Animal Care & Vivarium Operations Technician (Hands-On / Physical Role)
Type: Full-Time
Location: Sorrento Valley, San Diego, CA
Work Type: Onsite
Pay Range: $23.00 – $24.00 per hour
Classification: Non-Exempt
Department: Vivarium Operations
BioLegacy is the U.S. division of PharmaLegacy, a global preclinical contract research organization (CRO) supporting the biopharmaceutical industry with high-quality, regulated in vivo research services. Our San Diego facility operates under strict standards to ensure animal welfare, safety, and operational excellence.
The Animal Care & Vivarium Operations Technician is a hands-on, physically active role responsible for the daily care of research animals and upkeep of vivarium facilities.
This position is ideal for individuals who enjoy working on their feet, performing physical tasks, and being part of a fast-paced operational team. Responsibilities include animal care, cage sanitation, and maintaining clean and organized environments in a regulated setting.
This is not a desk-based or lab bench role—this role involves routine lifting, cleaning, and active movement throughout the day.
Provide food, water, and daily care to animals according to established schedules
Observe animals for general health and report concerns
Safely transfer animals between cages and housing areas
Perform frequent cage changes and cleaning of animal housing areas
Wash, sanitize, and prepare cages, racks, and equipment
Maintain clean, organized, and compliant facility spaces
Handle waste disposal following safety procedures
Prepare rooms and housing areas for incoming animals
Move supplies, cages, and materials throughout the facility
Monitor inventory (bedding, feed, supplies) and restock as needed
Complete daily logs and records accurately
Follow SOPs and safety procedures consistently
Support inspections and audits as needed
Work as part of a high-energy, team-oriented operations group
Participate in rotating weekend and holiday schedules
Physical & Work Requirements (Important)
Ability to lift, carry, and move up to 50 lbs regularly
Comfortable with repetitive physical tasks (lifting, bending, cleaning)
Ability to stand and walk for extended periods throughout the shift
Comfortable working in an environment with odors, animal dander, and cleaning agents
Willingness to wear required PPE at all times
Qualifications
High school diploma or GED
Strong reliability and work ethic
Ability to follow detailed procedures and work in a structured environment
Experience in animal care, warehouse, facilities, janitorial, agriculture, or similar hands-on roles
Experience working in physically demanding jobs
Familiarity with SOP-driven or regulated environments
This role operates in a controlled vivarium environment with exposure to animals, cleaning chemicals, and biohazard materials. The position involves physical, repetitive work in a structured and team-driven setting.
BioLegacy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to building an inclusive workplace and consider all qualified applicants without regard to legally protected characteristics.
BioLegacy Research (formerly BTS Research) is a contract research laboratory that delivers cGMP/GLP biological services to clients in the pharm/biopharma, biotech, academic research, medical devices and related industries. Our Vision: We strive to be the leading choice for all of your bioscience research and custom product(s) needs. Our Mission: Is to be the most customer focused, cost efficient, scientific resource CRO company in every market we serve. We will continue to strengthen our position in the market through employee culture, based on integrity and quality, and by strategically collaborating and partnering with industry leaders. Our Values: Family core values transmitted through: Teamwork, Integrity, Passion, Continuous Improvement, Transparency, Diversity, Commitment, Trust Worthiness and Accountability.
