Veterinary Technician I

Cardiovascular Research Foundation•Orangeburg, NY

1d•$49,000 - $53,000•Onsite

About The Position

Under general supervision, the Veterinary Technician I is responsible for observing, reporting and monitoring the health and comfort of animals. Provides for the care of laboratory animals in a humane, safe, and sanitary manner.

Requirements

AS degree in Veterinary Technology or a related field required, BS/BA degree in life sciences preferred
AALAS certification at the ALAT or LAT level preferred
1-2 years animal experience preferred
Ability to perform heavy repetitive lifting and moving of animals and equipment on a daily basis
Ability to be alert and observe changes in the surrounding environment
Ability to conform to and follow established policies and procedures
Ability to work both independently and in a team setting
Strong focus on flexibility, ability to multi-task, attention to detail, excellent organizational skills, good follow-up and judgment. Must be able to prioritize.
Must possess excellent written and verbal communication skills, patience, professionalism and ability to effectively interact with staff and management alike
Ability to analyze complex information and solve problems relating to the proper care of laboratory animals

Responsibilities

Provides for the care of laboratory animals in a humane, safe and sanitary manner using appropriate equipment and established procedures
Observes animals for clinical signs of diseases and behavioral changes and reports observations to Manager, Animal Care
Performs routine laboratory tests
Provides animal restraint for examination and anesthesia induction
Communicates any animal health issues with the Animal Care Manager or DVM
Assists in the preparation of animals for invasive and/or interventional procedures
Accurately maintains all necessary records to ensure compliance with all applicable regulations, including animal treatments, drug logs and other records as needed
Cleans, maintains, and sterilizes instruments and equipment
Cleans and maintains assigned areas of the lab by assisting Animal Care Technician(s) as needed
Coordinates inventory with other staff members
Induces and maintains anesthesia, monitors physiologic status and takes appropriate action for animals on acute or chronic studies
Attends in-house training programs to advance knowledge of laboratory animal science and workplace safety
Provides support to investigators when needed
Ensures that all appropriate regulations are being followed
Prepares and submits labwork to outside diagnostic laboratories as needed
Obtains blood samples from appropriate vascular sites (e.g. cephalic or jugular veins)
Administers oral medications and SQ, IM, and IV injections
Places intravenous catheters; sets-up and maintains IV fluid lines and pumps
Executes nasal cannulation and oxygen supplementation set-up
Sets up and maintains equipment, including: blood pressure monitors, IV fluid pumps, suction units and surgical instruments
Understands aseptic principals
Accurately calculates medication dosages and volumes of liquids or tablets to be administered
Administers peri-operative pain medications to all surgical animals per established protocols
Maintains surgery and treatment inventory. Regularly checks for outdated supplies and drugs.
Remains productive during slow times by seeking additional duties such as cleaning, stocking or other tasks
Additional duties as assigned
Participates in the entire scope of veterinary care and husbandry
Participates in animal procurement, receipt, placement and moving within the facility, as well as to and from off-site housing, as directed by the Animal Care Manager
Participates in the sanitization of the vivarium as directed by the Animal Care Manager
Prepares and anesthetizes animals for the procedures, provides peri-operative monitoring and recovers them from anesthesia
Dispenses medications to study animals
Performs minor surgical interventions e. g. arterial access and closure
Assesses health status of the animals for recording purposes and for making diagnostic and therapeutic decisions by the veterinary staff
Makes entries in, or reviews, all kinds of animal-related documentation and records
Performs blood and other analytical tests necessary to assess the animal health, including but not limited to, arterial/venous blood gases and ACT
Reports issues with the equipment in the area of animal care to supervisors
Documents any circumstance that may affect the quality and integrity of the study when they occur
Reports any health or medical condition that may adversely affect a study to a supervisor