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The Jackson Laboratory

Engaged Employer

Has the potential to be a top employer - Animal Care The Jackson Laboratory Employee Review

3.0
Jun 9, 2014
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

- Good benefits package: insurance and great retirement - New gym (built late 2013), New Cafeteria (built early 2014) - High rate of company expansion = never a shortage of work - Lots of overtime opportunities for workaholics - Decently diverse work force (in Production anyway) - Possibility to work with really good people - Work shifts help avoid traffic (start times anywhere from 4:30am-7:30am) - Sometimes the company springs for lunch

Cons

Regarding the Sacramento Animal Care branch: This company has an enormous amount of potential, but expectations of employees are set too high to realize this. The bottom line seems to be the primary influence when it comes to decisions about workflow. Production teams are minimally staffed--the company only staffs just enough technicians to one group so that weekly assignments are only completed on-time if everyone works at 120% all day, every day. This extreme demand for employee efficiency creates a never-ending pool of overtime to cover for anyone that calls-out, giving technicians an even larger workload than the one they were already working extra hard to finish. These high demands often result in employee injuries, which further aggravates the under-staffing issue. While compensation is somewhat decent (starting entry level wage is $12-14/hr), there are several competing companies in the vicinity that offer better pay for much less work. This is one major contributing factor to the high turnover of employees--a running joke among nearby competitors is that JAX is a stepping stone; they train technicians for other companies. It's sad because this company easily has the capability to be on the opposite side of that joke.

Explore other reviews about The Jackson Laboratory

5.0
Jun 26, 2026
Anonymous intern
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Attentive, caring and has the best intentions

Cons

Outdated systems and slow-moving processes

avatar
The Jackson Laboratory Response
2w
Thank you for sharing your experience as an intern at JAX! We’re glad you felt supported by the team, and we appreciate your feedback. We are always looking to improve at JAX and your input is valuable. We wish you all the best in your future endeavors!
2.0
Jun 7, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Good pay and benefits are decent

Cons

Long commutes with tight time accountability due to newer rules. No more leniency for weather or traffic related tardiness that is common in Maine. Constantly changing rules and expectations are making the job impossible. Failure to meet new expectations lead to no finishes or raises or tuition reimbursement. Forced overtime in Ellsworth location with so.e employees being sent from Bar Harbor to cover. Seems like a sinking ship and I would not recommend anyone I liked for a job here.

avatar
The Jackson Laboratory Response
4w
Thank you for your feedback and for your many years of dedication to JAX. Feedback like yours is important as we continue working to improve the employee experience. Thank you for sharing your perspective. If you have specific concerns or would like to discuss further, please feel free to reach out to us directly by contacting our HR office or submitting a Workday Help case.
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