Associate Technician Trainee – Animal Care

About the role

Our Nestlé Development Center (NDC) in St. Joseph, MO is home to dogs and cats that support research on pet well‑being and the human‑animal bond. As an Associate Technician, Animal Care – Trainee (Kennel Palatability), you will organize and perform tasks related to the care, palatability, and nutritional testing of these pets under general supervision.

Key responsibilities

• Ensure compliance with the Animal Welfare Act and the Nestlé Purina R&D Petcare Manual.
• Follow Nestlé Quality Management Systems (QMS) and Good Laboratory Practices (GLP).
• Accurately record data as required by project scientists.
• Collect and process samples for standard and non‑standard nutrition tests.
• Obtain animal body weights and perform Body Condition Scoring (BCS).
• Provide daily feedings and basic grooming for the pets.
• Report any sick or unusual behavior to veterinary staff.

Required profile

• High School Diploma (or GED).
• 2+ years of professional animal handling, husbandry, or regular animal care.
• Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science, Zoology, or a related field is preferred.

Required skills

• Good Laboratory Practices (GLP).
• Quality Management Systems (QMS).
• Body Condition Scoring (BCS) methodology.

What we offer

• Performance‑based incentives and bonus eligibility.
• 401k plan with company match.
• Comprehensive healthcare coverage.
• A broad range of additional employee benefits.