The Laboratory Animal Veterinary Technician provides technical expertise in veterinary nursing care, clinical observations, training research and animal care staff, surgical manipulations of research animals, and assistance with animal husbandry needs within the unit. This position will oversee the day-to-day reporting and communication of clinical cases in the Animal Care Unit under the guidance of the Clinical Veterinarian. The incumbent plays an integral role in ensuring the health and welfare of research animals under indirect supervision while maintaining consistency with exemplary standards of animal care. The incumbent will serve as a leader within the unit and act in the absence of the supervisor with the guidance from ACU veterinary personnel.
70% - Veterinary Care of research animals
Provides diligent and responsible veterinary care of research animals.
Evaluates animals reported as abnormal by the Animal Care Technicians in a timely fashion.
Document findings and share findings and recommendations with research staff. Communication with research staff will play a large role in the position.
Provides experienced technical support such as administering medications, performing treatments, assessment of clinical cases (current species on campus are primarily rodent with minor species including various reptiles, fish, and rabbits).
Provides surgical assistance to the veterinary staff, including processing and support of surgical equipment.
Prepares and performs minor surgical, medical, diagnostic and research procedures as trained by the Clinical Veterinarian.
Assists with technical procedures including record keeping, animal identification, breeding, sexing, specimen collection and euthanasia (this position will perform euthanasia on a variety of species.)
Assist in maintaining inventory and ordering of veterinary drugs.
Assist Clinical Veterinarian in maintaining the DEA Controlled Substances program. Collection and processing of diagnostic sampling for both sentinel and quarantine programs.
Maintain knowledge of current Veterinary Medical standards and Institutional standards regulations.
Understands, follows, and assists in updating and maintaining Standard Operating Procedures (SOP's) and Quality Assurance (QA) standards.
20% - Training of research and ACU personnel
Assist Clinical Veterinarian in managing the training program to include didactic and hands-on teaching responsibilities. Training will include handling, research techniques (venipuncture, administration techniques, breeding, weaning, rodent teeth trimming, etc.), surgery skills, etc.
Demonstrate proper techniques and procedures by providing information as a leader, trainer, and subject matter expert to research faculty, staff, and/or less experienced technicians.
10% - Support Animal Husbandry needs of the unit
Provide assistance to Husbandry group when short-staffed.
Perform daily, weekly and/or monthly checks for non-animal ancillary rooms.
Assist with cage wash, laundry, etc. when time allows.
Takes necessary precautions to adhere to OSHA standards, other applicable federal and state regulations, and ACU standard operating procedures when working with hazardous agents, animals, and power equipment.
Occasional and miscellaneous additional duties as assigned/requested by the Clinical Veterinarian and Attending Veterinarian/Director.
High School Diploma or GED equivalency and 18 months of laboratory animal science experience.
AALAS certification at LAT level within 6 months of eligibility.
Customer service skills, as demonstrated in previous work experience.
Time management and priority setting skills as demonstrated in previous work experience.
Strong verbal communication and listening skills as evidenced in interview.
Experience working independently with minimal supervision as demonstrated in previous work experience.
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