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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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
For 75 years, Charles River employees have worked together to assist in the discovery, development and safe manufacture of new drug therapies. When you join our family, you will have a significant impact on the health and well-being of people across the globe. Whether your background is in life sciences, finance, IT, sales or another area, your skills will play an important role in the work we perform. In return, we’ll help you build a career that you can feel passionate about.
Job Summary
We are seeking an Animal Care Technician I for our Safety Assessment site located in Reno, NV.
The Animal Care Technician I will be trained in basic skills required to support our research studies onsite. Duties may include cleaning, sanitizing, animal handling, animal husbandry, changing out animal cages, observing, monitoring, and recording basic information about animal health.
Responsibilities:
- Ensure good welfare and humane care for all animals worked with through gentle, positive human-animal interactions
- Perform duties such as animal husbandry, animal handling, cage manipulation, and movement, equipment storage/tracking, wash systems, and water delivery system maintenance for various animal species throughout the site
- Collect, document, review, and verify data on forms, or in electronic data systems
- Review documentation for quality control purposes
- Stocking supplies and facility cleaning duties
- Use and perform maintenance on instruments and equipment
- Progress through training for skills required in this position
- Works in a research environment, which requires use of sharp objects, working around mechanical parts, heavy mobile caging, working with or near known or unknown toxic or caustic chemicals and/or biological hazards, exposure to fumes and airborne particles
- The employee regularly works with live animals with risk of exposure to dander, allergens, zoonotic disease, and biohazards in a windowless vivarium
- The noise level in the work environment ranges from low to high depending upon the species housed, and vivarium locations
The starting pay for this position is $19.00 USD per hour with room for advancement through Animal Care Technician V
Schedule is M-F, 7 am – 4 pm while in training for roughly 6 months. After training, work week is either Tues-Sat or Sun-Thurs, 7 am – 4 pm daily
Job Qualifications
- Education: High School Diploma, General Education Degree (G.E.D) preferred, but not required.
- Experience: No previous experience required.
- Strong communication skills and attention to detail.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Previous experience in a physically demanding environment
- Previous personal or professional experience in animal care
- Computer skills
- Ability to maintain a safe work environment by observing all safety procedures and making use of protective clothing
- Ability to follow all Good Laboratory Practices (GLP), Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), Business Operating Procedures (BOP) and Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) rules
- Ability to work extended hours beyond normal work schedule, which may include evenings, weekends, extended shifts, and/or extra shifts, sometimes on short notice
- Ability to work under time constraints
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
- Employees must be able to lift, move, manipulate, and/or hold heavy objects up to and including 50 pounds; this includes work materials, equipment, and/or animals
- Must be able to perform procedures, which require, talking, hearing, standing or sitting for long periods of time, entering data into a computer, using appropriate instruments, reaching with hands and arms, working in narrow spaces, and wearing safety equipment (PPE) according to OSHA regulations and company standards
- Must be able to frequently firmly hold species while utilizing fine motor skills
- Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus
About Safety Assessment
Charles River is committed to helping our partners expedite their preclinical drug development with exceptional safety assessment services, state-of-the-art facilities and expert regulatory guidance. From individual specialty toxicology and IND enabling studies to tailored packages and total laboratory support, our deeply experienced team can design and execute programs that anticipate challenges and avoid roadblocks for a smooth, efficient journey to market. Each year approximately 300 investigational new drug (IND) programs are conducted in our Safety Assessment facilities.
About Charles River
Charles River is an early-stage contract research organization (CRO). We have built upon our foundation of laboratory animal medicine and science to develop a diverse portfolio of discovery and safety assessment services, both Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) and non-GLP, to support clients from target identification through preclinical development. Charles River also provides a suite of products and services to support our clients’ clinical laboratory testing needs and manufacturing activities. Utilizing this broad portfolio of products and services enables our clients to create a more flexible drug development model, which reduces their costs, enhances their productivity and effectiveness to increase speed to market.
With over 20,000 employees within 110 facilities in over 20 countries around the globe, we are strategically positioned to coordinate worldwide resources and apply multidisciplinary perspectives in resolving our client’s unique challenges. Our client base includes global pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology companies, government agencies and hospitals and academic institutions around the world.
At Charles River, we are passionate about our role in improving the quality of people’s lives. Our mission, our excellent science and our strong sense of purpose guide us in all that we do, and we approach each day with the knowledge that our work helps to improve the health and well-being of many across the globe. We have proudly supported the development of 86% of the drugs approved by the FDA in 2021.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Charles River Laboratories is an Equal Opportunity Employer – all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.
If you are interested in applying to Charles River Laboratories and need special assistance or an accommodation due to a disability to complete any forms or to otherwise participate in the resume submission process, please contact a member of our Human Resources team by sending an e-mail message to crrecruitment_US@crl.com. This contact is for accommodation requests for individuals with disabilities only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.
INTRODUCTION
For 75 years, Charles River employees have worked together to assist in the discovery, development and safe manufacture of new drug therapies. When you join our family, you will have a significant impact on the health and well-being of people across the globe. Whether your background is in life sciences, finance, IT, sales or another area, your skills will play an important role in the work we perform. In return, we’ll help you build a career that you can feel passionate about.
Job Summary
We are seeking an Animal Care Technician I for our Safety Assessment site located in Reno, NV.
The Animal Care Technician I will be trained in basic skills required to support our research studies onsite. Duties may include cleaning, sanitizing, animal handling, animal husbandry, changing out animal cages, observing, monitoring, and recording basic information about animal health.
Responsibilities:
- Ensure good welfare and humane care for all animals worked with through gentle, positive human-animal interactions
- Perform duties such as animal husbandry, animal handling, cage manipulation, and movement, equipment storage/tracking, wash systems, and water delivery system maintenance for various animal species throughout the site
- Collect, document, review, and verify data on forms, or in electronic data systems
- Review documentation for quality control purposes
- Stocking supplies and facility cleaning duties
- Use and perform maintenance on instruments and equipment
- Progress through training for skills required in this position
- Works in a research environment, which requires use of sharp objects, working around mechanical parts, heavy mobile caging, working with or near known or unknown toxic or caustic chemicals and/or biological hazards, exposure to fumes and airborne particles
- The employee regularly works with live animals with risk of exposure to dander, allergens, zoonotic disease, and biohazards in a windowless vivarium
- The noise level in the work environment ranges from low to high depending upon the species housed, and vivarium locations
The starting pay for this position is $19.00 USD per hour with room for advancement through Animal Care Technician V
Schedule is M-F, 7 am – 4 pm while in training for roughly 6 months. After training, work week is either Tues-Sat or Sun-Thurs, 7 am – 4 pm daily
Job Qualifications
- Education: High School Diploma, General Education Degree (G.E.D) preferred, but not required.
- Experience: No previous experience required.
- Strong communication skills and attention to detail.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Previous experience in a physically demanding environment
- Previous personal or professional experience in animal care
- Computer skills
- Ability to maintain a safe work environment by observing all safety procedures and making use of protective clothing
- Ability to follow all Good Laboratory Practices (GLP), Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), Business Operating Procedures (BOP) and Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) rules
- Ability to work extended hours beyond normal work schedule, which may include evenings, weekends, extended shifts, and/or extra shifts, sometimes on short notice
- Ability to work under time constraints
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
- Employees must be able to lift, move, manipulate, and/or hold heavy objects up to and including 50 pounds; this includes work materials, equipment, and/or animals
- Must be able to perform procedures, which require, talking, hearing, standing or sitting for long periods of time, entering data into a computer, using appropriate instruments, reaching with hands and arms, working in narrow spaces, and wearing safety equipment (PPE) according to OSHA regulations and company standards
- Must be able to frequently firmly hold species while utilizing fine motor skills
- Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus
About Safety Assessment
Charles River is committed to helping our partners expedite their preclinical drug development with exceptional safety assessment services, state-of-the-art facilities and expert regulatory guidance. From individual specialty toxicology and IND enabling studies to tailored packages and total laboratory support, our deeply experienced team can design and execute programs that anticipate challenges and avoid roadblocks for a smooth, efficient journey to market. Each year approximately 300 investigational new drug (IND) programs are conducted in our Safety Assessment facilities.
About Charles River
Charles River is an early-stage contract research organization (CRO). We have built upon our foundation of laboratory animal medicine and science to develop a diverse portfolio of discovery and safety assessment services, both Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) and non-GLP, to support clients from target identification through preclinical development. Charles River also provides a suite of products and services to support our clients’ clinical laboratory testing needs and manufacturing activities. Utilizing this broad portfolio of products and services enables our clients to create a more flexible drug development model, which reduces their costs, enhances their productivity and effectiveness to increase speed to market.
With over 20,000 employees within 110 facilities in over 20 countries around the globe, we are strategically positioned to coordinate worldwide resources and apply multidisciplinary perspectives in resolving our client’s unique challenges. Our client base includes global pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology companies, government agencies and hospitals and academic institutions around the world.
At Charles River, we are passionate about our role in improving the quality of people’s lives. Our mission, our excellent science and our strong sense of purpose guide us in all that we do, and we approach each day with the knowledge that our work helps to improve the health and well-being of many across the globe. We have proudly supported the development of 86% of the drugs approved by the FDA in 2021.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Charles River Laboratories is an Equal Opportunity Employer – all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.
If you are interested in applying to Charles River Laboratories and need special assistance or an accommodation due to a disability to complete any forms or to otherwise participate in the resume submission process, please contact a member of our Human Resources team by sending an e-mail message to crrecruitment_US@crl.com. This contact is for accommodation requests for individuals with disabilities only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.
See all 328+ 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 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.