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The Jackson Laboratory

Engaged Employer

Avoid - Animal Care Technician The Jackson Laboratory Employee Review

1.0
Jan 24, 2024
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Reasonable benefits and moderately okay pay

Cons

I want to preface this by saying that my supervisor is AMAZING. I would give the shirt off my back for them, and they would do the same for any of us who work under them. Unfortunately, their dedication does not make up for everything else. In animal care, we are all overworked, overtired, exhausted, emotionally fatigued, and more. Some days you will euthanize hundreds of animals and there is no break from that as the rooms have too many animals in them. We have to pick it up and do the same rush again the next week. There is no down time. Maybe on Friday if your room really hauls it and you finish a bit early. Everything you do is tracked down to the minute. Even the work expected to do hourly is just too much when you are on your feet everyday, 40 hours a week, in a room that is unbearable to be in. In a different world where say the work week was 24 hours, maybe this would be doable, but there is not nearly enough to compensate for what we do. I know myself and other people who are considering leaving to work two jobs with little or no benefits to get out of here. We are not appreciated, put simply. There is nothing to suggest that we are. Quite frankly, we should unionize. There's a pretty easy thing to hold over management's head if we want to, and they can't do anything about it because they can't fire everybody. If it wasn't for the animals, I would be half-fasting my work everyday, but this isn't their fault and they don't deserve that. I happily half-fast all work that does not affect the welfare of the mice. This place is golden handcuffs. Really, avoid it. Listen to the cons people list. The pros do NOT make up for it. These reviews are in the gutter for a reason. Note some of the poor reviews from people who have worked here for 20+ years!!!

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Outdated systems and slow-moving processes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
1mo
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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