At Elanco (NYSE: ELAN) – it all starts with animals!

As a global leader in animal health, we are dedicated to innovation and delivering products and services to prevent and treat disease in farm animals and pets. We’re driven by our vision of ‘Food and Companionship Enriching Life’ and our approach to sustainability – the Elanco Healthy Purpose™ – to advance the health of animals, people, the planet and our enterprise.

At Elanco, we pride ourselves on fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment. We believe that diversity is the driving force behind innovation, creativity, and overall business success. Here, you’ll be part of a company that values and champions new ways of thinking, work with dynamic individuals, and acquire new skills and experiences that will propel your career to new heights.

Making animals’ lives better makes life better – join our team today!

Position Description:

The Companion Animal Technician plays a key role within a multi-disciplinary and collaborative research and development (R& D) environment, with responsibility for the implementation of care and management programs for companion animals. This role ensures the highest standards of animal welfare by leading the execution of care and socialisation programs, supporting husbandry and veterinary care, and driving the successful delivery of breeding and rehoming initiatives. The technician is also responsible for maintaining high standards of hygiene in animal housing and ensuring that all aspects of animal care are performed with dedication and a proactive approach to animal well-being.

Functions, Duties, Tasks:

• Provide exceptional daily care for animals, strictly adhering to regulations, legislation, and local Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

• Maintain high hygiene standards through regular cleaning and disinfection of animal housing, exercise yards, and equipment.

• Monitor and document animal welfare, promptly communicating any concerns to the Site Veterinarian and Animal Welfare Officer.

• Contribute to and drive the development and execution of socialization, enrichment, and rehoming programs.

• Coordinate and implement socialization, enrichment, and training initiatives for companion animals.

• Facilitate rehoming efforts, including preparing animals for adoption, addressing rehoming inquiries, and arranging introductions with prospective owners.

• Support animal health programs by monitoring and administering routine health prophylaxis and treatments as directed by the Site Veterinarian.

• Assist in breeding programs, including monitoring estrus, facilitating pairings, and providing care during whelping/queening and for neonates.

• Ensure animals are adequately prepared and suited for health trials and study requirements.

• Address animal care concerns with study personnel, support logistics, and ensure alignment of husbandry practices with study protocols.

• Oversee the resourcing of food and supplies, manage inventory, and control stock levels.

• Prepare and maintain facilities in accordance with study requirements and biosecurity protocols.

• Ensure meticulous documentation and data integrity for all animal-related activities, in compliance with GxP, GLP, and legislative requirements.

• Develop technical expertise and support R& D studies as capacity allows.

• Adhere to all relevant compliance standards, including Animal Welfare Compliance, GxP Quality Compliance, and both global and local SOPs.

• Follow the Code of Conduct, Policies & Procedures, and workplace health and safety guidelines.

• Undertake additional duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualification:

• Certificate in Animal Care, Companion Animal Services or equivalent

• Minimum of 2 years animal care experience and related industry experience.

• Preferably have some experience in program rehoming, socializing, training, breeding or rearing pets.

• Excellent Companion Animal Husbandry and Companion Animal Handling Skills.

• Ability to perform physical duties including manual handling, and an ability to handle a minimum weight of 20 kg.

• Currently residing in Western Sydney, within 45 minutes distance from Kemps Creek, or willing to re-locate.

Additional Preferences:

• Certificate or experience in animal behavior and training

• Understanding of Research Animals preferred

• Good time management and problem-solving skills with the ability to work unsupervised

• Excellent communication skills with a high level of attention to detail

• Excellent interpersonal skills with an ability to work well cohesively within the companion animal team and across a multi-team environment

• An Open Driver’s License.

• Approved Arrangements Certification

• Forklift license

Other Information:

• Ability to work additional hours, weekends, and public holidays

Elanco is an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, protected veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status