POSITION SUMMARY:

Under the supervision of the Manager of Veterinary Services or designee, provides clinical and laboratory support in the research animal facilities including specimen collection, treatments, assisting with rodent breeding colony management, animal health rounds and some surgical assistance. This position is considered essential, and as such requires weekend, holiday, and off hours coverage as needed and/or on a rotating basis.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Observe, record, and report atypical findings of animal health or behavior, the environment and physical plant. These observations include, but are not limited to, sick animals, maintenance problems or safety hazards.
• Identify and report animal welfare concerns and/or IACUC protocol deviations.
• Provide clinical treatments, administer drugs and fluids, collect body fluids, vaccinate and euthanize animals.
• Keep accurate departmental records of work activities and communications regarding clinical cases.
• Assess and monitor health of laboratory animals, as directed by the Manager of Veterinary Services, Staff Veterinarian or designee.
• Handle, restrain and sex various species of laboratory animals.
• Update animal room records as required, including census and cage card animal identification.
• Assist with veterinary care and diagnostic sample collections.
• Assist with management of rodent breeding colonies.
• Assist in surgery as directed.
• Assist with packing animals for export to external institutions.
• Assist with the development and revision of departmental SOP’s.
• Assist in the collection of samples for the disease surveillance program and perform assigned diagnostic laboratory tests.
• Provide sanitation and disease control, as directed, in animal the facility; may require use of aseptic techniques in barrier rooms, quarantine, or clean housing systems.
• Provide care for animals treated with hazardous agents, including organisms and radioisotopes in the Bio-Containment Suite or other designated locations.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• AS degree in a veterinary technology program

                     OR

• AS degree in a non-veterinary technology program with 2 years of experience in a related field

OR

• High School Diploma with 4 years of experience in a related field
• American Association of Laboratory Science certification at the ALAT level must be obtained within 18 months of hire. It is expected that AALAS Registry be kept current.
• Computer proficiency and basic mathematical skills are required.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• AS degree in a veterinary technology program with 1 or more years of experience as a veterinary technician

OR

• AS degree in a non-veterinary technology program with 2 years of experience as a veterinary technician