Position Summary 

The McConnell Group, www.themccgroup.com, a health science company, is seeking an experienced Animal Caretaker to support a research environment, delivering high-quality care for laboratory animals. The Animal Caretaker performs all animal husbandry-related duties necessary to support laboratory animal research programs. This position is responsible for ensuring the health, welfare, sanitation, and proper care of research animals through the execution of routine and specialized husbandry procedures. The Animal Caretaker must possess a thorough understanding of animal care practices, facility operating procedures, regulatory requirements, and animal welfare standards while working in a fast-paced research environment.  

Required Screenings: 

Candidate MUST pass a government background investigation (NAC), employment physical, drug/alcohol screening, and social media screening.  

Schedule: 

Variable hours to include weekends, holidays, and emergencies as requested.  

Work Environment: 

Work is performed in laboratory animal facilities and support areas where employees may be exposed to animal allergens, noise, humidity, disinfectants, cleaning agents, and varying environmental conditions. Employees must wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and comply with all safety and biosecurity requirements. 

Position Responsibilities:  

Animal Husbandry and Care 

• Perform routine animal husbandry activities, including feeding, watering, cage changing, sanitation, and daily health observations. 
• Provide handling, restraint, and care for all applicable species, including rodents, rabbits, swine, nonhuman primates, and fish. 
• Conduct comprehensive and detailed observations of animal health and behavior. 
• Monitor environmental conditions and maintain accurate records of animal health and room conditions. 
• Maintain clean, organized, and sanitary animal housing and support areas. 
• Uphold all institutional, federal, and regulatory requirements related to laboratory animal care and welfare. 

Animal Receipt and Processing 

• Receive incoming animals and perform proper handling, unpacking, and placement into appropriate housing systems. 
• Apply permanent identification methods accurately and in accordance with established procedures. 
• Transport animals safely to designated housing rooms and research areas. 

Equipment and Facility Operations 

• Understand and operate facility equipment and systems, including: 
• Ventilated cage systems 
• Automatic watering systems 
• Cage wash equipment and chemical supply systems 
• Bulk bedding storage and dispensing systems 
• Biosafety cabinets and BSL-2 hoods 
• Perform cage wash operations when required, including the operation of automated cage washing equipment and associated support systems. 
• Follow all site-specific Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). 

Documentation and Communication 

• Complete and maintain required documentation, including: 
• Animal health records 
• Room logs 
• Facility operational records 
• Regulatory documentation 
• Assess signs of pain, distress, illness, or abnormal behavior in rodents, rabbits, swine, and nonhuman primates. 
• Communicate observations accurately and promptly to veterinarians and technical staff through verbal, written, telephone, or electronic communications. 
• Demonstrate strong verbal and written communication skills. 

Teamwork and Continuous Improvement 

• Work effectively within a team environment. 
• Demonstrate initiative and contribute ideas for process improvements and operational efficiencies. 
• Perform additional duties as assigned in support of the research mission. 

Requirements: 

• High School Diploma or equivalent required. 
• Valid, unrestricted motor vehicle driver's license required. 
• Ability to safely operate motor vehicles and transport equipment and supplies between facilities and buildings. 
• Certified at the AALAS Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT) level or higher, or able to obtain ALAT certification within twelve (12) months of contract start date. 
• Computer proficiency and strong organizational and record-keeping skills. 
• Ability to understand and operate sophisticated animal care equipment and facility systems. 
• Ability to learn and apply complex animal care policies and procedures. 
• Must pass a government background investigation (NAC), employment physical, and drug/alcohol screening. 
• Must be able to work in compliance with all biosafety, occupational health, and animal welfare require 

Preferred Skills and Qualifications: 

• Minimum of one (1) year of laboratory animal care experience preferred. 

Physical Requirements: 

• Ability to lift and carry a minimum of fifty (50) pounds over extended periods. 
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, lift, push, and pull equipment throughout the workday. 
• Possess the physical stamina required to work on feet for extended periods in environments that may be noisy and have elevated temperature and humidity levels. 
• No physical or health restrictions that would prevent working with rodents, rabbits, swine, nonhuman primates, or fish. 
• Ability to work indoors and outdoors in all weather conditions. 

Benefits: The McConnell Group offers a comprehensive benefits program, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401(k), and a range of other voluntary benefits. Paid Time Off (PTO) is offered to regular full-time employees. 

The McConnell Group Recruits, employs, trains, compensates, and promotes without regard to race, religion, creed, color, citizenship, national origin, age, sex, gender, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, veteran status or any other legally protected basis, in accordance with applicable federal, state, or local law. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment including termination, layoff, recall, transfer, and leaves of absence. 

As required by law, The McConnell Group participates in E-Verify, a service of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Social Security Administration (SSA), to verify the identity and employment eligibility of persons hired to work in the United States. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities as an applicant, please visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify 

Applications can be submitted electronically or by submitting a paper resume to: 

The McConnell Group, Attention: Human Resources 1 Research Court, Suite 450, Landover MD 20850. 

Disclaimer: Nothing in this job description/posting shall constitute an offer or promise of employment.