Laboratory Animal Caretaker

Bargaining Unit

CSEA

Job Summary

The Division of Comparative Medicine in the College of Medicine at SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University is seeking a full-time Laboratory Animal Caretaker. Laboratory Animal Caretakers handle, treat and observe animals used in laboratory experiments, biological tests and research. They handle laboratory animals to implement ongoing experiments; treat them to provide for the general health and comfort of the animals; and observe them to detect symptoms of disease and changes in condition. They come into contact with animals carrying a variety of communicable diseases including zoonosis, and may be exposed to the radiation used in the treatment of such animals. In handling, treating, feeding and all other contacts with such animals, incumbents use techniques designed to minimize the hazards of their own infection, as well as the contamination of uninfected stock or experimental animals. Incumbents communicate with physicians, veterinarians and research scientists to report unusual experimental results and to receive instructions concerning the handling and treatment of animals relative to specific experiments.

Duties

• Teats animals as prescribed in guidelines to maintain the general health of laboratory animals.
• Aids higher level positions, e.g., professional scientists and technicians, in performing experimental treatment procedures to provide data for research.
• Maintains the health and comfort of animals by monitoring their conditions and behaviors to detect symptoms of disease and changes in conditions.
• Ensures the cleanliness and adequacy of supplies in facilities by cleaning and washing facilities and performing other housekeeping duties as scheduled and directed.
• Performs a wide range of husbandry duties in the laboratory animal care facility, which includes, but is not limited to:
  • Cleaning and removing cages, equipment.
  • Performing room sanitation, including disinfecting/sanitizing cages using various detergents and washing methods.
  • Feeding animals and performing daily wellness checks.
  • Transferring animals from one cage to another, and removing waste.
• Works collaboratively as a team member and independently.
• Participates in monthly staff meetings.
• Completes all New York State required trainings.
• Maintains environmental control monitoring for temperature and humidity as well as some maintenance equipment use.
• Performs all husbandry work within strict accordance of the guidelines established by law and in the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals.
• Demonstrates flexibility in scheduling, as needed, to work weekends and holidays based on the business need of the facility.

Required Qualifications

There are no minimum education or experience qualifications.

Preferred Qualifications

• Candidate should be able to use basic computer programs such as Internet, Microsoft Word for email, training, and basic data entry.
• Must have good communication skills, both verbal and written, and be able to follow instructions from the Facility Supervisor or Veterinarian.
• Must be able to lift 50+ pounds of animal feed and supplies.

Work Schedule

Variable Days; 8:00am to 4:30pm (Full-Time)

Salary Grade/Rank

SG-05

Salary Range

As per civil service guidelines
Hiring Rate $34,312 Base Salary plus $4,000 Location Pay

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, creed, age, disability, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, familial status, pregnancy, predisposing genetic characteristics, military status, domestic violence victim status, criminal conviction, and all other protected classes under federal or state laws. Women, minorities, veterans, individuals with disabilities and members of underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply. If you are an individual with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, or in order to perform the essential functions of a position, please contact Human Resources at ada@downstate.edu