Animal Care Technician Jobs for OPT Students
Animal Care Technician jobs on OPT are available at research universities, veterinary clinics, pharmaceutical companies, and animal shelters. Most roles align with biology, animal science, or veterinary technology degrees. Your OPT end date and STEM extension eligibility will matter to employers, so have those details ready.
See All Animal Care Technician JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 1,142+ Animal Care Technician jobs
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
See all 1,142+ Animal Care Technician jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Animal Care Technician roles.
Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
Georgetown University comprises two unique campuses in the nation’s capital. With the Hilltop Campus located in the heart of the historic Georgetown neighborhood, and the Capitol Campus, just minutes from the U.S. Capitol and U.S. Supreme Court, Georgetown University offers rigorous academic programs, a global perspective, and unparalleled opportunities to engage with Washington, D.C. Our community is a close-knit group of remarkable individuals driven by intellectual inquiry, a commitment to social justice, and a shared dedication to making a difference in the world.
ABOUT THE JOB
The Animal Care Technician exists to support the Division of Comparative Medicine’s animal husbandry function in support of animal research initiatives. The position performs daily husbandry for laboratory animals, including handling, feeding, watering, changing cages, and monitoring the health of laboratory animals. They will follow standard operating procedures and maintain compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The position assists with cage wash and autoclave operation and sanitizes areas and/or equipment.
WORK INTERACTIONS
The Animal Care Technician fulfills animal husbandry duties as directed by their direct supervisor (Animal Care Supervisor), facility manager, and Director of the Division of Comparative Medicine. The work performed by the technician supports Georgetown University’s research vision and mission by providing a compliant and ethical research facility to conduct biomedical research. The incumbent will be working in a designated work area, but will also spend a significant amount of time in the animal facility where he/she could be exposed to biological hazards, chemicals, and laboratory animals. The technician will also interact with other animal care technicians, veterinary technicians, veterinarians, and research faculty and staff.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- High school diploma
- Prior experience working with animals and AALAS certification are preferred
- Must be able to lift 50 lbs, work in hot and/or steamy environments, work with animals/animal odors and perform work that involves repetitive bending, twisting, and pushing motions
- Must possess verbal and written communication skills to read and follow instructions in English
WORK MODE DESIGNATION
This position has been designated as On-Campus. Please note that work mode designations are regularly reviewed in order to meet the evolving needs of the University. Such review may necessitate a change to a position’s mode of work designation. Complete details about Georgetown University’s mode of work designations for staff and AAP positions can be found on the Department of Human Resources website.
PAY RANGE
The projected salary or hourly pay range for this position which represents the full range of anticipated compensation is:
$17.95 - $26.84
Compensation is determined by a number of factors including, but not limited to, the candidate’s individual qualifications, experience, education, skills, and certifications, as well as the University’s business needs and external factors.
CURRENT GEORGETOWN EMPLOYEES
If you currently work at Georgetown University, please exit this website and login to GMS (gms.georgetown.edu) using your Net ID and password. Then select the Career worklet on your GMS Home dashboard to view Jobs at Georgetown.
SUBMISSION GUIDELINES
Please note that in order to be considered an applicant for any position at Georgetown University you must submit a resume for each position of interest for which you believe you are qualified. Documents are not kept on file for future positions.
NEED ASSISTANCE
If you are a qualified individual with a disability and need a reasonable accommodations for any part of the application and hiring process, please visit the Office for Equal Opportunity Compliance website for general information about requesting accommodations, as well as information about requesting accommodations specifically for applicants. You also can also contact the Office for Equal Opportunity Compliance at (202) 687-4798 or oeoc@georgetown.edu.
Need some assistance with the application process? Please call 202-687-2500. For more information about the suite of benefits, professional development and community involvement opportunities that make up Georgetown's commitment to its employees, please visit the Georgetown Works website.
GU is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply, and will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, citizenship, color, disability, family responsibilities, gender identity and expression, genetic information, marital status, matriculation, national origin, race, religion, personal appearance, political affiliation, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
BENEFITS
Georgetown University offers a comprehensive and competitive benefit package that includes medical, dental, vision, disability and life insurance, retirement savings, tuition assistance, work-life balance benefits, employee discounts and an array of voluntary insurance options. You can learn more about benefits and eligibility on the Department of Human Resources website.
INTRODUCTION
Georgetown University comprises two unique campuses in the nation’s capital. With the Hilltop Campus located in the heart of the historic Georgetown neighborhood, and the Capitol Campus, just minutes from the U.S. Capitol and U.S. Supreme Court, Georgetown University offers rigorous academic programs, a global perspective, and unparalleled opportunities to engage with Washington, D.C. Our community is a close-knit group of remarkable individuals driven by intellectual inquiry, a commitment to social justice, and a shared dedication to making a difference in the world.
ABOUT THE JOB
The Animal Care Technician exists to support the Division of Comparative Medicine’s animal husbandry function in support of animal research initiatives. The position performs daily husbandry for laboratory animals, including handling, feeding, watering, changing cages, and monitoring the health of laboratory animals. They will follow standard operating procedures and maintain compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The position assists with cage wash and autoclave operation and sanitizes areas and/or equipment.
WORK INTERACTIONS
The Animal Care Technician fulfills animal husbandry duties as directed by their direct supervisor (Animal Care Supervisor), facility manager, and Director of the Division of Comparative Medicine. The work performed by the technician supports Georgetown University’s research vision and mission by providing a compliant and ethical research facility to conduct biomedical research. The incumbent will be working in a designated work area, but will also spend a significant amount of time in the animal facility where he/she could be exposed to biological hazards, chemicals, and laboratory animals. The technician will also interact with other animal care technicians, veterinary technicians, veterinarians, and research faculty and staff.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- High school diploma
- Prior experience working with animals and AALAS certification are preferred
- Must be able to lift 50 lbs, work in hot and/or steamy environments, work with animals/animal odors and perform work that involves repetitive bending, twisting, and pushing motions
- Must possess verbal and written communication skills to read and follow instructions in English
WORK MODE DESIGNATION
This position has been designated as On-Campus. Please note that work mode designations are regularly reviewed in order to meet the evolving needs of the University. Such review may necessitate a change to a position’s mode of work designation. Complete details about Georgetown University’s mode of work designations for staff and AAP positions can be found on the Department of Human Resources website.
PAY RANGE
The projected salary or hourly pay range for this position which represents the full range of anticipated compensation is:
$17.95 - $26.84
Compensation is determined by a number of factors including, but not limited to, the candidate’s individual qualifications, experience, education, skills, and certifications, as well as the University’s business needs and external factors.
CURRENT GEORGETOWN EMPLOYEES
If you currently work at Georgetown University, please exit this website and login to GMS (gms.georgetown.edu) using your Net ID and password. Then select the Career worklet on your GMS Home dashboard to view Jobs at Georgetown.
SUBMISSION GUIDELINES
Please note that in order to be considered an applicant for any position at Georgetown University you must submit a resume for each position of interest for which you believe you are qualified. Documents are not kept on file for future positions.
NEED ASSISTANCE
If you are a qualified individual with a disability and need a reasonable accommodations for any part of the application and hiring process, please visit the Office for Equal Opportunity Compliance website for general information about requesting accommodations, as well as information about requesting accommodations specifically for applicants. You also can also contact the Office for Equal Opportunity Compliance at (202) 687-4798 or oeoc@georgetown.edu.
Need some assistance with the application process? Please call 202-687-2500. For more information about the suite of benefits, professional development and community involvement opportunities that make up Georgetown's commitment to its employees, please visit the Georgetown Works website.
GU is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply, and will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, citizenship, color, disability, family responsibilities, gender identity and expression, genetic information, marital status, matriculation, national origin, race, religion, personal appearance, political affiliation, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
BENEFITS
Georgetown University offers a comprehensive and competitive benefit package that includes medical, dental, vision, disability and life insurance, retirement savings, tuition assistance, work-life balance benefits, employee discounts and an array of voluntary insurance options. You can learn more about benefits and eligibility on the Department of Human Resources website.
How to Get Visa Sponsorship as an Animal Care Technician
Lead with your OPT authorization dates
Employers hiring Animal Care Technicians want to know how long you can work without a visa transfer. State your OPT start and end dates clearly in your application and be ready to confirm whether you qualify for the 24-month STEM extension.
Target research institutions and universities
Research universities and academic medical centers hire Animal Care Technicians regularly and are experienced with OPT work authorization. These institutions often have dedicated HR processes for international employees, making them more receptive than smaller private practices.
Highlight hands-on lab and husbandry experience
Animal care employers prioritize candidates with documented experience handling specific species, operating autoclave equipment, or following IACUC protocols. Concrete skills from coursework, internships, or campus vivarium work make your application stand out to sponsorship-willing employers.
Confirm your degree field aligns with the role
OPT requires a direct connection between your degree and your job. Animal science, biology, veterinary technology, and zoology degrees typically satisfy this for Animal Care Technician roles. Be prepared to explain that connection clearly if an employer or DSO asks.
Ask about STEM OPT extension eligibility early
If your degree is in a STEM-designated field like biology or animal science, you may qualify for a 24-month extension. Mentioning this early shows employers you have longer-term availability, which can be the deciding factor in a hiring decision.
Get your DSO to confirm employment before you start
You cannot legally begin work as an Animal Care Technician until your OPT EAD card is in hand and your DSO has recorded the employer in SEVIS. Confirm these steps are complete before your first day to protect your immigration status.
Animal Care Technician jobs are hiring across the US. Find yours.
Find Animal Care Technician JobsSee all 1,142+ Animal Care Technician jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Animal Care Technician roles.
Get Access To All JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Can I work as an Animal Care Technician on OPT?
Yes, as long as the role is directly related to your degree field. Animal science, biology, veterinary technology, and zoology degrees typically satisfy the OPT employment requirement for this role. Your employer does not need to sponsor a visa for you to work on OPT, but the job must align with your area of study.
Do Animal Care Technician employers typically support OPT workers?
Research universities, pharmaceutical companies, and contract research organizations are the most OPT-friendly employers for this role because they regularly hire from academic pipelines and have HR teams familiar with work authorization. Smaller veterinary clinics or private shelters may be less experienced with OPT, so it helps to explain the process clearly during interviews. Migrate Mate lists Animal Care Technician roles from employers open to OPT candidates.
Does an Animal Care Technician job qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
It depends on your degree, not the job title. If your degree is in a STEM-designated field such as biology, animal science, or biochemistry, and your employer is E-Verify registered, you may qualify for the 24-month STEM extension. The role itself does not need a STEM designation. Confirm your degree's CIP code with your DSO to verify eligibility before your initial OPT period expires.
What happens to my OPT status if my Animal Care Technician contract ends?
OPT allows up to 90 days of unemployment during the standard period and 150 days during the STEM extension. If your contract ends, those days begin accumulating immediately. You can take on a new Animal Care Technician position or a related role to stop the clock, but you must update your employment in SEVIS through your DSO within 10 days of starting.
Can I work part-time as an Animal Care Technician on OPT?
Yes. Post-completion OPT permits part-time work of at least 20 hours per week, and that counts as authorized employment. Working fewer than 20 hours per week is treated as unemployment and counts toward your 90-day limit. If you are on the STEM extension, you must work at least 20 hours per week to maintain valid status under the extension requirements.
See which Animal Care Technician employers are hiring and sponsoring visas right now.
Search Animal Care Technician Jobs