Animal Care Technician

Cardiovascular Research Foundation; Orangeburg (NY); On-site; USD 43,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dedicated Animal Care Technician to join their team. This vital role involves ensuring the humane care of laboratory animals while maintaining a clean and safe environment. You will be responsible for feeding, monitoring health, and maintaining records, all while adhering to strict regulations. This position offers an engaging work environment with opportunities for professional growth. If you are passionate about animal welfare and have a strong work ethic, this is the perfect opportunity for you to make a meaningful impact in the field of biomedical research.

Benefits

Health plans (medical, dental, vision)

Company-paid disability and life insurance

Flexible spending accounts

Pre-tax travel expenses

401(k) plan

Generous paid time off

Ten paid holidays each year

Qualifications

• 1 year experience in a laboratory animal facility preferred.
• Ability to perform heavy lifting and moving of equipment.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Perform animal husbandry and sanitation as per regulations.
• Observe and report on animal health and comfort.
• Maintain compliance with all applicable regulations.

Skills

Animal husbandry

Sanitation procedures

Record keeping

Communication skills

Problem-solving

Education

High school diploma or GED

ALAT certification (preferred)

Tools

Cagewasher

Autoclave

Job description

This role requires working full time on-site at the Skirball Center for Innovation based in Orangeburg, New York.

SUMMARY

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.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND 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.

· Additional duties as assigned.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES IN GLP STUDIES

· 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.

QUALIFICATIONS

· High school diploma or GED.

· ALAT certification, or eligibility to obtain within one year preferred.

· 1 year experience/training in a laboratory animal facility preferred.

· 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.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

Must be able to perform heavy repetitive lifting and moving of equipment on a daily basis. The employee is occasionally required to lift up to 100 pounds, along with members of his/her team.

Mandatory weekend and holiday coverage, as scheduled, on a rotating basis.

Must not be allergic to animals, latex rubber, waste products, cleaning reagents, feed or bedding.

The work environment is an indoor, climate-controlled Vivarium. The lighting is appropriate. The noise level in certain animal areas can be above normal. There are hazards, and protective gear may be required to be worn or used.

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

COMPENSATION

The hiring range for this position is $43,000 - $45,000 per year. The annual salary that will ultimately be offered to the successful candidate will depend on job-related knowledge, education, skills, and experience.

CONTACT INFORMATION

To be considered for this opportunity, please submit your resume.

Be sure and visit our web site to learn more about how we strive to enhance and save patient lives every day www.crf.org

CRF is an equal opportunity employer.