Animal Care Technician

Cardiovascular Research Foundation • Orangeburg, NY

6d • $42,000 - $46,000 • Onsite

About The Position

Under general supervision, the Animal Care Technician is responsible for performing animal husbandry and sanitation as prescribed by federal laws and regulations, and for observing, reporting and monitoring the health and comfort of animals.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• Ability to understand basic written or verbal instruction.
• Strong work ethic resulting in timely and high-quality completion of assigned tasks.
• Ability to perform heavy repetitive lifting and moving of equipment on a daily basis.
• Strong focus on flexibility, ability to multi-task, attention to detail, excellent organizational skills, good follow-up and judgment.
• Must be able to prioritize.
• Must possess good communication skills, patience, professionalism and ability to effectively interact with staff and management alike.
• Ability to utilize basic information, analyze and solve problems related to the proper care of laboratory animals.
• Must not be allergic to animals, latex rubber, waste products, cleaning reagents, feed or bedding.

Nice To Haves

• ALAT certification, or eligibility to obtain within one year preferred.
• 1 year experience/training in a laboratory animal facility preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provides for the care of laboratory animals in a humane, safe and sanitary manner using appropriate equipment and established procedures.
• Feeds and waters the animals on a daily basis or as specified.
• Changes animal caging and cleans animal rooms.
• Breaks down and sanitizes animal quarters; sanitizes service rooms, equipment and hallways.
• Observes animals for clinical signs of diseases and behavioral changes and reports observations to Manager, Animal Care.
• Assists in the maintenance of animal records.
• Administers special diets, water and oral medications according to specified protocols and directions.
• Assists in the preparation of animals for procedures.
• Accurately maintains all necessary records to ensure compliance with all applicable regulations.
• Cleans, maintains, and sterilizes instruments and equipment.
• Receives, transports and distributes incoming animals as specified by animal receiving procedures.
• Operates and maintains the cagewasher, bottle washer, tunnel washer, autoclave and other support equipment.
• Observes and reports any aberrations in animal room environments (room temperature, humidity, lighting, ventilation, vermin, etc.).
• Attends in house training programs to advance knowledge of laboratory animal science and workplace safety.
• Participates in animal receipt, placement and moving within the facility, as well as to and from the off-site housing as directed by the Manager, Animal Care.
• Participates in the sanitization of the vivarium as directed by the Manager, Animal Care.
• Assists in preparing animals for the procedures, including obtaining body weights.
• Dispenses feed, water and medications to study animals as directed by the Manager, Animal Care.
• Observes animals for clinical signs of diseases and behavioral changes and reports observations to the veterinary staff.
• Makes entries in animal-related documentation and records.
• Reports issues with the equipment in the area of animal care to supervisors.
• Documents any circumstance that may affect the quality and integrity of the study when they occur.
• Reports any health or medical condition that may adversely affect a study to supervisor.
• Additional duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Choice of health plans include medical, Dental, and vision coverage
• Company-paid short-term and long-term disability and life insurance
• Health and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• Pre-tax travel expenses through TransitChek program
• 401(k) plan
• Generous paid time off (PTO)
• Ten paid holidays each year

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED