Lead Animal Technician

Working Title

Lead Animal Technician

Posting Number

CSA02863P

Department

SDSU-Vivarium

Physical Location of Position (City)

Brookings

Posting Text

Join a dynamic team supporting cutting-edge animal research and advancing excellence in animal care. This position plays a key role in overseeing undergraduate staff, supporting training and facility operations, maintaining inventory and equipment, and contributing to the gnotobiotic program. The role also provides hands-on support for animal husbandry and research while serving as a key backup to the Animal Resource Wing Manager. This position is located in Brookings, South Dakota and it a 12 month, 100% time position.

Must be authorized to work in the U.S. Sponsorship is not available for this position.

Job Responsibilities:

• Work with and alongside subordinate animal care staff and students, leading with enthusiasm and initiative. This position assists the Animal Resource Manager with animal care oversight.

• Assist with running the vivarium training program for vivarium employees and research team members and assist with document management.

• Manage and oversee the preventative maintenance of the vivarium’s various equipment.

Benefits: SDState offers a wide range of excellent benefits including medical, dental, and flexible benefits, retirement plans, compensation packages, paid holidays, and vacation leave. We offer a generous retirement plan that includes 6% matching, 10 hours of annual leave each month, 9.34 hours of sick leave each month, and eleven paid holidays. Employees also have access to internal and state-sponsored training as well as reduced tuition for state-supported courses at all State of South Dakota academic institutions. Relocation benefits are available per university’s guidelines.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

Knowledge of:

• Understand the animal husbandry and medical needs of numerous animal species

• Thoroughly understand pathogens of multiple species and the means (engineering, SOPS, PPE, disinfectants)

• Computer software (Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, and Outlook)

• Gnotobiotic and colostrum deprived animal work-animals and equipment

• Preferred graduation from accredited veterinary technician program

• Preferred research background/experience

Skill & Ability to:

• Critical thinking and initiative

• Ability to supervise undergraduate students and provide direction to other technicians

• Build a working knowledge of biosecurity and biosafety

• Facility user and staff training. Research support

• Must have a valid driver’s license

Application Procedures: This system will guide you through the electronic application form. This employment site will also require the attachment of a cover letter, which should specifically address how the candidate meets the qualifications as outlined in the advertisement, resume, and a reference page with the contact information for three professional references. Email applications will not be accepted.

Any offer of employment is contingent on the university’s verification of credentials and other information required by law and/or university policies, including but not limited to, successful completion of a criminal background check. SDState is a tobacco free environment. It is the policy of the University to maintain a drug-free environment and to thereby establish, promote, and maintain a safe and healthy working and learning environment for employees and students. This position is subject to South Dakota State University’s Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy 4:14.

[SE9613, 40642]

Posting Date

10/14/2026

Closing Date

10/28/2026

Open Until Filled

No

First Consideration Date

Advertised Salary

$21.41 - $24.08/hour, depending upon qualifications, plus benefits

Duration of the Term

12 months

If Other, describe duration

Appointment Percent

100

Work Hours

Monday-Friday 7am-4pm or 8am-5pm. Rotating on call holidays and weekends (primarily for phone calls/text with animal care staff with questions). Occasionally physically required to be on site.

Typical Hours Worked Per Week

Appointment Type

Regular

Scope of Search

External (includes Internal)

If internal, define scope of search

This position requires

Weekends/Holidays, Valid Drivers License

If other, please indicate

Department Description and Cultural Expectations

SDState is the state’s largest, most comprehensive university with an annual budget over $360 million, more than 200 academic programs and an enrollment of approximately 12,000 students. The university is part of a dynamic community for families, students, young professionals, and retirees, which offers an abundance of attractions and activities.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

South Dakota State University promotes access to and opportunities for all to receive the benefit of and participate in education, research, and service and is especially interested in candidates that can contribute to this land-grant access mission. SDSU is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to, and SDSU prohibits unlawful discrimination of all legally protected classes in the offering of all educational programs and employment. Arrangements for accommodations required by disabilities can be made by emailing [email protected]. Individuals with concerns regarding discrimination should contact: Equal Opportunity Officer/Title IX Coordinator, Human Resources, Morrill Hall 100, SDSU, Brookings, SD 57007. Phone: (605) 688-4128.

Contact Information

For additional information regarding this position or questions about the online application process, please contact Human Resources at 605-688-4128.