Animal Attendant

Animal Attendant

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center is seeking an Animal Attendant to support the Department of Comparative Medicine, a specialized department dedicated to the humane care and management of research animals that advance scientific discovery. The Animal Attendant plays a critical role in maintaining animal welfare standards and supporting research activities by ensuring clean, safe, and compliant environments for animal care.

The Animal Attendant position contributes to the mission of UT MD Anderson by enabling high-quality research through consistent care of animals and facilities. The Animal Attendant role supports daily operations within assigned areas, including Rhesus and Baboon care, and ensures adherence to regulatory standards and institutional protocols. The Animal Attendant is essential in maintaining compliance, safety, and operational excellence.

The ideal candidate will have a high school diploma or equivalent, with some experience working with animals and a preference for those who meet American Association of Laboratory Animal Science certification requirements. Candidates who demonstrate strong attention to detail, reliability, and a commitment to animal care and compliance standards will be well-suited for this role.

Minimum $18.00 – Midpoint $20.54 – Maximum $23.08

The typical work schedule is Monday-Friday 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (summer hours are presently 6:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.) with rotating weekends and holidays required; weekend and holiday hours are 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. or 7 a.m. to noon.
Work Location: Bastrop, Texas

Why Us?
At UT MD Anderson, the Animal Attendant role supports groundbreaking research that advances human health while offering meaningful work, professional development, and a stable work-life balance through structured scheduling and comprehensive benefits.
• Employer-paid medical coverage starting day one for employees working 30+ hours/week, plus optional group dental, vision, life, AD&D, and disability insurance.
• Accruals for PTO and Extended Illness Bank, plus paid holidays, wellness, childcare, and other leave options.
• Tuition Assistance Program after six months of service and access to extensive wellness, fitness, and employee resource groups.
• Defined-benefit pension through the Teachers Retirement System, voluntary retirement plans, and employer-paid life and reduced salary protection programs.

Responsibilities

Animal Husbandry & Facility Maintenance
• Perform daily animal husbandry and waste disposal.
• Operate cage sanitation equipment.
• Prepare and distribute daily diet and environmental enrichment.
• Assist in transporting animals using specialized handling techniques as needed.
• Inspect lixit valves and water lines daily to ensure proper function.
• Inspect assigned animal areas, including rooms, buildings, and equipment, and report issues.
• Maintain facilities, including enrichment tools and infrastructure.
• Perform basic housekeeping duties and restock supplies.

Animal Care & Health Monitoring
• Conduct routine animal health and behavioral observations.
• Report changes in behavior or appearance to Supervisor.
• Assist with infant animal care when needed.

Administrative & Compliance
• Adhere to personal protective equipment requirements.
• Work safely in close proximity to animals.
• Ensure animals have appropriate access to shelter, food, water, and proper group spacing.
• Follow all cage and building lock procedures.
• Maintain accurate animal identification as required.
• Respond to emergency situations when necessary.
• Participate in SOP training and consistently follow departmental policies.
• Comply with AAALAC, IACUC, USDA, and AWA standards.
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation of husbandry and healthcare data, including GLP records.