Senior Laboratory Animal Caretaker

Posting 23-12 Post through October 25, 2023

POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT

Senior Laboratory Animal Caretaker

Salary Grade: 8

$30,078.40-$35,748.00

Part-Time Position

80% FTE: 32 Hours Weekly

DESCRIPTION:

The Research for Mental Hygiene, Inc. is seeking to hire a qualified candidate for the part-time position of Senior Laboratory Animal Caretaker position. The successful candidate must be able to perform daily animal husbandry procedures such as cleaning and moving cages, feeding animals, performing daily wellness checks on animals, and disinfecting/sanitizing cages using various detergents and washing methods. Must be able to work well as a team member, as well as independently.

The successful candidate should be able to communicate/read in English and follow written and verbal orders from facility supervisor and the veterinarian. The candidate also must be able to lift 60 lbs. without assistance. This position will require at least one weekend day of work in the regular schedule.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Primary duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Properly pick up, restrain, and transfer animals between cages during routine husbandry tasks. Ensure humane care.
• Be able to comply with all personnel safety requirements, including proper donning of personal protective equipment.

• Prepare and use disinfectants and detergents to clean and disinfect animal quarters, cages, and associated equipment.
• Perform cleaning and sanitation duties as assigned.

• Will be trained to operate large cage wash equipment and steam sterilizing autoclave.
• Will be required to remove husbandry-related waste in compliance with local and state regulations.
• Perform materials transfer and logistics for Animal Colony supplies.
• May be asked to review inventory and stock supplies, including unloading and transport shipments of husbandry and housekeeping supplies, and perform daily recordkeeping.
• Observe and report any abnormalities in animal health, equipment, or facilities.
• May be asked to assist with study endpoints (perform euthanasia).
• Participate in monthly staff meetings and communicate with the facility supervisor and director (veterinarian).
• Must be willing to work weekends and some holidays based on needs of the worksite.
• Set up rodent breeding cages and wean litters as timing dictates.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• High School Diploma or High School Equivalency.
• Minimum 3 months of hands-on experience working with research animals, zoo animals, pet store animals, in a veterinary clinic or in an animal shelter.
• Must be able to lift 60 lbs. without assistance.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Six months of service as a laboratory animal caretaker working with rodents in another institution or one year of experience at a zoo, animal shelter, veterinary clinic, or pet store working with any animals in caretaker/zookeeper/veterinary assistant capacity.
• 1 year of experience using basic computer programs such as the internet and Microsoft Word for email, training, and basic data entry.
• Should not have any documented animal allergies.
• Two years of college or an associate degree with biology, wildlife, genetics, veterinary assistant, or zoology coursework.

POTENTIAL HAZARDS:

• The job is physically demanding. Must pass an occupational health physical prior to starting work.
• Immunization for Tetanus will be required (and provided, if needed).
• Employee's work will involve working with laboratory rodents in a research facility. Other occupational hazards include potential bites/, scratches.
• Hazardous chemicals use includes alcohols, bleach, cage wash detergents and acids, and other disinfectants.
• Ergonomic considerations include lifting, bending, repetitive motions, walking between buildings, and standing for long periods of time.
• Employee must be able to lift 60 pounds and carry for short distances without assistance at times.
• Safety training and protective clothing, equipment, and supplies will be provided to the employee. Employee should be able to provide shoes suitable to working in a laboratory environment.

Location: 1050 Forest Hill Road, Staten Island, NY 10314

To Apply: Submit a resume and cover letter no later than October 25, 2023, on our website at: https://ibr.applicantpro.com/jobs. Only applications submitted through our website will be considered.

The Mission of the Research Foundation for Mental Hygiene, Inc. (RFMH) is to promote the mental health of all New Yorkers, with a focus on providing hope and supporting recovery for adults with serious mental illness and children with serious emotional disturbances. Applicants with lived mental health experience are encouraged to apply. RFMH is deeply committed to supporting underserved individuals, organizations, and communities. To this end, RFMH is focused on implementing activities and initiatives to reduce disparities in access, quality, and treatment outcomes for underserved populations. A critical component of these efforts is ensuring that RFMH is a diverse and inclusive workplace where all employees' unique attributes and skills are valued and utilized to support the mission of the Agency. RFMH is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.

The Research Foundation is a private not-for-profit corporation and is not an agency or instrumentality of the State of New York. Employees of the Research Foundation are not state employees, do not participate in any state retirement system, and do not receive state fringe benefits. Excellent Benefits Package. Employer/Minority/Women/Disabled/Veteran Employer. VEVRAA 41 CFR 60-300.5(a) compliant.