Animal Care & Research Technician

Colgate • Topeka, KS

1d • Onsite

About The Position

As an Animal Care Research Technician (ACRT), you will directly impact the development of cutting-edge products at the Hill's Pet Nutrition Science & Technology Center. In this dynamic role, you will own the daily care, enrichment, and nutritional needs of our resident pet partners while executing vital research protocols that improve the lives of pets globally. By delivering exceptional hygiene, precise data collection, and positive behavioral training, you will serve as a critical stakeholder in upholding our rigorous welfare and scientific standards.

Requirements

• Minimum of a High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum of 1 year of professional experience working in a licensed animal facility.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule supporting a 365-day operation, including a mandatory weekend and holiday rotation.
• Physical capacity to repetitively lift and transfer animals/equipment weighing up to 50 lbs on a daily basis.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science, Biological Sciences, or a related scientific field.
• Credentialed Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT) certification.
• Prior clinical, research, or veterinary hospital experience.
• Demonstrated proficiency with digital collaboration tools, specifically Google Workspace (Sheets, Docs, Drive).
• Strong collaborative competencies, inclusive communication skills, and a proactive approach to team problem-solving.

Responsibilities

• Cleans and disinfects the facility's housing units, enrichment areas, toys, pet bedding, feeding areas, equipment, and maintains litter boxes, to include tasks such as: Daily power washing and weekly sanitization (including breaking down and resetting) of interior rooms and outdoor spaces for 2-4 hours each day, scooping feces from indoor/outdoor spaces throughout the day, cleaning all cat areas with disinfectant and scooping litter boxes daily, washing interior and exterior windows as scheduled
• Maintains accurate and current sanitation schedule and records
• Engage in positive, daily interactions with pets, including exercise, playtime, training, bathing, and grooming
• Perform monthly grooming and bathing for canines and felines, which includes lifting dogs up to 50 lbs, brushing coats, trimming nails, expressing anal glands, cleaning ears, and providing blow drying as needed
• Perform routine procedures including teeth brushing, as well as monitoring temperature, heart rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure, and similar health assessments
• Learn, understand, and adhere to Hill's Global Animal Care and Use Policy and Animal Colony Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
• Observe and document animal behavior, activity levels, and any signs of illness or discomfort
• Support preventative health care, including administering medications, vaccines, and treatments as prescribed by a veterinarian
• Collect and prepare samples (such as feces, urine, or blood) for diagnostic testing as requested by the veterinarian
• Assist veterinarians with exams and provide care for animals with special health needs
• Implement assigned behavior plans and apply animal behavioral principles to promote healthy habits, improve behavior, and support socialization
• Facilitate positive social interactions among animals and supervise group play or introductions
• Train animals using positive reinforcement techniques to encourage desired behaviors and reduce stress
• Record observations of behavior changes and report concerns
• Engage animals in customized enrichment activities designed to stimulate their physical and mental well-being
• Collaborate with team members to develop new enrichment ideas and improve existing programs
• Prepare meals customized to each animal’s needs and research protocols, ensuring food bowls are accurately filled by following labels and feed sheets.
• Accurately place food bowls to assigned feeding locations
• Monitor and record animal food and water intake, making adjustments as necessary, and documenting food returns in the animal management system database
• Report any changes in food intake to veterinarians and following modification plans
• Wash, organize and store food and watering bowls
• Sample & Data Collection Learn, understand, and adhere to Animal Colony SOPs and procedures to maintain data quality and integrity
• Maintains knowledge of ongoing feeding studies
• Record and manage data in the animal management systems, and promptly communicate any observations or concerns.
• Prepare for and collect samples as outlined in research protocols such as: Perform weekly body weights for test animals, collect and process feces within required time limit, collect and/or assist with blood and urine samples
• Understand and operate equipment such as feed stations, food scales, body weight scales, handheld data terminals etc.
• Perform routine maintenance and/or quality checks on equipment
• Identify equipment issues, perform troubleshooting, and escalate problems when necessary

Benefits

• medical
• dental
• vision
• basic life insurance
• paid parental leave
• disability coverage
• participation in the 401(k) retirement plan with company matching contributions subject to eligibility requirements
• a minimum of 15 vacation/PTO days
• 13 paid holidays
• Paid sick leave

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED