OPT Animal Care Technician Jobs
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.
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Get Access To All JobsCompany Description
We are SGS – the world's leading testing, inspection and certification company. We are recognized as the global benchmark for sustainability, quality and integrity. Our 99,600 employees operate a network of 2,600 offices and laboratories, working together to enable a better, safer and more interconnected world.
Job Description
SGS helps to improve food safety, enhance quality, support sustainable development, improve margins, and protect brands. SGS auditors have the industry and business expertise to perform feed audits against chosen criteria and code of practice.
As the Animal Feed Auditor, you will perform third-party audits per SGS Certification procedures and requirements of one or more applicable standards (i.e. GMP+, FAMIQS, GMP, SFSF, HACCP). You will also perform the collection and analysis of sufficient information to provide a recommendation for certification.
Position may be located anywhere in the U.S.
- Perform certification audits in any capacity in conformance with the SGS Global/Local procedures, sector specific schemes/standards, ensure that such duties are performed in an efficient and commercially expedient way.
- Upon evidence gained during audits, provides with determination whether registration should be recommended or allowed to continue.
- Assimilate, understand, and operate the SGS Certification System in all auditing activities.
- Collaborate with teams of Auditors during the auditing activities.
- Strive to provide customers with sufficient audit experience to cover the whole of SGS’s Certification's accredited activities.
- Assist in the training of other Auditors and Senior Auditors during planned audits or during other training functions.
- Actively participates in witness audits by SGS or accreditation bodies.
- Maintains all audit-related credentials.
- Undertake any other activities as directed by the Manager, Certification Audit or Manager, Technical Accreditation.
- Adheres to internal standards, policies, and procedures.
Qualifications
Education and Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in animal feed / nutrition, food science or bio science is required.
- Post-secondary education (e.g., biology, chemistry, food engineering, pharmacy, agricultural engineering, nutritionist, zootechnology).
- 2+ years’ work experience and qualified as Lead Auditor to HACCP (third party audit scheme eg., SQF).
- Food/feed microbiology, food safety, chemistry, animal nutrition, animal production, animal health, Feed GMP, Feed and Food HACCP.
- Total work experience in Management Systems 4 years.
- Work experience in Feed/Food Safety Management Systems At least 2 years of the total 4 years.
Travel
- Travels up to 80% of the time - automobile / airplane, some travel might be international with flight time 8+ hours depending on the destination. Weekend travel may be necessary to meet utilization requirements.
Knowledge/ Skills/ Abilities
- Strong background and knowledge of technical applications of the standards.
- Language Skills: Highest advanced level of English.
- Mathematical Skills: Basic level.
- Reasoning Skills/Abilities: Basic level.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal, verbal, written and presentation skills.
- Proactive attitude and excellent organizational skills.
- Effectively react in stressful situations and make clear, well-founded decisions regarding conformity during the audit.
- Ability to multitask and manage multiple projects while delivering results on time.
- Act with integrity, tact, and character.
Compensation
The expected salary range for this position is $81,165 – $103,000 annually. This range represents the minimum and maximum base salary we reasonably expect to pay for this role. Actual compensation within the range will depend on skills, experience, and qualifications.
Our Benefits
We care about your total well-being and will support you with the following subject to your location and role.
- Health: Medical, dental and vision insurance, life insurance, employee assistance programs.
- Wealth: In addition to base pay, we offer 401(k) with company match (immediate vesting upon enrollment) and an Auditor Bonus Plan.
-
Happiness:
-
Professional Growth: Online training courses, virtual and classroom development experiences, tuition reimbursement program.
- Work-Life Balance: Paid-time off and family leave.
In compliance with applicable state and local pay transparency laws, we provide clear and equitable compensation information for all applicants.
SGS is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and as such we recruit, hire, train, and promote persons in all job classifications without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetics, status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristics protected by law.
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required.
This job description should not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements, but a general description of the job. Nothing contained herein restricts the company’s rights to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.
If you are applying for a position within the United States and you have difficulty completing the on-line employment application because of a disability, please call 201-508-3149 for assistance and leave a message. You will receive a call back. Please note, this phone number is not for general employment information but is only for individuals who are experiencing difficulty applying for a position due to a disability.
Company Description
We are SGS – the world's leading testing, inspection and certification company. We are recognized as the global benchmark for sustainability, quality and integrity. Our 99,600 employees operate a network of 2,600 offices and laboratories, working together to enable a better, safer and more interconnected world.
Job Description
SGS helps to improve food safety, enhance quality, support sustainable development, improve margins, and protect brands. SGS auditors have the industry and business expertise to perform feed audits against chosen criteria and code of practice.
As the Animal Feed Auditor, you will perform third-party audits per SGS Certification procedures and requirements of one or more applicable standards (i.e. GMP+, FAMIQS, GMP, SFSF, HACCP). You will also perform the collection and analysis of sufficient information to provide a recommendation for certification.
Position may be located anywhere in the U.S.
- Perform certification audits in any capacity in conformance with the SGS Global/Local procedures, sector specific schemes/standards, ensure that such duties are performed in an efficient and commercially expedient way.
- Upon evidence gained during audits, provides with determination whether registration should be recommended or allowed to continue.
- Assimilate, understand, and operate the SGS Certification System in all auditing activities.
- Collaborate with teams of Auditors during the auditing activities.
- Strive to provide customers with sufficient audit experience to cover the whole of SGS’s Certification's accredited activities.
- Assist in the training of other Auditors and Senior Auditors during planned audits or during other training functions.
- Actively participates in witness audits by SGS or accreditation bodies.
- Maintains all audit-related credentials.
- Undertake any other activities as directed by the Manager, Certification Audit or Manager, Technical Accreditation.
- Adheres to internal standards, policies, and procedures.
Qualifications
Education and Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in animal feed / nutrition, food science or bio science is required.
- Post-secondary education (e.g., biology, chemistry, food engineering, pharmacy, agricultural engineering, nutritionist, zootechnology).
- 2+ years’ work experience and qualified as Lead Auditor to HACCP (third party audit scheme eg., SQF).
- Food/feed microbiology, food safety, chemistry, animal nutrition, animal production, animal health, Feed GMP, Feed and Food HACCP.
- Total work experience in Management Systems 4 years.
- Work experience in Feed/Food Safety Management Systems At least 2 years of the total 4 years.
Travel
- Travels up to 80% of the time - automobile / airplane, some travel might be international with flight time 8+ hours depending on the destination. Weekend travel may be necessary to meet utilization requirements.
Knowledge/ Skills/ Abilities
- Strong background and knowledge of technical applications of the standards.
- Language Skills: Highest advanced level of English.
- Mathematical Skills: Basic level.
- Reasoning Skills/Abilities: Basic level.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal, verbal, written and presentation skills.
- Proactive attitude and excellent organizational skills.
- Effectively react in stressful situations and make clear, well-founded decisions regarding conformity during the audit.
- Ability to multitask and manage multiple projects while delivering results on time.
- Act with integrity, tact, and character.
Compensation
The expected salary range for this position is $81,165 – $103,000 annually. This range represents the minimum and maximum base salary we reasonably expect to pay for this role. Actual compensation within the range will depend on skills, experience, and qualifications.
Our Benefits
We care about your total well-being and will support you with the following subject to your location and role.
- Health: Medical, dental and vision insurance, life insurance, employee assistance programs.
- Wealth: In addition to base pay, we offer 401(k) with company match (immediate vesting upon enrollment) and an Auditor Bonus Plan.
-
Happiness:
-
Professional Growth: Online training courses, virtual and classroom development experiences, tuition reimbursement program.
- Work-Life Balance: Paid-time off and family leave.
In compliance with applicable state and local pay transparency laws, we provide clear and equitable compensation information for all applicants.
SGS is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and as such we recruit, hire, train, and promote persons in all job classifications without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetics, status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristics protected by law.
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required.
This job description should not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements, but a general description of the job. Nothing contained herein restricts the company’s rights to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.
If you are applying for a position within the United States and you have difficulty completing the on-line employment application because of a disability, please call 201-508-3149 for assistance and leave a message. You will receive a call back. Please note, this phone number is not for general employment information but is only for individuals who are experiencing difficulty applying for a position due to a disability.
See all 61+ OPT Animal Care Technician Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Animal Care Technician Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT 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 OPT: Frequently 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.