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
Employees are expected to meet all of the Cornell University Staff Skills for Success, which are essential for individual and organizational success.
Questions?
Gabriel Gonzalez - gag95@cornell.edu
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
Contact Name:
Gabriel Gonzalez
Contact Email:
gag95@cornell.edu
Job Titles and Pay Ranges:
Non-Union Positions
Noted pay ranges reflect the potential pay opportunity for each job profile. The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined considering the following criteria:
Prior relevant work or industry experience
Education level to the extent education is relevant to the position
Unique applicable skills
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Union Positions
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2025-12-23