ANIMAL LABORATORY TECHNICIAN I
Content + Source + Freshness • 15 Dec 2025 • 95% confidence
Offer value
Moderate value stemming from competitive hourly wage, supportive training opportunities, but limited career advancement possibilities.
- Starting pay at $15.00/hour
- Structured training in laboratory procedures
- Pathway toward AALAS certification
- Limited growth beyond the entry-level role
Pros
- Pay rate of $15.00 per hour suitable for entry-level positions
- Structured apprenticeship program offers valuable training
- First step towards AALAS certification
Cons
- Entry-level role with limited upward mobility
- Potentially physically demanding work environment
- Requires compliance with strict laboratory protocols
Who it's for
Entry-Level • Onsite
Good fit
- Recent high school graduates
- Early-career individuals in animal care
- Students in animal husbandry programs
Not recommended for
- Candidates seeking leadership roles
- Those who prefer less physical or routine tasks
- Individuals who dislike working under supervision
Motivation fit
Key skills
About the job
Description
ANIMAL LABORATORY TECHNICIAN I
The University of Alabama at Birmingham
General Responsibilities:
Under close supervision and according to established policies and procedures, performs husbandry duties and maintains animal colony and laboratory facilities in an orderly and sanitary condition. Administers special diets as directed. Moves equipment and supplies in and around university departments, and performs laboratory housekeeping duties. This entry-level position is the first year of the two-year apprenticeship program. The program provides supervised work experience and classroom training toward competence in caring for research animals of different species and specialized colonies. Emphasis during this first year is on small (rodents and lagomorphs) animals, but also includes training in the care of larger animals. Training for American Association for Laboratory Animal Science-AALAS certification as Assistant Laboratory Technician is given at this level.
Key Duties & Responsibilities:
1. Feeds, waters, and cares for laboratory animals (e.g., mice, rats, rabbits).
2. Observes and reports animals for signs of illness, distress, or abnormal behavior.
3. Assists in routine health checks and treatment administration.
4. Safely handles and restrains animals for routine procedures or examinations.
5. Maintains accurate records of animal care, feeding, cleaning schedules, and observations.
6. Operates and maintains cleaning and sterilization equipment (e.g., autoclaves, cage washers).
7. Uses personal protective equipment (PPE) and follows safety procedures at all times.
8. Performs other duties as assigned.
Hourly Pay: $15.00
Qualifications
Minimum Requirements:
High School diploma or GED required. Work experience may NOT be substituted for education.
UAB is an Equal Employment/Equal Educational Opportunity Institution dedicated to providing equal opportunities and equal access to all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, ethnic or national origin, sex (including pregnancy), genetic information, age, disability, and veteran's status. As required by Title IX, UAB prohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity that it operates. Individuals may report concerns or questions to UAB's Assistant Vice President and Senior Title IX Coordinator. The Title IX notice of nondiscrimination is located at uab.edu/titleix.
