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Title: Senior Animal Care Technician-Biocontainment

Org Unit: Husbandry and Facility Operations

Work Days: Weekdays and some weekends

Weekly Hours: 35.00

Exemption Status: Non-Exempt

Salary Range: $25.28 - $26.59

*As required under NYC Human Rights Law Int 1208-2018 - Salary range for this role when Hired for NYC Offices

Position Summary

Under direct supervision, provides direct care and maintenance for various species of laboratory animals, including feeding, general husbandry and cleaning of caging and related equipment housed within BSL-3 and ABSL-3 facilities

Job Responsibilities

+ Responsible for general animal husbandry, including changing holding areas, feed and water utilizing specialized techniques and equipment.

+ Ensures the proper maintenance of lab facilities, including animal holding areas, cage wash areas and associate corridors. Assesses conditions of caging equipment and makes recommendations for equipment replacement and/or repair.

+ Responsible for the sanitization and decontamination of BSL-3/ABSL-3 rooms and equipment. Applies biological safety procedures in preparation of bio-hazardous materials for disposal and autoclaving of hazard waste. Escalates any facility-related issues.

+ Euthanizes small laboratory animals as needed.

+ Implements policies and procedures including animal health checks, sentinel animal, environmental monitoring, inadequate cage card, overcrowded cages and dead animal protocols.

+ Ensures that the animal care and environmental policies and procedures are adhered to at all times.

+ Recognizes and reports conditions of animal health and welfare that are at variance from normal for the species. Escalates any issues to supervisor.

+ Ensures that facilities and equipment are in optimal and proper working condition. Coordinates preventative maintenance and repairs as needed. May perform minor repairs if qualified and as needed. May advise on upgrades for performance enhancements.

Education

+ High school diploma or GED

Experience

Approximately 1 year of experience in laboratory animal care

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

+ Regular and additional BSL3/ABSL3 safety training.

+ Demonstrated knowledge of the basics of animal health and disease, the procedures required to clean sterilize caging and the use and operation of equipment required for laboratory animal housing and care.

+ Ability to follow oral and written instructions.

+ Participates in on-the-job training required to develop new skills, learn new techniques, and implement new policies.

Licenses and Certifications

+ Certification by AALAS as an Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT)

Working Conditions/Physical Demands

This position requires full mobility and the ability to regularly lift or move up to 25 pounds and frequently lift or move up to 50 pounds; This role requires standing for extended periods of time and the ability to climb and work from ladders and platforms; This role may be exposed to dust, dirt, unpleasant odors, laboratory animals, animal excreta, and hot and humid surroundings There is potential exposure to animal bites and scratches, needles and other sharp instruments, infectious agents, radioisotopes, toxic chemicals, and radiation; Protective equipment including uniforms, steel-toe shoes, masks, aprons, gloves and head covers are provided and required for specific activities; Work assignments may include weekends and holidays

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 (VEVRRA) 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.