Technician - Surgery

Job Overview

We are seeking an experienced Technician I – Surgery and Efficacy for our Surgery OR Team in Mattawan MI.

A Technician I – Technical Operations is in training to perform and become proficient in onboarding skills, procedures, and cooperating in a team environment. The technician is learning basic skills required to conduct a study, including animal handling/restraint, housing maintenance and feeding procedures, collecting data, observing animals for health status and body weight measurements, administering doses by various methods, conducting euthanasia and/or biological specimen collections for analysis.

The technician works under close supervision to gain proficiency.

The pay for this position is $20/hr USD. Salaries vary within the range based on factors including, but not limited to, experience, skills, education, certifications, and location.

• Ensure good welfare and humane care for all animals worked with through gentle, positive human–animal interactions.
• Train in onboarding skills which may include animal handling/restraint, housing maintenance, and feeding procedures; collecting data, observing animals for health status, and body weight measurements; administering doses by various methods, conducting euthanasia, and/or biological specimen collections for analysis. Specific skills will be based on each area’s training plan and business needs.
• Collect, document, review, and verify data on forms, or in electronic data capture systems.
• Review documentation of functions performed as part of quality control requirements.
• Use and maintain instrumentation and equipment.
• Perform all other related duties as assigned.
• Education: High school diploma or General Education Degree (G.E.D.) required. Bachelor’s degree (BA/BS) or equivalent in a biological science, preferred.
• Certification/Licensure: None, unless required by local government.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Knowledge of English.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities to achieve goals.
• Computer skills, e.g., Microsoft Office Suite, commensurate with essential functions, including the ability to learn a validated system.
• Ability to ensure a safe working environment is maintained by observing all safety procedures and working methods, using protective clothing and equipment, and following all safety documents issued or notified of.
• Ability to ensure the integrity of the studies and fulfill regulatory agency requirements by performing activities according to GLP, SOP, BOP and IACUC rules.
• Ability to work extended hours beyond normal work schedule to include evenings, weekends, extended shifts, and/ or extra shifts, sometimes on short notice.
• Ability to work under specific time constraints.
• Must be authorized to work in the United States without a sponsor visa, now or in the future.

Benefits may include: bonus/incentives based on performance, 401(k), paid time off, stock purchase program, health and wellness coverage, employee and family wellbeing support programs, and work‑life balance flexibility.

Charles River is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all qualified applicants and employees without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, mental or physical disability, family status, pregnancy, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

It is unlawful in some states (including Massachusetts) to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

If you are interested in applying to Charles River Laboratories and need special assistance or an accommodation due to a disability to complete any forms or otherwise participate in the resume submission process, please contact a member of our Human Resources team by sending an e‑mail message to  This contact is for accommodation requests for individuals with disabilities only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.