Animal Technician II
About The Position
The Animal Technician II works on the Center for Animal Resources and Education (CARE) husbandry team at Cornell University, providing humane care and treatment to animals used in research and teaching. In a team-based environment, the technician handles and restrains different species, follows sanitation procedures, observes animals daily and reports health concerns or changes according to Standard Operating Procedures, supplies food and water, cleans cages, accommodates animals with unique housing requirements, and maintains breeding colonies and records. The role involves working with barrier and containment systems where accurate, thorough work is essential to prevent contamination. Technicians interact regularly with research staff, managers, coworkers, and other clients, and are expected to communicate respectfully and professionally, provide quality service, and keep detailed records. The anticipated schedule is five days per week and may include weekends and holidays. Overtime and work on regularly scheduled days off may sometimes be required. The position is onsite in Ithaca, New York, and is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Appointment is subject to a pre-employment physical examination; testing and immunizations are required depending on job duties.
Requirements
- High school diploma and up to one year of animal care training and/or animal care facility experience, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Patience and compassion for animals and their well-being.
- Reliability and dependability.
- Ability to lift more than 50 pounds and push or pull numerous cages and racks throughout an animal facility.
- Valid driver's license.
- Keen observational skills and attention to detail.
- Working knowledge of care and animal use procedures, specifically Rodent and Husbandry Breeding ACUP.
- Ability to cultivate and develop inclusive working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and community members.
- Ability to comply with chemical and safety precautions.
- Ability to meet requirements for a pre-employment physical exam and job-duty-specific testing and immunizations.
Nice To Haves
- Associate of Applied Science degree in Veterinary Technology.
- AALAS Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician certification or eligibility for certification.
Responsibilities
- Provide humane care and treatment to a variety of animals used in research and teaching.
- Properly handle and restrain different animal species.
- Follow sanitation procedures to support the well-being of animals housed in animal facilities.
- Observe animals daily and report health concerns, abnormalities, behavior changes, or mortality according to Standard Operating Procedures.
- Supply food and water to animals daily and maintain clean animal cages.
- Handle animals with unique housing requirements.
- Maintain animal breeding colonies and associated records.
- Work accurately and thoroughly with barrier and containment systems to prevent contamination.
- Interact professionally with research staff, managers, coworkers, and other clients.
Benefits
- Comprehensive health care options.
- Generous retirement contributions.
- Access to wellness programs.
- Employee discounts with local and national retail brands.
- Health and personal leave.
- Three weeks of vacation.
- Thirteen holidays, including an end-of-year winter break.
- Two additional floating holidays.
- Tuition-free Extramural Study and Employee Degree Program.
- Tuition aid for external education.
- Cornell Children's Tuition Assistance Program.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
