Part Time Animal Care Technician - Comparative Medicine

Penn State University • University Park, PA

263d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Department of Comparative Medicine at the Penn State College of Medicine in Hershey, PA has part-time openings within our critical care unit. This position will observe sheep and calves in an intensive care setting. Observe animals in an intensive care setting and report changes to veterinary staff or supervisor; notify on-call veterinarian in emergency situation; as appropriate, take immediate action such as controlling bleeding or seizures, administering oxygen or medication, etc. Monitor animals with artificial organs and associated equipment; react properly to alarms and change in status; notify veterinarian or on-call engineer. Under veterinary staff direction, use proper aseptic techniques to administer medications orally, intramuscularly, and intravenously; draw up, dilute, or mix medications at the proper levels; monitor blood pressure and heart rate for abnormal conditions. Collect blood, urine, and fecal samples; conduct diagnostic tests as directed including blood gases, hematocrits, clot times, etc. Maintain records of animal data, vitals, medications, intake and output, etc.; follow orders written by veterinary staff and supervisor. Restrain, position, and prepare animals for medical/research procedures. Assist with veterinary treatments and activities as directed. Operate and perform routine user maintenance on equipment such as blood pressure monitors, fluid pumps, etc.; notify supervisor of malfunctions. Prepare room for animals returning from surgery; ensure availability of stanchion with clean mat, oxygen tank, and other equipment/supplies required for animal recovery. Maintain a stock of regularly used supplies; request additional supplies to replenish inventory, as necessary; make recommendations to supervisor when new equipment and supplies may be needed. Maintain work area and equipment in a clean and orderly condition; keep animals in clean state; promptly remove animal waste. Attend technician meeting and training sessions on all aspects of laboratory animal care, research and uses of animals in biomedical research. Requires the ability to work as part of an animal care team yet work independently. Being a self-starter and willing to learn new skills is a must. Ability to lift up to 50 pounds with or without accommodation.

Requirements

• Ability to work as part of an animal care team yet work independently.
• Being a self-starter and willing to learn new skills.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds with or without accommodation.
• Successful completion of Pennsylvania State Police Criminal Background Check.
• Successful completion of Pennsylvania Child Abuse History.
• Successful completion of Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Criminal Background Check.

Responsibilities

• Observe sheep and calves in an intensive care setting and report changes to veterinary staff or supervisor.
• Notify on-call veterinarian in emergency situations and take immediate action as appropriate.
• Monitor animals with artificial organs and associated equipment; react properly to alarms and changes in status.
• Use proper aseptic techniques to administer medications orally, intramuscularly, and intravenously.
• Draw up, dilute, or mix medications at the proper levels.
• Monitor blood pressure and heart rate for abnormal conditions.
• Collect blood, urine, and fecal samples; conduct diagnostic tests as directed.
• Maintain records of animal data, vitals, medications, intake and output.
• Restrain, position, and prepare animals for medical/research procedures.
• Assist with veterinary treatments and activities as directed.
• Operate and perform routine user maintenance on equipment such as blood pressure monitors and fluid pumps.
• Prepare room for animals returning from surgery and ensure availability of necessary equipment/supplies.
• Maintain a stock of regularly used supplies and request additional supplies as necessary.
• Maintain work area and equipment in a clean and orderly condition.
• Attend technician meetings and training sessions on laboratory animal care.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Industry: Educational Services