Role Description
Position Summary
The Technical Specialist is responsible for providing high-quality animal care, technical and operational support in a research environment at the Lincoln facility. The specialist plays a critical role in maintaining a safe, clean, and compliant environment for both animals and colleagues. In addition to performing and assisting with standard animal husbandry and laboratory tasks, the specialist ensures that animal welfare standards are upheld according to established protocols and regulations. This position also involves collaboration with research and veterinary colleagues. The ideal candidate models our core beliefs, demonstrates strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and dedication to continuous learning and professional development. Weekend and Holiday work required.
Position Responsibilities
- Animal Care and Welfare
- Perform all aspects of animal husbandry including but not limited to species-appropriate enrichment, behavioral observations, and training across assigned areas (e.g., livestock, companion animals, rodents) in accordance with SOPs and regulatory standards.
- Monitor health status, document observations, escalate concerns, and implement corrective actions per protocols to ensure optimal animal well‑being.
- Technical Procedures and In Vivo Support
- Perform and/or assist with clinical and in vivo procedures (e.g., vaccinations, phlebotomy, sample collection) using aseptic technique and established protocols.
- Set up, calibrate, and operate relevant equipment; troubleshoot routine issues; and ensure readiness of materials, reagents, and supplies.
- Facility and Biosafety Operations
- Maintain clean, organized, and compliant animal rooms, laboratories, and support areas, including routine cleaning, sanitizing, and preventive maintenance tasks.
- Monitor and replenish inventory for husbandry, facility, and testing; support biosafety and biosecurity practices to meet internal and external standards.
- Documentation and Compliance
- Accurately complete electronic and paper records, logs, and forms in accordance with SOPs, GMP's(as applicable), and regulatory requirements.
- Adhere to and reinforce institutional policies, safety standards, and documentation practices; participate in internal audits/inspections as requested.
Education and Experience
Qualifications
- High School Diploma + 3 years related experience or education combined.
- Animal Behavior and husbandry experience in a professional setting.
- Proven track record of working well in a team setting.
- Flexibility, enthusiasm, and adaptability within the work environment.
- History of successfully working in a fast-paced setting involving multiple projects and tasks.
- Demonstrated math and reading comprehension required.
- Great attitude.
- The candidate should possess excellent organizational, written and oral communication skills. Basic computer skills required.
Desired attributes:
Two or four-year degree in a science-based field.
AALAS Certification
Previous experience in an in vivo research setting
Technical Skills and Competencies
- Thorough knowledge of animal husbandry and comprehensive care for a variety of large and small animal species.
- Proficiency in safe restraint, vaccinations, phlebotomy, and sample collection; consistent use of aseptic technique.
- Ability to identify and implement process improvements to enhance efficiency, throughput, and quality.
- Strong teamwork and collaborative skills; ability to provide direction/training to others and act as a technical resource.
- Excellent organizational, written, and oral communication skills; basic computer proficiency for documentation.
- Sound judgment and problem-solving in diverse, sometimes complex, non-routine scenarios.
Physical Position Requirements
- This role requires the ability to alternate between standing and seated tasks throughout the workday.
- Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds and perform physically active duties such as animal handling, facility cleaning, and equipment maintenance.
- Frequent bending, reaching, and stooping are necessary to accomplish daily tasks.
- Some work will be performed outdoors as required by facility operations or animal care needs.
- Role requires the usage of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
About Zoetis
At Zoetis, our purpose is to nurture the world and humankind by advancing care for animals. As a Fortune 500 company and the world leader in animal health, we discover, develop, manufacture and commercialize vaccines, medicines, diagnostics and other technologies for companion animals and livestock. We know our people drive our success. Our award-winning culture, built around our Core Beliefs, focuses on our colleagues' careers, connection and support. We offer competitive healthcare and retirement savings benefits, along with an array of benefits, policies and programs to support employee well-being in every sense, from health and financial wellness to family and lifestyle resources.
Notice: Zoetis Recruiters will contact candidates via email from an address ending in @zoetis.com and may also initially connect with candidates through LinkedIn, including LinkedIn InMail. Zoetis does not use Gmail, Outlook, Yahoo, or other web-based/generic email domains to communicate about job opportunities, interviews, or offers of employment. If you receive a recruitment-related email message claiming to be from Zoetis that does not come from @zoetis.com, please treat it as suspicious. For your security, do not reply, click links, open attachments, share personal or financial information, or send money in response to unexpected or questionable recruitment communications.
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