Laboratory Technician 1 - Animal Resources (Animal Care)

University of Nevada Reno • Reno, NV

6d • Onsite

About The Position

The University of Nevada, Reno is recruiting a Laboratory Technician 1 for Animal Resources. The position maintains production colonies of multiple strains and animal species and supports animal care and facility operations in accordance with institutional standards and federal guidelines. Duties include sampling, handling, anesthetizing and euthanizing animals, and assisting with advanced procedures as directed. The position is contingent upon funding and does not provide layoff rights. Minimum qualifications have been waived for this position until December 31, 2026, under Executive Order 2026-002.

The typical schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., subject to change based on organizational needs. Animal care facility employees are essential personnel and may be required to work weekends and holidays or report during campus closures. A valid Class C Nevada driver’s license or higher is required at appointment and throughout employment. This position has been identified as affecting public safety, and persons offered employment must complete pre-employment controlled-substance screening. A background check will also be conducted for selected candidates.

Requirements

• Graduation from high school or equivalent education and two years of laboratory experience performing various laboratory procedures, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Minimum qualifications are waived for this position until December 31, 2026, under Executive Order 2026-002.
• A valid Class C Nevada driver's license or higher operator's license at appointment and as a condition of continued employment.
• Pre-employment screening for controlled substances is required for persons offered employment.

Responsibilities

• Maintain production colonies of multiple strains and animal species.
• Obtain blood and tissue samples; anesthetize, euthanize, and restrain animals in accordance with institutional standards and federal guidelines.
• Dispose of animal carcasses in designated ways.
• Apply tags and other identifying marks according to protocol requirements.
• Set up procedure rooms and assist with advanced procedures as directed.
• Maintain equipment and mechanical equipment.
• Ensure student workers complete daily work activities and train student employees in facility maintenance procedures and proper animal handling and care.
• Feed and water animals, maintain housing systems, provide environmental enrichment to cages, and monitor animal health.
• Assist with receiving new animals.
• Sanitize facility rooms and monitor glove-box isolators and individual ventilated cage racks.
• Transport animals and equipment.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Public Employees’ Retirement System of Nevada (PERS) enrollment upon hire.
• Health insurance options, including dental and vision.
• Life insurance.
• Annual and sick leave.
• Annual or semester memberships at the E. L. Wiegand Fitness Center, with spouse/domestic partner membership options.
• Mountain EAP counseling and advising services for employees and eligible dependents.
• Classified Staff Grants-In-Aid Benefit.
• Classified Employee Family Opportunity Program for eligible spouses, domestic partners, and dependents.

What This Job Offers

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