Principal Laboratory Animal Caretaker

About the role

The Principal Laboratory Animal Caretaker serves as a liaison between Senior Laboratory Animal Caretakers, Principal Investigators, and managers. This position trains, schedules, and observes the work of Laboratory Animal Caretakers and Senior Laboratory Animal Caretakers to ensure tasks are carried out and proper procedures are followed. Customer support, follow-up, and troubleshooting are essential aspects of this role.

Responsibilities

• Perform daily animal husbandry duties
• Handle, restrain, and determine the sex of common laboratory animals
• Recognize and report areas of noncompliance with federal, state, and local regulations and guidelines pertaining to laboratory animals
• Purchase office supplies, laboratory animals, and laboratory supplies
• Process invoices to Accounts Payable and receipts of merchandise to Receiving
• Coordinate incoming animal orders with Purchasing and DLAR Supervisors
• Create cage cards (File Maker Pro) and create signs and forms as needed
• Determine weekly animal per diem charges and PI's services/room/drug charges; bill researchers monthly
• Maintain and update researcher's grant/department accounts for recharge, including non-standard billing for animal charges when necessary
• Process travel requests and reimbursements
• Answer phones and handle office walk-ins
• Maintain DLAR files
• Maintain the office supply room and current inventory
• Assist the DLAR Director by supplying pertinent information for cost analysis and data record keeping
• Perform heavy lifting and transporting of heavy items

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications: New York State Department of Civil Service Eligible List or eligible for transfer. Promotional: Must be a qualified employee of New York State and have had one year of permanent competitive, non-competitive, or 55B/C service as a Senior Laboratory Animal Caretaker.

OR Two years of full-time service as a laboratory animal caretaker in a research facility (including but not limited to hospitals, universities, institutions, or laboratories) OR two years of full-time experience in the handling and care of live vertebrate animals in other than a residential setting and one year of full-time service as a laboratory animal caretaker in a research facility (including but not limited to hospitals, universities, institutions, or laboratories).

OR Certification as an Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician or higher by the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science and one year of full-time experience in the handling and care of live vertebrate animals in other than a residential setting and one year of full-time service as a laboratory animal caretaker in a research facility (including but not limited to hospitals, universities, institutions, or laboratories).

Skills

• Knowledge of federal, state, and local regulations and guidelines pertaining to laboratory animals
• Attention to detail
• Excellent communication and organizational skills
• Familiarity with Word, Excel, and experience with databases
• Must possess and maintain a valid NYS driver's license

Preferred Qualifications

• AALAS ALAT certification preferred

Schedule

40-hour work week, Monday-Friday 7:00am-3:30pm. Located in Weiskotten Hall.