Animal Care Technician Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Animal care technicians can qualify for H-1B visa sponsorship when the role requires a bachelor's degree in veterinary science, animal science, biology, or related field. Research facilities, pharmaceutical companies, and veterinary hospitals are the most common sponsors. The key qualification hurdle is proving the position requires specialized knowledge beyond basic animal care.
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INTRODUCTION
Discover Your Career at Emory University: Emory University is a leading research university that fosters excellence and attracts world-class talent to innovate today and prepare leaders for the future. We welcome candidates who can contribute to the excellence of our academic community.
ABOUT THE JOB
The Division of Animal Resources, within the Emory National Biomedical Research Center at Emory University, is currently seeking Animal Care Technicians to join our team. Our work consists of providing husbandry and care for a large colony of nonhuman primates in an open campus type setting. In addition to the husbandry and care duties and responsibilities, technicians are also trained to assist veterinary staff, colony management staff, and behavioral management staff. Once trained, Animal Care Technicians are assigned to an alternating weekend and holiday schedule.
The ideal candidate should be highly motivated, extremely dependable, reliable, detail-oriented, and possess a positive attitude and passion for animal care in a research environment. The Animal Care Technician will be a team player who is willing to learn on the job and collaborate with coworkers and other departments at the facility. The Animal Care Technician will work to ensure the highest quality of husbandry and care. Efficient and effective communication skills with co-workers, the management team, PIs, research staff, students, and other support services are also required.
Collaborate. Innovate. Serve. These three simple words capture what we do at ENBRC to help advance science and improve the health and well-being of humans and non-human primates. If you are someone with animal care experience who is familiar with standard policies and practices associated with providing humane and compassionate care to animals in a biomedical research setting, this is an amazing opportunity to indirectly save and change lives and make a positive impact in the science and research community.
Dedicated to discovering causes, preventions, treatments, and cures of disease, Emory National Biomedical Research Center (ENBRC) is improving human and animal health and lives worldwide. One of seven NPRCs funded by the NIH, ENBRC conducts studies that make breakthrough discoveries possible.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Performs routine duties associated with animal care in a research setting.
- Prepares food and feeds animals, maintains sanitary conditions, observes animal conditions and behavior, and collects animal specimens.
- May assist in animal restraint, maintaining animal housing and minor cage maintenance.
- Performs related responsibilities as required.
- Employees in this classification may be required to work with, take specific precautions against, and/or be immunized against potentially hazardous agents.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
- A high school diploma or equivalent and six months (full-time) of animal husbandry or related animal care experience OR one year of animal husbandry experience in a laboratory animal facility.
- The ability to lift up to 75 pounds.
- Positions in this classification may require a valid Georgia driver's license and an insurable driving record.
PREFERRED/DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Excellent interpersonal and written and verbal communication skills.
- Previous animal care experience.
- AALAS certification.
- Collaborative and team spirited.
WORKING ENVIRONMENT:
- Work schedule is Monday through Friday, 7:30 am - 4:00 pm, alternating weekends and Holidays.
- Outdoor work environment and outdoor hazards (weather conditions and insects, for example).
- Work environment involves working with biohazardous blood and tissues.
- Work environment involves some exposure to hazards or physical risks, which require following basic safety precautions.
- Work is normally performed in a typical laboratory environment.
- Requires the ability to bend, kneel, and/or squat.
- Requires significant walking.
PRE-EMPLOYMENT SCREENING STATEMENT:
The Emory National Biomedical Research Center (ENBRC), in conjunction with Emory University, conducts pre-employment screenings for all positions. These screenings may include an Information Network Associates (INA) and criminal background check, and verification of work history, academic credentials, licenses, and certifications. In addition, the process may include a drug screening with health assessment, and review and mandate for various vaccinations. Updated COVID-19 vaccinations may be necessary for specific research projects.
NOTE: Position tasks are required to be performed in-person at an Emory University location; working remote is not an option. Emory reserves the right to change this status with notice to employee.
Emory is an equal opportunity employer, and qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by state or federal law. Emory University does not discriminate in admissions, educational programs, or employment, including recruitment, hiring, promotions, transfers, discipline, terminations, wage and salary administration, benefits, and training. Students, faculty, and staff are assured of participation in university programs and in the use of facilities without such discrimination. Emory University complies with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Vietnam Era Veteran's Readjustment Assistance Act, and applicable executive orders, federal and state regulations regarding nondiscrimination, equal opportunity, and affirmative action (for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities). Inquiries regarding this policy should be directed to the Emory University Department of Equity and Civil Rights Compliance, 201 Dowman Drive, Administration Building, Atlanta, GA 30322. Telephone: 404-727-9867 (V) | 404-712-2049 (TDD).
Emory University is committed to ensuring equal access and providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. To request this document in an alternate format or to seek a reasonable accommodation, please contact the Department of Accessibility Services at accessibility@emory.edu or call 404-727-9877 (Voice) | 404-712-2049 (TDD). We kindly ask that requests be made at least seven business days in advance to allow adequate time for coordination.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Visa Sponsorship as an Animal Care Technician
Target research-focused employers
Pharmaceutical companies, biotech firms, and university research facilities are more likely to sponsor because they need specialized animal care protocols and regulatory compliance expertise that qualifies as specialty occupation work.
Emphasize your scientific background
Highlight coursework in animal physiology, laboratory procedures, research methodology, and regulatory compliance. These technical skills differentiate you from general animal caretakers and strengthen the specialty occupation argument.
Focus on laboratory animal care
Positions involving laboratory animals for research purposes have stronger sponsorship prospects than general veterinary assistant roles because they require knowledge of research protocols, IACUC compliance, and specialized handling techniques.
Document your degree relevance
Your bachelor's degree must directly relate to the role. Animal science, biology, veterinary technology, or zoology degrees work best. Unrelated degrees may require additional certifications or significant relevant experience.
Consider veterinary school pathways
Some employers sponsor animal care technicians who are completing or planning veterinary school. This demonstrates career progression and justifies the specialized nature of the role to USCIS adjudicators.
Look for compliance-heavy environments
Facilities subject to USDA, FDA, or NIH oversight need technicians who understand regulatory requirements. These compliance responsibilities help justify the specialty occupation classification for visa purposes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do animal care technicians qualify for H-1B sponsorship?
Yes, but only when the role requires a bachelor's degree in a specialized field like veterinary science, animal science, or biology. The position must involve technical duties beyond basic animal care, such as research protocols, laboratory procedures, or regulatory compliance. General animal caretaker roles typically don't qualify.
What degree do I need for visa sponsorship as an animal care technician?
You need a bachelor's degree in animal science, veterinary science, biology, zoology, or a closely related field. The degree must directly relate to the job duties. Some employers may accept veterinary technology degrees or biology degrees with relevant laboratory experience and additional certifications.
How to find Animal Care Technician jobs with visa sponsorship?
To find Animal Care Technician jobs with visa sponsorship, use Migrate Mate, which specializes in connecting international candidates with employers offering visa support. Focus your search on veterinary clinics, animal hospitals, research facilities, zoos, and pharmaceutical companies that commonly sponsor H-1B visa, TN visa, or other work visas for qualified animal care professionals with relevant experience and certifications.
Which employers sponsor animal care technicians for work visas?
Research institutions, pharmaceutical companies, biotech firms, and university laboratories are the primary sponsors. These employers need technicians with specialized knowledge of research protocols, animal husbandry science, and regulatory compliance. Veterinary clinics and pet care facilities rarely sponsor unless they conduct research.
What makes an animal care technician role qualify as a specialty occupation?
The role must require specialized knowledge in areas like research methodology, laboratory animal medicine, regulatory compliance, or advanced animal husbandry techniques. Duties should include protocol development, data collection, equipment operation, or ensuring compliance with IACUC, USDA, or FDA regulations rather than just feeding and cleaning.
Can I get sponsored without veterinary school experience?
Yes, a relevant bachelor's degree with laboratory or research experience can be sufficient. However, employers often prefer candidates with some veterinary coursework, research experience, or certifications like AALAS. Demonstrating knowledge of laboratory animal care standards and regulatory requirements strengthens your sponsorship case significantly.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored Animal Care Technician jobs?
U.S. employers sponsoring a visa must pay at least the prevailing wage, which is what workers in the same role, area, and experience level typically earn. The Department of Labor sets this rate to make sure companies aren't hiring foreign workers simply because they'd accept lower pay than a U.S. worker. It varies by job title, location, and experience. You can look up current prevailing wage rates for any occupation and location using the OFLC Wage Search page.