The Department of Laboratory Animal Resources invites applications for an Animal Technician to join their team. Laboratory animal technicians (LAT) normally begin work as a level I. As degrees of proficiency and independence related to animal care and associated duties increase, a departmental career ladder is in place so the technician may advance. Promotions are based on satisfactory job performance and successful completion of certification examinations sanctioned by the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (LAT I, entry level; LAT II – Assistant Lab Animal Technician (ALAT) certification; LAT III – Lab Animal Technician (LAT) certification; LAT IV – Lab Animal Technologist (LATG) certification).

1. LAT I (Entry level): Given appropriate training and adequate time for development of animal care skills, be able to perform basic animal husbandry so that required food, water and shelter for animals is provided. As experience and skills increase, LAT I technicians may be asked to assist in performing health checks, bedding changes, cage washes, veterinary/technician consultations, required cleaning for all species in the LAR, and additional tasks as deemed appropriate by the facility manager. Technician will need to become AALAS ALAT-certified during LAT I phase for advancement to LAT II level.
2. LAT II: Technician is ALAT-certified. All duties of LAT I, and in addition: training for more advanced techniques such as clinical sample collection, animal euthanasia; assist with semi-annual Replace serology program; assistance with keeping accurate animal medical and breeding records; training for health records for USDA-regulated species. Technician will need to become AALAS LAT- certified during LAT II phase to advance to LAT III.
3. LAT III: Technician is LAT-certified. All of the duties of LAT I and II, in addition: organizational skills related to training of scientific research personnel who will be working with animals in the LAR. Maintenance of animal medical and breeding records; coordination and communication with all members of the LAR team, including the Facility manager and the Attending Veterinarian; collegial interactions with research investigators and scientific personnel. LAT III may be assigned individual projects that they will take the lead on, such as ATP testing, serology, SOP review and updating, and writing new SOP’s. LAT III technicians will assist in the training of LAT I and LAT II technicians. LAT III technicians will be expected to increase their skills in disease recognition and addressing animal health issues with the attending veterinarian. LAT III technicians will need to become AALAS LATG-certified for consideration of advancement to LAT IV level. LAT III may be asked to assist with special projects from the IACUC Manager or the Facility Manager.
4. LAT IV: All duties of LAT I, II and III levels. In addition, in the absence of the Facility Manager, an LAT IV should be able to conduct daily scheduling, train and assist staff during performance of scheduled duties, and answer questions from staff and animal users. The employee may be asked to order animals or supplies and submit work orders in the absence of the Facility Manager. It is expected that an employee at the LAT IV level can communicate professionally, both orally and verbally, with peers and investigators. Employees should also display professional behavior worthy of being a model for employees requiring assistance. Professionalism in verbal and written communication is expected.

• High school diploma (or equivalency) and one (1) year of directly related work experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Ability to send and receive electronic mail.

• Excellent time management skills and a strong ability to organize and prioritize multiple tasks in a fast-paced research environment.

• A high level of attention to detail is essential, particularly in maintaining accurate records, animal health logs, and regulatory documentation.

• Bachelor degree in a related field or Certified Vet Technician (CVT).
• Knowledge of Outlook, Excel, and digital software.
• Experience in a laboratory setting, working with lab animals, and large laboratory equipment.

(Qualified candidates must be able to meet minimum requirements and perform the primary functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.)

• Lifting: Crates, bundles, buckets, bags and materials weighing up to 50 pounds, from floor to 60 inches, and materials weighing up to 22.5 pounds, from floor to 70 inches.
• Carrying: Crates, bundles, buckets, bags and materials weighing up to 50 pounds, at waist level, up to 15 feet.
• Pushing/Pulling: Racks of cages, with 50 pounds horizontal force, at waist to chest height.
• Reaching in all directions, including low levels, and above 72 inches with 5 pounds in each hand.
• Above average manual and finger dexterity are necessary for activities such as pinching and handling animals and mice tails repetitively, as well as gripping, pinching and manipulating animal cages, water bottles, hypodermic needles, syringes, food and bedding materials repetitively. Average hand grip forces (60 pounds bilaterally) and pinch forces (15 pounds bilaterally) are necessary for performing these activities. Use of various hand grip circumferences and firm hand grip positions while manipulating animals, animal cages, equipment and tools.
• Work in various postures. Frequent static and dynamic trunk forward bending and twisting from a standing, crouching or kneeling position while working with animals and animal cages, and while cleaning equipment, rooms, floors and fixtures.
• Stand and walk continuously, with breaks.
• Balancing when climbing ladders and stairs, occasionally.

Compensation: Lab Animal Tech I, II, III or IV

Bargaining Unit: FOCUS-MFPE

Work Schedule: Full-time, 1.0 FTE (40 Hours a week), Monday through Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm with rotating weekends.

Probationary Period: Six (6) months minimum

Benefits Include: Insurance package, mandatory retirement plan, partial tuition waiver, and wellness program.

A complete application includes:

1. Letter of Interest– addressing your qualifications and experience related to the stated required skills for the position. A general letter salutation such as “Dear Search Committee” or “Dear Hiring Manager” is acceptable.

2. Detailed Resume– listing education and describing work experience

3. Three (3) Professional References– names and contact information

The Affiliation of the University of Montana (UM Affiliation) is an equal opportunity employer. UM Affiliation does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of protected class status as described in UM’s non-discrimination policy and any applicable law. Reasonable accommodations are provided in the hiring process for persons with disabilities. For example, this material is available in alternative format upon request. Qualified candidates may request veterans’ or disabilities preference in accordance with state law.

Background check is required prior to the offer of employment. In accordance with university regulations, finalists for this position will be subject to background investigations per UM's policy and procedure.

References: References not listed on the application materials may be contacted; notice may be provided to the applicant. UM partners with SkillSurvey for reference checking. Applicants may receive emails from SkillSurvey to submit reference information.

Testing: Individual hiring departments within the UM Affiliation may elect to administer pre-employment tests, which are relevant to essential job functions.

Employment Eligibility: All New Employees must be eligible and show employment eligibility verification by the first date of employment at UM and all affiliated campuses, as legally required (e.g., Form I-9). The University of Montana will require proof of authorization to work in the United States before final hiring. Due to the September 19, 2025 Presidential Proclamation and related guidance from USCIS and the Department of State, the University may be limited in its ability to offer H-1B sponsorship. At this time, we are unable to sponsor new H-1B visas that require payment of the additional fee introduced by the Proclamation.