Poultry Research & Animal Care Technician

The Ohio State University • Wooster, AR

3d • Onsite

About The Position

This position provides daily care and specialized husbandry for Wooster poultry flocks and supports research and operations across the Wooster Poultry Facilities. The role assists with daily poultry husbandry, breeding, research sample collection, facility cleaning, regulatory compliance, and intermittent staff supervision. The position requires working weekends/holidays on rotation and responding to animal or facility needs as required.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED
• 2 years of relevant experience required
• Valid driver’s license
• Ability to obtain/maintain required training (IACUC, EHS biohazards)
• Ability to lift and handle materials such as feed bags, bedding, equipment, and animals

Nice To Haves

• Associates Degree in animal science or related field

Responsibilities

• Supports Wooster poultry flocks by performing daily feeding, watering, cleaning, and health monitoring for poultry that includes monitoring and adjusting waterers/feeders; weighing, wing-banding.
• Supports the SPF flock breeding program that includes collection/cleaning of eggs, incubation, hatching, and rearing of chicks.
• Aides with artificial insemination, egg pedigreeing, and other duties for poultry flocks that may include care of turkey, chickens, ducks, and/or quail.
• Requires humane and safe handling of birds, assistance with health treatments, and completing and maintaining flock and hatch records.
• Participate in weekend/holiday rotations and respond to emergencies.
• Assists researchers, students, and faculty with data collection and project tasks.
• Prepares, cleans, and maintains project rooms and research spaces across multiple buildings.
• Operates trucks, tractors, skid loaders; haul feed, bedding, carcasses, and manure.
• Cleans and disinfects cages, pens, floors, incubators, and hatchers following SOPs and biosecurity protocols.
• Maintain accurate animal care, biosecurity, environmental, and facility maintenance records.
• Follows USDA, IACUC, AAALAC, and EHS requirements and maintain required certifications.
• Uses appropriate PPE and follow established SOPs for biocontainment.
• Supports Wooster Poultry facility staff and faculty and assist across facilities when needed.
• Provide intermittent supervisory oversight of laborers, coordinators, and students in manager’s absence.
• Communicates health, production, and research updates to managers, faculty, and technicians.

Benefits

• Medical, dental and vision coverage, with Ohio State paying a significant portion of the cost.
• Paid time off, including sick and vacation time and 11 holidays.
• State retirement plan or an alternative retirement plan, both with generous employer contributions.

What This Job Offers

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