Description

Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM) seeks an Animal Technician to support surgical services within the Small Animal Community Practice (SACP). This position assists veterinarians, Licensed Veterinary Technicians, and veterinary students with patient handling, surgical preparation, operating room setup, and perioperative care from intake through discharge. The role is also responsible for maintaining a clean, safe, and well-organized clinical environment, including instrument cleaning, sterilization, and supply management to support efficient surgical workflow. If you enjoy being hands-on and being part of a team that supports high-quality care for cats and dogs, you'll thrive in this role.

The job responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Assist veterinarians, LVTs and students on surgery days from intake to discharge.
• Assist veterinarians and LVTs with patient receiving and assigned tasks to perform exemplary patient care and handling including preparing and assisting for physical exams, room preparation, surgical/room set up, patient setup and care as directed, ensuring that supplies are stocked and available for proper patient care
• Assist with monitoring of patients post procedures, as directed, communicating with veterinarian and/or LVT any updates or concerns
• Clean, pack and sterilize surgical instruments and equipment according to hospital protocols.
• Help keep all areas of SACP stocked appropriately.

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 and with at least 6 months of animal handling experience, preferably in an animal hospital, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Physically able to meet the demands of the job, including but not limited to prolonged standing/kneeling and lifting patients over 50 lbs
• Strong animal handling and restraint skills for dogs and cats
• Comfortable learning and using electronic medical record systems (ezyVet) and related clinical software
• Team-oriented and able to work independently, accept feedback, and adapt in a busy clinical setting
• Valid driver's license required to travel between SACP and the Tompkins County SPCA as needed
• Must be a self-starter who is organized, detail-oriented, and able to work efficiently while maintaining safety and sound judgment in a fast-paced environment

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous private practice or animal shelter experience a plus
• Previous experience assisting with veterinary surgery or surgical preparation

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 the regular business hours are 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, the specific schedule may change to meet the needs of the business, requiring employees to work early mornings, evenings, weekends and 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 Tech II

Job Family:
Health

Level:
B

Pay Rate Type:
Hourly

Pay Range:
$23.40 - $24.28

Remote Option Availability:
Onsite

Company:
Contract College

Contact Name:
Gabriel Gonzalez

Contact Email:
gag95@cornell.edu

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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
• Academic Discipline

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2026-05-08