Animal Care & Research Technician

No Relocation Assistance Offered
Job Number #171841 - Topeka, Kansas, United States

Who We Are

Colgate-Palmolive Company is a global consumer products company operating in over 200 countries specializing in Oral Care, Personal Care, Home Care, Skin Care, and Pet Nutrition. Our products are trusted in more households than any other brand in the world, making us a household name!

Join Colgate-Palmolive, a caring, innovative growth company reimagining a healthier future for people, their pets, and our planet. Guided by our core values—Caring, Inclusive, and Courageous—we foster a culture that inspires our people to achieve common goals. Together, let's build a brighter, healthier future for all.
 

ACRTs are essential to the development of new and existing products at the Hill's Pet Nutrition Science & Technology Center.  Their responsibilities include providing exceptional care for our pet partners through animal care and enrichment, hygiene and sanitation, feeding and nutrition, data and sample collection, and equipment operation. The work performed by ACRTs significantly contributes to vital research, enhancing the lives of pets in our care and ultimately improving the lives of pets globally.

Cleaning & Sanitation

Cleans and disinfects the facility's housing units, enrichment areas, toys, pet bedding, feeding areas, equipment, and maintains litter boxes, to include tasks such as:

• • • Daily power washing and weekly sanitization (including breaking down and resetting) of interior rooms and outdoor spaces for 2-4 hours each day

    • Scooping feces from indoor/outdoor spaces throughout the day

    •  Cleaning all cat areas with disinfectant and scooping litter boxes daily

    • Washing interior and exterior windows as scheduled.

  • Maintains accurate and current sanitation schedule and records

Animal Care, Health,& Enrichment

Engage in positive, daily interactions with pets, including exercise, playtime, training, bathing, and grooming.

• Perform monthly grooming and bathing for canines and felines, which includes lifting dogs up to 50 lbs, brushing coats, trimming nails, expressing anal glands, cleaning ears, and providing blow drying as needed.

• Perform routine procedures including teeth brushing, as well as monitoring temperature, heart rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure, and similar health assessments.

• Learn, understand, and adhere to Hill's Global Animal Care and Use Policy and Animal Colony Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

Health

• Observe and document animal behavior, activity levels, and any signs of illness or discomfort.

• Support preventative health care, including administering medications, vaccines, and treatments as prescribed by a veterinarian.

• Collect and prepare samples (such as feces, urine, or blood) for diagnostic testing as requested by the veterinarian.

• Assist veterinarians with exams and provide care for animals with special health needs.

Behavior & Enrichment

• Implement assigned behavior plans and apply animal behavioral principles to promote healthy habits, improve behavior, and support socialization.

• Facilitate positive social interactions among animals and supervise group play or introductions.

• Train animals using positive reinforcement techniques to encourage desired behaviors and reduce stress.

• Record observations of behavior changes and report concerns.

• Engage animals in customized enrichment activities designed to stimulate their physical and mental well-being.

• Collaborate with team members to develop new enrichment ideas and improve existing programs.

Feeding & Nutrition

• Prepare meals customized to each animal’s needs and research protocols, ensuring food bowls are accurately filled by following labels and feed sheets.

• Accurately place food bowls to assigned feeding locations

• Accurately monitor and record animal food and water intake, making adjustments as necessary, and documenting food returns in the animal management system database.

• Reporting any