Animal Care & Vivarium Operations Technician (Hands-On / Physical Role)

Job Description

Job Description

Animal Care & Vivarium Operations Technician (Hands-On / Physical Role)

Type: Full-Time

Location: Sorrento Valley, San Diego, CA

Work Type: Onsite

Pay Range: $23.00 – $24.00 per hour

Classification: Non-Exempt

Department: Vivarium Operations

BioLegacy is the U.S. division of PharmaLegacy, a global preclinical contract research organization (CRO) supporting the biopharmaceutical industry with high-quality, regulated in vivo research services. Our San Diego facility operates under strict standards to ensure animal welfare, safety, and operational excellence.

The Animal Care & Vivarium Operations Technician is a hands-on, physically active role responsible for the daily care of research animals and upkeep of vivarium facilities.

This position is ideal for individuals who enjoy working on their feet, performing physical tasks, and being part of a fast-paced operational team. Responsibilities include animal care, cage sanitation, and maintaining clean and organized environments in a regulated setting.

This is not a desk-based or lab bench role—this role involves routine lifting, cleaning, and active movement throughout the day.

Provide food, water, and daily care to animals according to established schedules

Observe animals for general health and report concerns

Safely transfer animals between cages and housing areas

Perform frequent cage changes and cleaning of animal housing areas

Wash, sanitize, and prepare cages, racks, and equipment

Maintain clean, organized, and compliant facility spaces

Handle waste disposal following safety procedures

Prepare rooms and housing areas for incoming animals

Move supplies, cages, and materials throughout the facility

Monitor inventory (bedding, feed, supplies) and restock as needed

Complete daily logs and records accurately

Follow SOPs and safety procedures consistently

Support inspections and audits as needed

Work as part of a high-energy, team-oriented operations group

Participate in rotating weekend and holiday schedules

Physical & Work Requirements (Important)

Ability to lift, carry, and move up to 50 lbs regularly

Comfortable with repetitive physical tasks (lifting, bending, cleaning)

Ability to stand and walk for extended periods throughout the shift

Comfortable working in an environment with odors, animal dander, and cleaning agents

Willingness to wear required PPE at all times

Qualifications

High school diploma or GED

Strong reliability and work ethic

Ability to follow detailed procedures and work in a structured environment

Experience in animal care, warehouse, facilities, janitorial, agriculture, or similar hands-on roles

Experience working in physically demanding jobs

Familiarity with SOP-driven or regulated environments

This role operates in a controlled vivarium environment with exposure to animals, cleaning chemicals, and biohazard materials. The position involves physical, repetitive work in a structured and team-driven setting.

BioLegacy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to building an inclusive workplace and consider all qualified applicants without regard to legally protected characteristics.