Animal Caretaker - Jarvis Lab

Primary Work Address: 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10065

Current HHMI Employees, click here to apply via your Workday account.

Please note that the physical location for this job is upstate in Millbrook, NY, not New York City.

The Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) advances the discovery and sharing of scientific knowledge to benefit us all. As a biomedical research organization and philanthropy, HHMI supports a vibrant community of academic researchers, educators, students, and professionals. Together, we’re unlocking the fundamentals of biology and building an open, inclusive future for science.

We are seeking an enthusiastic Animal Caretaker to join the lab team of Dr. Erich Jarvis on-site at the Rockefeller University Field Center Laboratory in Millbrook, New York. The Jarvis lab investigates the neurogenomics of complex traits, with a specific focus on vocal learning and spoken language. The Rockefeller University Field Center Laboratory is focused on neuroethology of wild animals and avian transgenics. The team strives for excellence and inclusion as a model and strategy towards achieving ambitious goals in science and the culture of science. More information about the Jarvis lab and their work can be found at https://www.jarvislab.net/

About the Animal Caretaker role:
As the Animal Caretaker, you will perform day-to-day duties to help maintain a safe, clean, and organized environment for the lab’s colony of transgenic songbirds. This role is ideal for a hardworking, dependable professional who has strong attention to detail, situational awareness, and an interest in supporting the Jarvis lab’s research goals.

What we provide:

• A competitive compensation package with comprehensive health and wellness benefits.

• Hands-on training and the opportunity for mentorship

• Working as part of a close-knit, dedicated field lab team within the vibrant Rockefeller University research community

• Attending open lab meetings for scientific learning and self-development

• Access to the Field Center Laboratory’s outdoor walking trails

What you’ll do:

• Alongside other team members, managing the bird colony including health checks, monitoring and handling zebra finches, feeding, breeding, collecting specimens, and other animal husbandry-related tasks

• Preparing feed for the bird colony

• Administering topical and oral medications

• Cleaning bird cages and equipment on a regular basis

• Assisting with maintaining general lab organization and cleanliness

• Other duties as assigned

What you bring:

• High school diploma or GED is required.

• A valid New York driver’s license is required along with a willingness to drive in various weather conditions to perform job duties.

• Ability to move and lift up to 30 pounds is required.

• Comfort and willingness to work with live birds on a daily basis is required.

• Flexibility to work one weekend day per week and some holidays as needed to ensure coverage for animal care.

• At least one year of working with animals in some capacity is preferred. Any previous experience with birds would be a plus.

• A self-starter approach to work tasks with a sense of enthusiasm, proactiveness, and initiative.

• Comfort with working alone for periods of time.

• Excellent oral and written communication skills.

• Excellent organizational, multitasking, and time management skills.

• Excellent attention to detail and ability to remain focused on work tasks.

• Ability to work well with a diverse group of people at various levels of experience.

Physical Requirements:

Remaining in a normal seated or standing position for extended periods of time; reaching and grasping by extending hand(s) or arm(s); dexterity to manipulate objects with fingers; communication skills using the spoken word; ability to see and hear within normal parameters; ability to move about workspace. The position requires mobility, including the ability to move materials and routinely lift and/or carry objects weighing up to 30 pounds. Potential for exposure to bites and/or other physical injuries associated with handling animals and disagreeable animal odors. May come into contact with animals which harbor diseases that can be transmitted to humans.

Persons with disabilities may be able to perform the essential duties of this position with reasonable accommodation. Requests for reasonable accommodation will be evaluated on an individual basis.

Please Note:

This job description sets forth the job’s principal duties, responsibilities, and requirements; it should not be construed as an exhaustive statement, however.  Unless they begin with the word “may,” the Essential Duties and Responsibilities described above are “essential functions” of the job, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Compensation and Benefits

Our employees are compensated from a total rewards perspective in many ways for their contributions to our mission, including competitive pay, exceptional health benefits, retirement plans, time off, and a range of recognition and wellness programs. Visit our Benefits at HHMI site to learn more. 

Compensation Range

$17.80 (minimum) - $22.26 (midpoint) - $28.97 (maximum)

Pay Type:

Hourly

HHMI’s salary structure is developed based on relevant job market data. HHMI considers a candidate's education, previous experiences, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal equity when making job offers. Typically, a new hire for this position in this location is compensated between the minimum and the midpoint of the salary range.

HHMI is an Equal Opportunity Employer