Animal Care Technician / Driver

DEPARTMENT: Veterinary Services & Technical Operations

REPORTS TO: Department Supervisor/Manager or Director

GRADE: Non-Exempt

Location: Grafton, MA (on-site)

SUMMARY

Experienced driver/entry-level technician with the expectations of supervised functionality involved in the daily function of animal transportation, animal care and facility maintenance. This role combines hands-on animal care, health observation, and vehicle operation. Technicians ensure animals remain clean, fed, safe, and stress-free during transit and daily facility routines. This role strictly adheres to CBSET and Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) policies, AAALAC standards, local and federal regulatory requirements pertaining to safety and animal welfare. Salary range is between $23.97/hr and $27.03/hr. (Please note, salaries vary within the range based on factors including, but not limited to, experience, skills, education, and certifications.)

• Operate a transport vehicle to pick up and deliver animals, data and/or supplies. Plan efficient routes, adjust driving to local traffic and weather, and ensure safety and animal welfare in transit.
• Transport animals between CBSET facilities and customers (~75% of time worked).
• Handle and restraining multiple species of animals, including large animals.
• Complete documentation required for procurement and transportation of animals per federal regulations and company SOPs and policies.
• Clean and sanitize animal transportation crates, transport van, housing and support areas (~25% of time worked).
• Clean and decontaminate transport vehicles and animal housing areas. Perform basic routine vehicle checks (fluid levels, tires, safety equipment).
• Assisting with facilities maintenance projects
• Perform observation of animals, including food consumption, health, animal welfare, and breeding.
• Replenish all PPE stations in the animal facility, hallways, ORs and OR conference rooms as needed.
• Assist with facilities maintenance projects.
• Assist, as needed, technical staff in departmental areas.
• Demonstrate effective oral and written communication skills.
• Work effectively as a team member.
• Perform other related duties as required.

• High school or GED required, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• A valid driver’s license with a clean, insurable driving record.
• Prior experience in veterinary or animal care, shelter environment, or laboratory animal husbandry. Experience with professional driving, routing, or transport is a strong plus.
• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science, Biology, or a related field is highly preferred.
• Certification: AALAS Certification (ALAT or LAT) is preferred.
• Experience in a CRO or GLP setting is preferred.
• Familiarity with the regulations surrounding animal transport is preferred.
• Animal Husbandry & Handling: Expertise in safe, positive and humane restraint and handling techniques for specific research models. Knowledge of species-specific nutritional, environmental, and enrichment needs.
• Sanitization: Understanding of biosecurity, specific pathogen free (SPF) protocols to prevent cross-contamination.
• Specialized Vehicle Operation: Competency in safely driving climate-controlled transport vehicles. Skill in securing animal cargo to minimize stress and physical transit risks.
• Clinical Observation: Ability to recognize subtle clinical signs of pain, distress, illness, or abnormal behavior in laboratory animals.
• Attention to Detail: Sharp focus when monitoring health parameters, checking cage cards, and verifying animal IDs during transfers.
• Communication & Collaboration: Clear communication skills for reporting health anomalies to veterinarians and coordinating delivery timelines with internal and external customers.
• Must be able to perform laboratory procedures, which require, talking, hearing, standing or sitting for long periods of time, entering data into a computer, using appropriate instruments, reaching with hands and arms, working in narrow spaces, and wearing safety equipment (PPE) according to OSHA regulations and company standards.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
• Ability to consistently lift and move at least 50 pounds unassisted, stand or walk for long shifts, and work around animal dander, noise, and variable outdoor weather conditions.
• Animal facility and laboratories with moderate noise possible.
• Working with potentially hazardous/noxious devices (e.g., needles, scalpel blades etc), chemicals (e.g., anesthetic gases, formalin, alcohols, xylenes, etc.) and/or radiation.
• General office working conditions.

COMMENTS:

• This position may require occasional duties on weekends and/or holidays.
• This position requires regular local travel between facilities. Long-distance travel may also be required on occasion.
• In general, the work shift will be ~6am-2pm, however, hours may vary.
• The opportunity to contribute to the Veterinary Services and Technical Operations Team and support CBSET’s growth, development and reputation.

All employees are required to satisfactorily perform the essential duties and responsibilities of their position. The essential duties and responsibilities listed above are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job.