
• No prior experience required; openness to learning and training in animal care and facility operations is highly valued.

Work Environment

This is a full-time, onsite role with a regular schedule of Monday through Friday, 5:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The position requires working across multiple locations, including facilities in Preston, Windham, and Norwich.

The work takes place in both laboratory settings and chicken houses, as well as surrounding grounds. The environment includes regular work near moving mechanical parts and occasional exposure to wet and/or humid conditions, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, and risk of electrical shock. The role involves operating equipment such as CO2 tanks and carts, power washers, building foggers, laboratory instruments, and autoclaves. Employees follow strict safety procedures, use appropriate protective equipment, and adhere to established SOPs to ensure a safe and compliant workplace.

Pay: $19/HR