Animal Technician I / Animal Technician II (Houston, TX)

United Therapeutics • Houston, TX

10d • Onsite

About The Position

Animal Technician I/II provides daily animal care at United Therapeutics’ designated pathogen-free (DPF) facility in Houston, Texas. The role supports high standards of animal welfare, facility cleanliness, recordkeeping, and compliance with established standard operating procedures (SOPs) and quality assurance standards. Work includes daily feeding, washing, and care of pigs; moving pigs; basic treatments; and reproductive work such as boar semen collection. The technician also maintains accurate animal and facility records and helps keep the DPF safe, clean, and compliant.

The position assists the veterinary team with setup and care during and after operations, operative care, and the collection, storage, shipment, and inventory of samples. It is 100% onsite and may require some travel during the first six months, with no long-term expectation of regular travel. The role requires availability for 10-hour shifts and, when applicable, weekends, holidays, and rotating shifts. The Animal Technician I level requires at least one year of large-animal care and handling experience; the Animal Technician II level requires at least two years.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• Animal Technician I: at least 1 year of experience in large-animal care and handling.
• Animal Technician II: at least 2 years of experience in large-animal care and handling.
• Ability to work weekends, holidays, and rotating shifts when applicable.
• Ability to work 10-hour shifts.
• Working knowledge of animal husbandry, including nutrition, reproduction, and safety.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and multitasking skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Teams.
• Ability to author and follow SOPs.
• Must not have any other interaction with pigs outside of the company.
• Ability to lift 75 pounds to waist level.
• Ability to push or pull 200 pounds on wheels.

Nice To Haves

• Associate degree in animal sciences or a related field.
• At least 1 year of experience in swine production.
• At least 1 year of experience performing medical tests, observing behaviors, collecting samples, and administering medication to large animals.
• Strong attention to operational planning and follow-through.
• Working knowledge of data collection and recording.
• Knowledge of animal welfare and other federal regulations regarding animal research, including USDA, FDA, and DEA regulations.
• Working knowledge of facility maintenance, including mechanical, electrical, and plumbing skills.

Responsibilities

• Perform daily DPF activities, including feeding, washing, and caring for pigs.
• Move pigs and perform basic treatments and reproductive activities, including boar semen collection.
• Clean, disinfect, and maintain the DPF.
• Maintain animal husbandry, animal care, cleaning, and facility records in accordance with GDP expectations.
• Assist the veterinary team with setup and care during and after operations, operative care, and sample collection, storage, shipment, and inventory.
• Understand and follow SOPs and quality assurance standards.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, and prescription coverage.
• Employee wellness resources.
• Savings plans, including 401(k) and ESPP.
• Paid time off.
• Paid parental leave benefits.
• Disability benefits.
• Additional benefits through the company’s comprehensive benefits suite.

What This Job Offers

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