Animal Health Technician Surgical - Certified Veterinary Technician

Position Description :

Purpose

Under the direction of program veterinarians and supervisors, serve on a team who maintains and promotes the health and well-being of research animals and support research programs by providing advanced veterinary technical services, comprehensive animal husbandry, and facility support services to facilitate successful achievement of the BRC's mission in alignment with the BRC's vision and values and in a manner consistent with established policies, procedures, and regulations. Train and mentor less experienced team members and other personnel to assist in their mastery of essential skills and knowledge and facilitate efficient program operations and successful research. Provide training and / or intermediate assistance to facilitate efficient operation, veterinary service activities, quality assurance or other areas of operation.

Primary Functions

• Perform observations of animals and their environment to assess their health status, detect abnormal conditions, and determine appropriate interventions in consultation with program veterinarians. Respond to animal health reports submitted by BRC staff and research personnel. Monitor active health cases, assess clinical progress, and determine additional interventions in consultation with program veterinarians. Document and report findings consistent with established procedures. Administer prescribed treatments and other interventions, which may include animal euthanasia. Maintain relevant records.
• Under limited supervision, provide advanced veterinary technical support for a wide variety of species undergoing surgical and non-surgical procedures requiring anesthesia. Support includes, but is not limited to, anesthesia induction, placement of endotracheal tubes, placement of indwelling catheters, anesthesia maintenance, operation anesthesia and physiologic monitoring equipment, aseptic surgical support, and pre- and post-procedural care. Direct the activities of AHT Is or IIs who are assisting in these activities. Provide other technical support to staff veterinarians and researchers as required.
• Collect biological samples, including blood, urine, and feces, from a wide variety of species. Assist in performing necropsies and collecting post-mortem tissue specimens. Process samples for in-house testing or submission to external diagnostic laboratory. Perform diagnostic tests such as complete blood counts, urinalysis, and fecal analysis. Operate radiographic equipment and prepare images for interpretation by a veterinarian.
• Perform daily tasks related to assigned functions of the veterinary clinical medicine program, including but not limited to quality assurance; drug and supply inventory; prescription drug dispensing, and maintaining and sanitizing surgical and clinical support spaces.
• Provide ongoing feedback to supervisor regarding personnel and operational performance. Resolve routine issues under supervisor guidance and provide coverage on an as needed basis for supervisor.
• Maintain animal medical and surgical records to ensure compliance with Animal Welfare Regulations (9CFR), other applicable Federal regulations / policies, and institutional policy.
• Assist in maintaining disease surveillance and animal quarantine programs, including collection of environmental samples for disease surveillance and perform tasks for the quarantine and conditioning for a variety of species.
• In collaboration with BRC Training Staff, train BRC and investigative staff and facilitate BRC sponsored workshops in a variety of proper animal handling and procedure techniques such as animal handling and restraint, dosing, and sample collection.
• Accurately maintain drug, equipment and supply inventories in the clinical laboratory, surgical suite, and other rooms as directed.
• Cross-train to work in all areas of the facility and provide coverage on an as needed basis for supervisor.
• Handle and restrain animals by using appropriate techniques to allow for the care and research to be performed in a safe and humane manner. Receive and transport animals using appropriate methods. Provide assistance during special procedures by acting under the direction of others to facilitate research and / or clinical activities.
• Perform essential, daily animal care to include cleaning animal enclosures, providing clean caging, bedding, and nesting materials, and supplying feed and water.
• Receive incoming animal shipments and distribute animals into assigned rooms.
• Sanitize animal rooms, cages, equipment, corridors, and support areas by using appropriate techniques to promote animal health and welfare and to comply with policies as needed. Care may include specialized, non-conventional areas of the facility. Provide nutrition to animals by supplying feed and water.
• Assist in providing on-going compliance with policy and procedures and provide feedback in the development of policies and procedures. Actively participate in continuous improvement activities and assist with implementation as assigned. Assist with special projects as needed.
• Participate in unit / department education to become more knowledgeable in research animal science.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Knowledge - Skills - Abilities

Understanding of laboratory animal facility operations and methods. Ability to perform animal care duties, and organize and direct personnel while integrating with other parts of the animal facility. Ability to work productively in a cooperative team setting. Excellent verbal and written communication and problems solving skills. Data entry skill and basic proficiency in Microsoft Office and use of mobile devices. Strong critical thinking, accuracy and attentiveness to detail required. Ability to demonstrate responsibility and dependability when completing assignments. Plan and organize work according to established priorities and complete assignments accurately within established timeframes. Willingness to work hard, take direction and be open to learning new tasks. Ability to positively adapt to changing priorities. Familiarity with Federal and State controlled substance regulations. Knowledge of biology, chemistry and mathematics. Compassion, patience, and endurance.

Schedule :

Full-time role with expectations for coverage during core business hours and flexibility required as necessary to accommodate business needs. Daily overtime and weekends required as scheduled.

Preferred Schedule :

Full-time role with expectations for coverage during core business hours and flexibility required as necessary to accommodate business needs.

Position Requirements :

Specifications

Appropriate experience may be substituted on equivalent basis

Minimum Required Education : High School Diploma

Minimum Required Experience : 2 years as a veterinary technician or similar role

Preferred Education : Associate Degree or higher strongly preferred

Preferred Experience : Previous experience working with research animals strongly desired

Field : Veterinary Technology, Animal or Science related field

Certification : Certified Veterinary Technician or eligible preferred. Certification as a Laboratory Animal Technician by the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science at the time of hire is preferred. Laboratory Animal Technician Certification must be achieved within 12 months of appointment.

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MCW as an Equal Opportunity Employer and Commitment to Non-Discrimination

The Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to fostering an inclusive community of outstanding faculty, staff, and students, as well as ensuring equal educational opportunity, employment, and access to services, programs, and activities, without regard to an individual's race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, sex, gender identity / expression, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, predisposing genetic characteristic, or military status. Employees, students, applicants, or other members of the MCW community (including but not limited to vendors, visitors, and guests) may not be subjected to harassment that is prohibited by law or treated adversely or retaliated against based upon a protected characteristic.