- Provide a high standard of humane animal care
- Full time, Ongoing, shift worker role
- Based at the University Farm in Cambridge
About the opportunity
University of Tasmania (UTAS) Health is looking for an Animal Technician to join their Animal Services team.
In line with the University’s policy on Animal Care and Welfare, The Animal Services team provide professional technical services for laboratory animal care, in addition to research project support for research staff and students. The team works to support critical research pursuits of UTAS Health, including the Menzies Institute for Medical Research, Tasmanian School of Medicine and Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre.
As our new Animal Technician, you will play a critical role in the day-to-day operations with a primary focus on the care and wellbeing of our research animals while supporting the delivery of expert services in an academic environment.
Our ideal candidate is a skilled animal technician with existing academic or vocational training gained in an animal-care setting. Experience working in physical containment laboratories and/or other academic settings will also be highly valued.
Please note this role is a shift worker role. You will be required to work outside of regular hours including weekends and public holidays as part of a scheduled team roster in which additional penalty rates will apply.
What you’ll do:
- Maintain research animal welfare with routine activities including daily animal welfare checks, cage changes, husbandry activities (weaning, sexing litters, identifying pregnancy), and sampling for genetic or pathological screening.
- Closely monitor animals to detect changes in their health, wellbeing, appearance or behaviour. Communicate any changes to a Senior Technician and research groups in a timely manner.
- Ensure the requirements of Animal Ethics projects, including husbandry, welfare, timelines, and standard operating procedures are adhered to.
- Under direction, implement and maintain rodent breeding programs and maintain accurate data records.
- Maintain good working relationships and clear communication with research groups, including occasional attendance of seminars and meetings.
What we’re looking for:
- Completion of a Certificate or Diploma level qualification in animal care, or an equivalent combination of relevant experience, education or training.
- Preferable previous work experience with animal husbandry and handling animals.
- Proven ability to work in a collaborative team environment as well as independently within established guidelines, policies and procedures.
- Effective interpersonal, resilience, communication and influencing skills with a positive attitude and a willingness to communicate effectively with a broad range of people.
- Exceptional organisational skills with strong attention to detail and a demonstrated ability to prioritise and complete tasks accurately and within defined deadlines.
Salary details
Appointment to this role will be at HEO 4 and will have a total remuneration package of up to $91,488 comprising base salary within the range of $73,814 to $78,195 plus 17% superannuation.
How to Apply
- To apply online, please provide your CV, a cover letter outlining your suitability and motivation for the role, and your responses to the success criteria from the position description (maximum 3 pages).
- For further information about this position, please contact James Bender, Manager, Animal Services, on jabender@utas.edu.au or 0362268733.
- Please visit https://www.utas.edu.au/jobs/applying for our guide to applying and details on the recruitment process.
- For current UTAS staff, in submitting your application, you acknowledge you have/intend to discuss your interest in this vacancy with your current manager and understand they may need to be contacted confidentially by the hiring manager as part of the assessment of your application.
- Please refer to the attached Position Description Below for full details.
Applications close Monday, 17 November 2025, 11.55pm
The University of Tasmania acknowledges the Palawa/Pakana and Gadigal/Wangal people as the traditional custodians of the land, sea and waters of the areas upon which we live and work. We recognise their valuable contributions and deep connection to country and pay respect to Elders past and present.
As part of our commitment to a safe and inclusive workplace, employment history and police checks may be conducted as part of the selection process.
To be eligible for this position, you are required to hold Australian or New Zealand Citizenship, permanent residency or a valid visa that enables you to fulfil the requirements of this role.
