"Animal Care Attendant S05 - Companion Animal Hospital"

The Companion Animal Hospital at Cornell University is seeking a dedicated Animal Care Attendant to play a vital role in supporting patient care, hospital operations, and a dynamic teaching environment. This position combines hands-on animal handling with essential custodial and infection control responsibilities to ensure a clean, safe, and efficient clinical setting. Working alongside veterinarians, licensed veterinary technicians, and students, the attendant helps support medical procedures, patient comfort, and daily hospital workflow. The ideal candidate is dependable, detail-oriented, and comfortable working in a fast-paced, high-acuity healthcare environment where teamwork and professionalism are essential.

The job responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Assist veterinarians and LVTs with animal restraint for medical procedures (e.g., blood sampling, IV catheter placement)
• Walk patients outside and collect urine/fecal samples as needed.
• Maintain cleanliness of assigned areas in the Companion Animal Hospital, including hallways and floors
• Perform daily dust mopping and mopping; strip, wax, and polish floors as needed
• Clean and disinfect exam rooms between clients and throughout the shift
• Remove trash and properly dispose of biohazardous waste
• Clean feces, urine, vomit, and other animal body fluids as required
• Record daily inpatient census in INC/ICU and ward areas when assigned
• Restock wards, treatment areas, and workrooms with appropriate supplies

Employees working in the hospital must receive the pre-exposure rabies prophylaxis vaccination series prior to or immediately after hire, which will be paid for by the department.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma with at least 6 months of relevant experience, including companion animal handling in a veterinary setting and custodial/housekeeping or disinfection work, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Knowledge of basic infection control practices, including proper use of disinfectants and adherence to established procedures
• Ability meet the physical demands of the position including but not limited to being able to safely lift or move 50 lbs. with assistance and perform physically demanding tasks such as standing for extended periods, kneeling, and maintaining steady positions
• Basic computer skills, including the ability to accurately enter information into patient records
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in a team environment
• Strong professional communication skills when interacting with students, veterinary technicians, clinicians, and clients, with good judgment and prioritization skills
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, demanding environment while maintaining attention to detail and demonstrating initiative

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of medical terminology

Important Details about the Position

• This is an onsite position located in Ithaca, NY.
• We are unable to provide Visa sponsorship, now or in the future, for this position.
• Relocation assistance will not be provided for this position.
• While regular business hours are 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, the specific schedule will be determined based on operational needs and may include early mornings, evenings, weekends, University holidays, and scheduled breaks.

The Following Documents are Required to be Submitted with your Application

• Resume
• Cover Letter

What We Offer:

Great benefits! Cornell receives national recognition as an award-winning workplace for our health, wellbeing, and sustainability.

• 3 weeks of paid vacation
• 13 additional holiday days with 2 additional floating holidays to be used at your discretion
• An award-winning employer provided benefits program
  • Comprehensive health care options
  • Access to wellness programs
  • Employee discounts with local and national retail brands
  • Generous retirement contributions
  • Impressive educational benefits include tuition-free Extramural Study and Employee Degree Program, Tuition Aid for external education, and Cornell Children's Tuition Assistance program

Follow this link for more information: https://hr.cornell.edu/understand-your-benefits

University Job Title: Animal Attendant S05

Job Family: United Auto Workers

Level: S05

Pay Rate Type: Hourly

Pay Range: Refer to Union Pay Rates Link Below

Remote Option Availability: Onsite

Company: Contract College