Animal Care Technician

Smith College
United States, Massachusetts, Northampton
10 Elm Street (Show on map)
Jun 03, 2025
If you have any questions about the position or our application process, reach out to us at recruiting-u@smith.edu. Clark Science Center Administration Job Description Job Summary An entry level position providing for vivarium maintenance and for the daily care of animals housed under the Smith College Institutional Animal Care and Use Program. The position reports to the Animal Care Facility Manager. Take appropriate actions to support a diverse workforce and participate in the College's efforts to create a respectful, inclusive, and welcoming work environment. Essential Functions Ability to care for multiple species (e.g. rodents, aquatics, live feeds) Assist research staff as needed Observe, record, and report atypical findings of the environment, physical plant, and animal health or behavior. These observations are to include but are not limited to sick animals, maintenance problems, safety hazards, inappropriate treatment of animals Perform animal husbandry duties; e.g., feeding, watering, cage/pen cleaning as described in departmental policies or procedures Perform scheduled sanitizing of facilities and equipment as described in departmental policies or procedures Restraint and sexing of laboratory animals Recordkeeping; e.g., census, sanitation, enrichment, feeding, equipment maintenance. Provide preventative and clinical care to colonies as directed Operate and perform routine maintenance and repairs on facility equipment (rack washer, autoclaves, and bio-safety cabinets / clean bench hoods, etc.) Receive and stock supplies and notify when ordering is required Remove and dispose of all waste. Perform other related duties as required All employees are expected to participate in the College's efforts to create a respectful, inclusive, and welcoming work environment. Minimum Qualifications (knowledge, skills, education, experience, certifications, licenses) HS diploma or GED plus 2 years of animal husbandry experience ALAT certification plus HS diploma/GED, or college or higher degree plus 6 months of lab animal experience ALAT certification without HS diploma/GED, or any college degree plus 1 year of lab animal experience Certification of good health signed by a licensed physician Absence of allergic reactions to animals, feeds or bedding; Must be willing to seek certification by the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) within 1 year of hire. Must complete continuing education and institutional trainings as assigned Ability to safely lift and carry up to fifty pounds (50 lbs.) Experience working with individuals from diverse backgrounds. Skills Organizational skills and attention to detail Effective oral and written communication skills; basic computer skills Ability to interact professionally with all employees, students, and outside visitors Must be able to work effectively and harmoniously as part of a team Additional Information Forty hours per week; Monday - Friday, 8:00 am - 4:00 pm. Holidays and reduced staff coverage as needed. This position is contingent on continued annual funding through the Clark Science Center. Please attach BOTH a current resume and a cover letter in order for your application to be considered for this position . Be sure you have provided all attachments before submitting your application. You will NOT be able to attach additional files after you have hit the Submit button. Review of applications will begin June 13, 2025 Position Type: Regular About Smith College Located in Northampton, MA, Smith College is one of the largest women's colleges in the country and is dedicated to excellence in teaching and research across the liberal arts. A faculty of outstanding scholars interact with students in small classes, as advisors, and through student-faculty research projects. The College is a member of the Five College Consortium with Amherst, Hampshire and Mt. Holyoke Colleges, and the University of Massachusetts Amherst.Students cross-enroll and faculty cross-teach across the Five Colleges. Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 151B, it is the policy of Smith College to provide reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with a disability, unless such accommodation would cause an undue hardship. The policy regarding requests for reasonable accommodation applies to all aspects of employment, including the application process. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact our recruiting team at recruiting-u@smith.edu. As set forth in our mission and values, Smith College is committed to promoting a culture of equity and inclusion among students, staff and faculty. The College will not discriminate in employment on the basis of age, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, genetic information, age, veteran status, physical or mental disability, or any other classification protected by law. Smith College is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all state and federal laws that prohibit discrimination.