Animal Care Technician; Gunpowder, Maryland

Precise Systems is seeking a dependable and compassionate Animal Care Technician I to support the daily care and well-being of research animals in a regulated laboratory environment.

This is a hands-on, physically active role ideal for someone who takes pride in reliable work, attention to detail, and providing humane, high-quality animal care. Team members play a critical role in maintaining safe, sanitary, and compliant facilities that directly support important research and operational readiness efforts.

• Provide daily husbandry care including feeding, watering, cage changes, and sanitation
• Monitor animal health and report concerns promptly
• Maintain clean and compliant animal holding areas
• Operate equipment such as autoclaves, cage washers, restraint devices, and floor scrubbers
• Follow biohazard, safety, and infection control protocols (BSL-1/BSL-2 environments)
• Maintain accurate records and documentation in accordance with SOPs and research protocols
• Assist with basic procedures under training and supervision

• Strong reliability and consistent attendance
• Compassion for animals and commitment to ethical care
• Comfort working in a hands-on, physical environment
• Ability to follow detailed procedures and safety requirements
• Willingness to learn and support team operations
• Experience in animal care, veterinary, laboratory, or research settings preferred

All work is performed on-site, in Edgewood, Maryland, 5 days per week

• Provide daily husbandry care including feeding, watering, cleaning, and cage sanitation
• Monitor animal health and report observations
• Maintain clean and compliant animal holding facilities
• Operate equipment such as cage washers, autoclaves, and floor scrubbers
• Support environmental monitoring, waste handling, and facility upkeep
• Maintain accurate records and documentation in accordance with SOPs and protocols
• Assist with basic procedures under proper training and supervision

• Must possess a minimum of a High School degree or GED equivalent
• Ability to obtain Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT) Certification within a year of employment

• Reliable, skilled and compassionate animal handling and care
• Excellent time management skills
• Computer experience; familiarity with the Microsoft office suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.)

Due to the regulated research environment and direct animal contact, this position requires:

• Annual influenza (flu) vaccination
• Participation in occupational health, medical surveillance, and immunization programs
• Ability to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE) for extended periods
• Successful completion of pre-employment drug testing and participation in random drug screening
• Up-to-date tetanus shot required
• Reliable attendance and availability to support essential operations, including weekends, holidays, inclement weather, or on-call coverage as needed

To protect employees, animal populations, and research integrity, individuals must be able to:

• Safely work with laboratory animals of multiple species and life stages
• Follow all biosecurity, safety, and infection control protocols
• Wear PPE such as gloves, masks/respirators, scrubs, and protective footwear for extended periods
• Participate in required health screenings and disclose any conditions or allergies that may impact safe job performance

This is an active, hands-on role that regularly requires:

• Standing, walking, bending, reaching, and repetitive movement throughout the day
• Lifting and moving cages, feed, bedding, waste, and equipment (up to approximately 50 pounds)
• Manual dexterity and strength for safe animal handling and…