Veterinary Technician

Position Purpose

The Veterinary Technician provides support to the veterinary staff in the provision of routine veterinary care, surgical and post-operative monitoring, support of research staff by assistance with technical procedures; and the care of laboratory animals in a safe and sanitary manner in accordance with federal, state, and local regulations, guidelines and policies on the use of laboratory animals in the conduct of biomedical research. The Vet Tech is part of a rotating weekend on-call schedule for weekend animal care. At all times, the Vet Tech models and fosters behaviors consistent with the identified team expectations of CCMR leadership and staff.

Description

The position involves reducing one’s exposure to feral (wild) and pet store purchased mice, rats, hamsters, gerbils, and other rodents. The position involves exposure to biomedical pathological waste, animal feces and biological fluids, such as, blood and urine, animal dander, dust-generating bedding, hazardous chemicals, and biohazardous agents, such as, bacteria, viruses, parasites, etc. Participation in Animal Care and Use Program’s Occupational Medicine Program required, including annual medical evaluations, TB testing, and immunizations. Must be able to perform repetitive movements, stand for 8.0 hours per day, and periodically lift, carry and move equipment or animals weighing up to 50 lbs. Required to wear the dedicated uniform and required PPE, such as, gloves, hearing protection, scrubs, gowns, shoes, respirators, masks, etc. Must comply with all OSHA PPE Standards. Required to report any potential contagious and zoonotic (human to animal) illnesses.

Required Qualifications - Education and Yrs Exp

• Bachelors or equivalent combination of education and experience

Required Qualifications - Skills, Knowledge and Abilities

• Two plus years of relevant animal care and research experience or comparable Animal Health Technician experience.

• Strong communication skills.

• Successful completion of AALAS Laboratory Animal Technologist (LATg) certification or equivalent experience and education.

• Knowledge of federal, state, and local regulations, guidelines, and policies on the use of laboratory animals in research.

• Ability to deal with the use of animals in a research environment.

• Ability to work independently, apply critical thinking, and sound judgment.

• Flexibility to adjust to changing situations and priorities.

• Strong commitment to serving the needs of a diverse community.

• Ability to obtain and maintain Dartmouth-approved driver certification.

Key Accountabilities

Research Support (45%)

• Monitors and records the general health and condition of the research animals based on the research being performed; applies acceptable CCMR methods in the handling, restraint of all common laboratory animals without injuring the animals or endangering themselves or others; participates in performing routine diagnostic procedures and other procedures; provides surgical support by preparing animals for surgery, including placement of catheters or other instrumentation, administering anesthetics as necessary, surgical monitoring, and post-operative care; sets up breeding colonies based on breeding pattern determined by the PI and monitors the litter for weaning; provides initial triage of animals reported as injured or ill and notifies the staff veterinarian or PI, when there are serious problems or significant changes or deviations; may perform routine minor surgical procedures with appropriate training and supervision; euthanizes research animals upon completion of projects. Assists in compliance oversight to ensure records of experimental procedures and animal care are maintained and complete.

Administration (30%)

• Maintains proper medical records and inventory records on individual animals through facility management software or spreadsheets; contacts vendors for price quotes and orders supplies; keeps records and running inventories on drugs, supplies, etc.; monitors and dispenses controlled substances to the PI’s and their staff.

Rodent Health Program (10%)

• Assists with the Sentinel Program for the control of rodent pathogens and viruses; places and monitors control animal in designated laboratory areas; euthanizes animal and draws blood sample to send to commercial laboratory for test results; takes necessary corrective action, based on the staff veterinarian’s interpretation of the laboratory’s findings; performs all procedures related to rederivation of rodent colonies, including things such as embryo transfer, cesarean section and cryopreservation, etc.; assists in processing health reports and related requirements for interstate and international shipment of animals; transports animals, supplies, and materials; operate transport van as required.

Training (10%)

• Develops, conducts and participates in workshops, orientations, and for the research staff, CCMR staff and others on animal care techniques and other related areas of experience or expertise; develops and oversees a training program for both the animal husbandry and research staff; Oversees and schedules the animal handling and surgery classes being offered to the investigators.

CCMR Animal Care Operations (5%)

• The Veterinary Technician performs all aspects of animal care, environmental and facility maintenance on an as-needed basis and as back-up for the Laboratory Animal Technician staff.