Animal Helper Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

Department: AqACS
Classification: Laboratory Animal Technician 1
Appointment Type and Duration: Regular, Ongoing
Salary: $18.06 - $26.20 per hour
FTE: 1.0

August 6, 2026; position open until filled

To ensure consideration, a complete application must include:
1. Please attach a resume that includes any work history or experience, paid or unpaid,
related to the duties of the position.
2. Three (3) professional references with contact information. References will not be
contacted until you are notified.

Aquatic Animal Care Services (AqACS) is a Research Core Facility supported by the Vice President for Research and Innovation. The mission of Aquatic Animal Care Services is to support researchers using aquatic and semi-aquatic animal models, primarily fish, to study vertebrate genomics and vertebrate development by employing expert husbandry techniques, by supplying efficient and timely services, and by fostering a helpful, cooperative environment. The most prevalent fish model at the University of Oregon is the zebrafish (Danio rerio). Any research investigator with a sponsored project requiring the use of aquatic animals may use the facilities and animals hosted by AqACS,
provided the project and its personnel follow all the federal, state, and university policies and procedures on the use of aquatic animals. Currently, AqACS supports 9 University investigator laboratories, including all postdoctoral associates, graduate students, undergraduate students, and visiting researchers within those laboratories, plus one non-university external for-profit company.

This position provides basic aquatic animal care and facility maintenance. The person in this position will care for aquatic animals by feeding, transferring animals to and from cages, maintaining clean cages, and applying medication as prescribed. The ability to follow posted instructions for all tasks related to the care of animals is critical in this position.
In order to provide a clean and safe environment in the lab, this position has the responsibility to perform general sanitation such as cleaning counters, sinks, walls, and floors with disinfectant. This work will involve the operation of mechanical cleaning equipment such as a cage washing machine and power sprayer. When needed, this position will assist with equipment maintenance and inventory.
Monitoring the health of the animals and record-keeping are important duties of this position. Animals are checked daily for findings of behavior, illness, or injury, and the information is recorded and reported as necessary. The ability to perform accurate identification and census counts of animals is another important aspect of this position.
This position will report to the Director of AqACS.
Work Conditions
Lab spaces are warm and humid at 83 degrees with 90 percent relative humidity. The position requires wearing protective equipment and involves direct contact with animals, repetitive tasks, and repetitive motions.
Work Schedule
Position works a flexible schedule and will be required to work weekends and holidays.

Six months of experience caring for animals (e.g., watering, feeding, bedding, housing, checking animals' health, etc.).

Ability to follow detailed procedures and protocols.
Ability to work independently.
Ability to communicate effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and cultures.
Computer literacy.

Completed courses of professional development in aquatic animal husbandry, especially related to fish;
OR
An equivalent combination of training and experience in aquatic animal husbandry.

FLSA Exempt: No

All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a background check.

This is a classified position represented by the SEIU Local 503, Oregon Public Employees Union.

The University of Oregon is proud to offer a robust benefits package to eligible employees, including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. For more information about benefits, visit our website.

The University of Oregon is an equal-opportunity institution committed to cultural diversity and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. The University encourages all qualified individuals to apply and does not discriminate on the basis of any protected status, including veteran and disability status. The University is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. To request an accommodation in connection with the application process, please email us or call 541-346-5112.

UO prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy (including pregnancy-related conditions), age, physical or mental disability, genetic information (including family medical history), ancestry, familial status, citizenship, service in the uniformed services (as defined in federal and state law), veteran status, expunged juvenile record, and/or the use of leave protected by state or federal law in all programs, activities and employment practices as required by Title IX, other applicable laws, and policies. Retaliation is prohibited by UO policy. Questions may be referred to the Office of Equal Opportunity and Access. Contact information, related policies, and complaint procedures are listed here.

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