Agricultural/Animal Associate II

Medical University of South Carolina•Charleston, SC

2d•$52,100 - $88,600•Onsite

About The Position

Works independently to provide veterinary care to research animals as well as performing specialized job assignments related to research and research support. The primary responsibility of this position is providing veterinary care under direction of the clinical veterinarian for research animals at MUSC. A portion of this position is devoted to technical skill functions that are essential to the generation of research data for approved protocols of animal care and use. The position requires a basic understanding of animal anatomy, anesthesia, euthanasia, veterinary supportive care, biohazard containment, chemical hazard containment, and risk-reduction measures. Knowledge of investigators' needs with respect to the scientific process, the content of the corresponding IACUC approved protocols, the animal welfare regulations and the assurance of animal health and well-being are required. A portion of the responsibilities of this position may involve training of investigative staff regarding recognition and reporting of animal abnormalities and techniques associated with animal care and use. Must be able to work independently much of the time, but as a team member when necessary.

Requirements

An associate degree in animal husbandry, agriculture, or a related field and three years of work experience that is directly related to the area of employment.
Work experience that is directly related to the area of employment may be substituted for the associate degree on a year-for-year basis.
Veterinary Technician Certification may be used in lieu of the years of experience.
A bachelor's degree in animal husbandry, agriculture or a related field and four years of work experience that is directly related to the area of employment.
Work experience that is directly related to the area of employment may be substituted for the bachelor's degree on a year-for-year basis.
Certification in an animal care technology field may be required for positions overseeing the care of laboratory animals.
Ability to perform job functions in a seated position. (Continuous)
Ability to work in confined/cramped spaces. (Continuous)
Ability to maintain good olfactory sensory function. (Continuous)
Ability to file boxes from floor level to counter tops, unassisted. (Frequent)
Ability to push/pull file boxes from one location to another at floor level, unassisted. (Frequent)
Ability to maneuver heavy equipment on bench tops (Frequent)
Ability to reach, stretch, bend, while moving items/materials from both sitting and standing positions. (Frequent)
Ability to conduct a variety of hand pipefitting operations. (Continuous)
Ability to maintain 20/40 vision in both eyes, corrected. (Continuous)
Ability to match or discriminate between colors. (Continuous)
Ability to hear and recognize various alarms emitting from work area systems. (Continuous)
Ability to work in a darkroom for processing film, etc. (Continuous)
Ability to qualify for the use of cartridge respirators. (Continuous)
Must be able to lift 50 lbs. above waist routinely.
Must be able to work with animals.
Must be able to work in dusty environments.
Must be able to properly wear DLAR issued PPE.
Must be able to work in reverse light cycle rooms.
Must be able to understand safety requirements for autoclave rack washer and tunnel washer.

Nice To Haves

May require working with animals of various sizes.
May be exposed to animal allergen
May be exposed to zoonotic diseases.
May have to work in wet areas.
May have to work in confined spaces.

Responsibilities

Performs daily clinical rounds, follow-up treatments, emergency and critical care, and post-surgical care for a wide variety of laboratory animal species involved in research protocols including weekends, after-hours, and holidays.
Provide backup to the Surgical Research Laboratory Veterinary Technicians by performing peri- and intra-operative care of animals undergoing anesthesia and surgery.
Administer treatments to sick animals by various routes appropriate for the species using department protocol or standard of care (SOC) under the direction of staff clinical veterinarians.
Collect samples as needed using appropriate techniques for the species and sample needed.
Calculate drug doses and administer supplemental fluids to various lab animal species.
Maintain accurate medical records.
Provide technical assistance during procedures.
Performs euthanasia for terminal procedures.
Maintain accurate and complete clinical records for all species in a manner that complies with departmental and federal regulatory standards.
Ensure timely follow-up of clinical cases by DLAR Veterinarians.
Ensure treatment sheets and databases are accurate and up to date.
Follow up with rodent clinical cases via email with DLAR Veterinarians and research personnel.
Provide training for DLAR and research personnel in various rodent techniques including handling and restraint, injections.
Complete other duties as assigned.