Animal Technician

Description

The McConnell Group, Inc. (TMG), a health science company and provider of clinical and research support services, is seeking an Animal Technician whom supports daily care, handling, and monitoring of poultry and other research animals at the USDA ARS National Poultry Research Center. The role ensures high-quality husbandry, biosecurity, and assistance with routine research and veterinary procedures.

Key Responsibilities

- Provide daily feeding, watering, cleaning, and health monitoring of animals.
- Maintain clean cages, pens, and equipment following strict biosecurity protocols.
- Safely handle and restrain animals for exams, treatments, or sampling.
- Record observations, treatments, and environmental conditions accurately.
- Assist veterinarians and researchers with routine procedures and sample collection.
- Operate basic facility equipment (cage washers, scales, autoclaves).
- Follow all USDA, ARS, IACUC, and safety requirements.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications

- High school diploma or equivalent.
- Experience working with animals in farm, lab, or veterinary settings.
- Ability to lift 50 lbs and perform physically demanding tasks.
- Attention to detail and ability to follow SOPs and safety protocols.

Preferred Qualifications

- AALAS ALAT certification.
- Experience with poultry.
- Prior work in an ag setting, research or laboratory animal facility.

Working Conditions

- Work in barns, labs, and animal housing areas with varying temperatures.
- Exposure to dust, feathers, disinfectants, and animal dander.
- Work performed across multiple biosecure buildings with strict PPE and entry/exit protocols.
- Weekend, holiday, and emergency work required to support continuous animal care.

Benefits: The McConnell Group offers a comprehensive benefits program, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401(k), and a range of other voluntary benefits. Paid Time Off (PTO) is offered to regular full-time employees.

The McConnell Group Recruits, employs, trains, compensates, and promotes without regard to race, religion, creed, color, citizenship, national origin, age, sex, gender, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, veteran status or any other legally protected basis, in accordance with applicable federal, state, or local law. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment including termination, layoff, recall, transfer, and leaves of absence.

As required by law, The McConnell Group participates in E-Verify, a service of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Social Security Administration (SSA), to verify the identity and employment eligibility of persons hired to work in the United States. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities as an applicant, please visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify

Applications can be submitted electronically or by submitting a paper resume to: The McConnell Group, Attention: Human Resources 1 Research Court, Suite 450, Rockville, MD 20850.

Disclaimer: Nothing in this job description/posting shall constitute an offer or promise of employment.