Animal Care & Research Technician

No Relocation Assistance Offered
Job Number#171841 - Topeka Kansas United States

Who We Are

Colgate-Palmolive Company is a global consumer products company operating in over 200 countries specializing in Oral Care Personal Care Home Care Skin Care and Pet Nutrition. Our products are trusted in more households than any other brand in the world making us a household name!

Join Colgate-Palmolive a caring innovative growth company reimagining a healthier future for people their pets and our planet. Guided by our core valuesCaring Inclusive and Courageouswe foster a culture that inspires our people to achieve common goals. Together lets build a brighter healthier future for all.

At Hills we have a purpose to transform the lives of millions of pet families through pioneering innovation science-led nutrition and the best and brightest people. If youre interested in work that matters fueled by passion for pets we invite you to apply.

Founded more than 75 years ago with an unwavering commitment to pet nutrition Hills mission is to help enrich and lengthen the special relationships between people and their pets. Our decades of science and research guide us in creating nutrition thats a step ahead so pets and pet parents can enjoy every day together. As the US #1 Veterinarian recommended pet food brand knowledge is our first ingredient with 220 veterinarians PhD nutritionists and food scientists working to develop breakthrough innovations in pet health.

Are you passionate about advancing pet nutrition and providing world-class care to companion animals As an Animal Care Research Technician (ACRT) you will directly impact the development of cutting-edge products at the Hills Pet Nutrition Science & Technology this dynamic role you will own the daily care enrichment and nutritional needs of our resident pet partners while executing vital research protocols that improve the lives of pets globally. By delivering exceptional hygiene precise data collection and positive behavioral training you will serve as a critical stakeholder in upholding our rigorous welfare and scientific standards.

You can find more details about our location in the following video!

& Sanitation

• Cleans and disinfects the facilitys housing units enrichment areas toys pet bedding feeding areas equipment and maintains litter boxes to include tasks such as: Daily power washing and weekly sanitization (including breaking down and resetting) of interior rooms and outdoor spaces for 2-4 hours each day scooping feces from indoor/outdoor spaces throughout the day cleaning all cat areas with disinfectant and scooping litter boxes daily washing interior and exterior windows as scheduled
• Maintains accurate and current sanitation schedule and records

Animal Care Health& Enrichment

• Engage in positive daily interactions with pets including exercise playtime training bathing and grooming
• Perform monthly grooming and bathing for canines and felines which includes lifting dogs up to 50 lbs brushing coats trimming nails expressing anal glands cleaning ears and providing blow drying as needed
• Perform routine procedures including teeth brushing as well as monitoring temperature heart rate respiratory rate blood pressure and similar health assessments
• Learn understand and adhere to Hills Global Animal Care and Use Policy and Animal Colony Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
• Observe and document animal behavior activity levels and any signs of illness or discomfort
• Support preventative health care including administering medications vaccines and treatments as prescribed by a veterinarian
• Collect and prepare samples (such as feces urine or blood) for diagnostic testing as requested by the veterinarian
• Assist veterinarians with exams and provide care for animals with special health needs
• Implement assigned behavior plans and apply animal behavioral principles to promote healthy habits improve behavior and support socialization
• Facilitate positive social interactions among animals and supervise group play or introductions
• Train animals using positive reinforcement techniques to encourage desired behaviors and reduce stress
• Record observations of behavior changes and report concerns
• Engage animals in customized enrichment activities designed to stimulate their physical and mental well-being
• Collaborate with team members to develop new enrichment ideas and improve existing programs

Feeding & Nutrition

• Prepare meals customized to each animals needs and research protocols ensuring food bowls are accurately filled by following labels and feed sheets.
• Accurately place food bowls to assigned feeding locations
• Monitor and record animal food and water intake making adjustments as necessary and documenting food returns in the animal management system database
• Report any changes in food intake to veterinarians and following modification plans
• Wash organize and store food and watering bowls

Sample & Data Collection

• Learn understand and adhere to Animal Colony SOPs and procedures to maintain data quality and integrity
• Maintains knowledge of ongoing feeding studies
• Record and manage data in the animal management systems and promptly communicate any observations or concerns.
• Prepare for and collect samples as outlined in research protocols such as: Perform weekly body weights for test animals collect and process feces within required time limit collect and/or assist with blood and urine samples

Equipment Operation

• Understand and operate equipment such as feed stations food scales body weight scales handheld data terminals etc.
• Perform routine maintenance and/or quality checks on equipment
• Identify equipment issues perform troubleshooting and escalate problems when necessary

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of a High School Diploma or equivalent.

• Minimum of 1 year of professional experience working in a licensed animal facility.

• Ability to work a flexible schedule supporting a 365-day operation including a mandatory weekend and holiday rotation.

• Physical capacity to repetitively lift and transfer animals/equipment weighing up to 50 lbs on a daily basis.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in Animal Science Biological Sciences or a related scientific field.

• Credentialed Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT) certification.

• Prior clinical research or veterinary hospital experience.

• Demonstrated proficiency with digital collaboration tools specifically Google Workspace (Sheets Docs Drive).

• Strong collaborative competencies inclusive communication skills and a proactive approach to team problem-solving.

Physical & Environmental Requirements

• Must be comfortable working closely with both cats and dogs.
• Must successfully pass the PNC Animal Colony Functional Capacity Evaluation.
• Ability to stand bend stoop push and pull repetitively for extended durations.
• Ability to perform repetitive motions required for high-pressure power washing and manual facility maintenance.
• Comfortable working in a high-stimulus environment characterized by loud animal vocalizations (barking) fluctuating temperatures humidity and natural animal odors.
• Capability to work safely with and around approved industrial cleaning chemicals sanitizers and detergents.

Compensation and Benefits
Salary Range $44000.00 - $60500.00 USD

Pay is determined based on experience qualifications and location. Salaried employees may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses profit-sharing and long-term incentives for Executive-level roles.

Benefits: Salaried employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits package including medical dental vision basic life insurance paid parental leave disability coverage and participation in the 401(k) retirement plan with company matching contributions subject to eligibility requirements. Additional benefits include a minimum of 15 vacation/PTO days (hourly employees receive a minimum of 120 hours) and 13 paid holidays (vacation days are prorated based on the employees hire date within the calendar year). Paid sick leave is adjusted based on role and location in accordance with local laws. Detailed information regarding paid sick leave entitlements will be provided to employees upon hiring and may be subject to adjustments based on changes in legislation or company policies.

Our Commitment to Inclusion
Our journey begins with our peopledeveloping strong talent with diverse backgrounds and perspectives to best serve our consumers around the world and fostering an inclusive environment where everyone feels a true sense of belonging. We are dedicated to ensuring that each individual can be their authentic self is treated with respect and is empowered by leadership to contribute meaningfully to our business.

Equal Opportunity Employer
Colgate is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race color religion gender gender identity sexual orientation national origin ethnicity age disability marital status veteran status (United States positions) or any other characteristic protected by law.

Reasonable accommodation during the application process is available for persons with disabilities. Please complete this request form should you require accommodation.

For additional Colgate terms and conditions please click here.

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