Academic Support (Educational Specialist, Animal Science, 0097585T)

University of Hawaii•Kane'ohe, HI

2d•Onsite

About The Position

This is a temporary full-time position at Windward Community College, within Academic Affairs, starting in July 2026 and not to exceed June 30, 2027. The role involves assisting with classroom and laboratory instruction in Animal Science, requiring clinical skills in anesthesia and handling various animal species. The position supports surgery, anesthesia, dentistry, and companion animal nursing labs, ensuring proper preparation, sterilization, and maintenance of equipment and facilities. The specialist will also be responsible for animal patient well-being, inventory management, operating a state vehicle for supply runs, coordinating animal schedules for labs, performing dental exams, maintaining records, and assisting with equipment calibration and site inspections. The role also includes testing and maintaining a backup generator and updating standard operating procedures.

Requirements

Possession of a vocational degree in Veterinary Technology from an AVMA-accredited program and 3 year(s) of progressively responsible professional experience with responsibilities for veterinary technician duties; or any equivalent combination of education and/or professional work experience which provides the required education, knowledge, skills and abilities as indicated.
Functional knowledge of principles, practices and techniques in the area of veterinary care of small animals, exotics, and/or large animals in a clinical setting demonstrated by knowledge, understanding and ability to apply concepts, terminology.
Functional knowledge and understanding of principles, theories, federal and state laws, rules, regulations and systems associated with veterinary care.
Demonstrated ability to recognize problems, identify possible causes and resolve the full range problems that may commonly occur in the area of veterinary care.
Demonstrated ability to understand oral and written documentation, write reports and procedures, and communicate effectively in a variety of situations.
Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external organizations, groups, team leaders and members, and individuals.
Demonstrated ability to operate a personal computer and apply word processing software, spreadsheet software, and Google Drive.
Licensed, registered, or certified as a veterinary technician in any U.S. state and the ability to become licensed in Hawaii within six months of hire.
Valid driver's license.

Nice To Haves

Clinical experience with large animals and exotic species.
Experience teaching and/or supervising students enrolled in an accredited veterinary technology program.
Experience with veterinary anesthetic and/or dental equipment and procedures.
Experience with veterinary office and business procedures.
Experience with inventory and/or purchasing veterinary supplies and equipment.
Knowledge and/or experience with maintaining compliance with regulatory agencies (AVMA, USDA, DEA, etc.) and/or University of Hawaii policies and procedures relating to animal care, use, and safety (IACUC, EHSO, radiation safety, etc.).

Responsibilities

Assist with support to classroom and laboratory instruction, encompassing a wide range of highly developed clinical skills and experience, including anesthesia, in handling a broad range of species (small animals, exotics, and large animals).
Prepare laboratory and classroom for instruction in surgery and anesthesia, dentistry and anesthesia, large animal clinical procedures, companion animal nursing, etc., to safeguard patients, students and faculty.
Autoclave instruments and demonstrate appropriate preparation and proper care of instruments to students in the laboratory and classroom setting.
Maintain Biosafety Level 2 laboratory and equipment.
Properly clean, sanitize, and organize laboratory facilities, equipment, and supplies.
Sterilize and dispose of biohazard waste (bloody gauze, tissues, & other byproduct items from surgical procedures.
Demonstrate and supervise students on basic skills and techniques of proper animal handling and restraint, catheter placement, medication calculation and administration, anesthesia induction and maintenance.
Demonstrate proper troubleshooting in the event of errors or alarms.
Demonstrate and supervise students in the proper use and maintenance of dental machinery, equipment, and tools, including proper dental radiography techniques and positioning.
Monitor well-being of animal patients through feedings, walking, cleaning, etc., during kennel duty hours.
Conduct routine inventory of program supplies.
Verify with faculty to determine supply needs and prepare list for purchase, restock of inventory, etc.
Operate State vehicle to pick up supplies, equipment, chemicals, etc.
Assist with contacting animal shelters to ensure adequate availability of animal patients for classroom and laboratory instruction.
May transport animal patients using State vehicles.
Serve as point of contact to schedule animals for surgery and dentistry labs, ensuring dentistry animals are first processed through the nursing lab.
Perform intake dental physical exams and bloodwork prior to scheduling dentistry appointments.
Maintain timely and accurate records, including digitizing of patient records, in compliance with regulatory agencies and University policies and procedures, including licensures for equipment, payments of fees, etc.
Assist with maintenance and calibration of various classroom and laboratory equipment.
Assist in preparing for site inspections and accreditation visits, including, but not limited to, ensuring all log books are complete and updated, all inventory is 'in date', and equipment is properly labelled and maintained.
Test and maintain the Vet Tech Annex back-up generator on a monthly basis.
Set up and/or operate the generator as needed or as directed.
Recommend and prepare updates to standard operating procedures as needed.
Maintain and review operating procedures on a regular basis or as directed.
Other Duties As Assigned