Chief Technician

• Job Type: Support Staff - Union
• Bargaining Unit: SSA
• Regular/Temporary: Regular
• Hours Per Week: 35
• Salary Range: 55,215.25

Position Summary

Under minimal supervision, the Chief Technician will perform routine assignments requiring technical applications, or under direct supervision as a trainee will perform multiple assignments.   Under the direction of the supervisor the chief technician will act as a lead for day-to-day tasks.  Observe report and monitor the health and comfort of rodents.  Perform animal husbandry and sanitation as prescribed by federal laws and regulations, state law and Columbia Health Sciences Division policy. Unpack incoming rodent shipments.  The Chief Technician will perform the duties listed below, and other duties as assigned.

Responsibilities

• Husbandry: Provide for the care of laboratory animals in a humane, safe and sanitary manner using appropriate equipment and established procedures;  feed and water the animals on a daily basis or as specified; change animal cages as scheduled; perform daily animal census; clean animal rooms and procedure rooms; . Perform periodic surveillance and change out of all filters in common areas, troubleshoot equipment issues and perform minor repairs to carts , cages, etc. Assist with the smooth operation in cagewash area as needed.
• Clinial Care: Observe animals as prescribed by the veterinary clinical staff; record observations; provide basic treatments as instructed by the veterinary clinical staff; and assist with the maintenance of animal records.
• Animal deliveries: Receive, transport and distribute incoming animals as specified by established animal receiving protocols. 
• Facility Coordination: Observe and report any aberrations in animal room environments. Perform (room temperature, humidity, lighting, ventilation, vermin, etc.) any daily animal facility operations; and coordinate staff assignments as directed by the building supervisor.  
• Sentinel Program: Unpacking sentinel animals;  timely collection of sentinel census as directed; and assist veterinary technicians with sentinel and colony sample collection during outbreaks.

Minimum Qualifications

• Master's degree and at least one year experience, or Bachelor's degree and at least 3 years of related experience or equivalent in education, training, and experience, with LAT certification preferred.  Must have strong communication and interpersonal skills.  The ability to work in fast-paced and changing environment while maintaining team cohesion.  Must have flexibility to work in different locations, environments and shifts as directed by management. 

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents.