Animal Technician II

Cornell University; Town of Ithaca (NY); On-site; USD 32,000 - 33,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health care options

Retirement contributions

Vacation time and holidays

Education benefits

Job summary

The Center for Animal Resources and Education (CARE) at Cornell University is seeking an Animal Tech II to join the husbandry team in Ithaca, NY. The role focuses on humane care, daily observation, and meticulous record keeping in a high-standard facility.

Responsibilities include handling diverse species, feeding, cleaning, and housing, following SOPs, and supporting researchers and staff. A high school diploma and animal care exposure are required; AAS in Veterinary Technology or AALAS

Qualifications

• High school diploma and up to 1 year of animal care training/experience or equivalent
• Demonstrated reliability and dependability
• Ability to lift more than 50 pounds and transport cages/racks
• Valid driver’s license and keen observational skills
• Knowledge of Rodent and Husbandry Breeding ACUP

Responsibilities

• Provide humane care and treatment to animals used in research and teaching
• Handle and restrain different species
• Follow sanitation procedures for animal facilities
• Provide daily animal observation and report health concerns
• Maintain clean cages and supply food and water daily
• Maintain breeding colonies and record keeping
• Work with barrier and containment systems and interact with varied clients

Skills

Strong communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Patience and compassion for animals

Reliability and dependability

Ability to lift heavy objects

Valid driver’s license

Education

High school diploma and up to 1 year of animal care training/experience

AAS Degree in Veterinary Technology

AALAS Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician Certification or eligibility

Job description

The Center for Animal Resources and Education (CARE) has an immediate opening for an Animal Tech II with its husbandry team.

Who We Are

The Center for Animal Resources and Education (CARE) at Cornell University is a service and a resource to the AAALAC International -accredited Cornell research and teaching community. CARE provides high-quality animal care and veterinary services, and advises and educates researchers, staff and students on animal experimentation issues while promoting best practices for the responsible use of animals. These actions result in quality science merging with animal welfare. For the benefit of human and animal health, the mission of CARE is to ensure quality animal care and welfare while serving the Cornell research and teaching community through education and collaboration.

What You Will Do

CARE has a high standard of professionalism and respectful behavior and communication, as well as an expectation for quality service and detailed record keeping. The ideal candidate has a disciplined work ethic, can communicate confidently and respectfully to clients, is service-minded and extremely reliable. In a team-based environment, the Animal Technician II provides humane care and treatment to a variety of animals used in research and teaching. Responsibilities include but are not limited to: properly handling and restraining different species; following sanitation procedures critical to the well being of the animals housed within various animal facilities; providing daily animal observation and reporting any health concern, abnormality, behavior change and/or mortality according to Standard Operating Procedures for optimum animal care; supplying food and water to animals on a daily basis, as well as maintaining clean animal cages; handling animals with unique housing requirements; and maintaining animal breeding colonies and record keeping. Technicians are expected to work with barrier and containment systems that require accurate and thorough work to prevent contamination. Technicians interact with a varied clientele on a regular basis (research staff, managers, co-workers, etc.) and are expected to demonstrate a professional demeanor at all times. A work schedule of 5 days/week, which may include holidays and weekends is anticipated. The position may require overtime and working on regularly scheduled days off at times. The position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

What We Need

• High school diploma and up to 1 year of animal care training and/or animal care facility experience; or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience
• Strong communication skills and interpersonal skills
• Demonstrated patience and compassion for animals and their wellbeing
• Demonstrated reliability and dependability
• Ability to lift more than 50 pounds (handling bulk supplies, such as feed and bedding) and to transport (pushing or pulling) numerous cages/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

Appointment to this position is subject to a pre-employment physical exam, and testing and immunizations are required based on specific job duties.

Additionally, We Would Like To See Evidence Of

• AAS Degree in Veterinary Technology
• AALAS Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician Certification or eligibility for certification

Rewards And Benefits

• This position is located in Ithaca, New York on the campus of Cornell University.
• Our benefits programs include comprehensive health care options, generous retirement contributions, access to wellness programs, and employee discounts with local and national retail brands. We invite you to follow this link to get more information about our benefits: Understand Your Benefits | Working at Cornell.
• Our leave provisions include health and personal leave, three weeks of vacation and 13 holidays: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and the day after, and an end of the year winter break from December 25-January 1. To offer greater flexibility for observing faiths and traditions, we also offer two additional floating holidays. Learn more about our generous leave provisions: Holiday and Accrued Time Off | Working at Cornell.
• Cornell's impressive educational benefits include tuition-free Extramural Study and Employee Degree Program, tuition aid for external education, and Cornell Children's Tuition Assistance Program. Learn more about our extensive educational benefits: Education Benefits | Working at Cornell.

Working Environment

• Typically lifts more than 50 lbs
• Requires close concentration/manual dexterity
• Must comply with chemicals/safety precautions

University Job Title

Animal Tech II

Job Family

Health

Level

B

Pay Rate Type

Hourly

Pay Range

$23.40 - $24.28

Remote Option Availability

Onsite

Company

Contract College

EEO Statement

Cornell welcomes students, faculty, and staff with diverse backgrounds from across the globe to pursue world‑class education and career opportunities, to further the founding principle of “... any person ... any study.” No person shall be denied employment on the basis of any legally protected status or subjected to prohibited discrimination involving, but not limited to, such factors as race, ethnic or national origin, citizenship and immigration status, color, sex, pregnancy or pregnancy‑related conditions, age, creed, religion, actual or perceived disability (including persons associated with such a person), arrest and/or conviction record, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender expression and/or identity, an individual’s genetic information, domestic violence victim status, familial status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Cornell University embraces diversity in its workforce and seeks job candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff of all identities and backgrounds. We hire based on merit, and encourage people from historically underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply. Consistent with federal law, Cornell engages in affirmative action in employment for qualified protected veterans as defined in the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) and qualified individuals with disabilities under Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations in accordance with applicable law.