Veterinary Technician

University of North Texas System•Fort Worth, TX

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Veterinary Technician supports the health, welfare, and responsible use of animals in biomedical research under the care of the Department of Laboratory Animal Medicine. The position provides technical support, training, and accurate documentation while maintaining the integrity of research studies and high standards of humane animal care and use. The technician works collaboratively and communicates effectively with veterinary, animal husbandry, research, and administrative staff. The role provides veterinary care and technical services, supports staff and researcher training, and assists with regulatory and accreditation activities. It includes routine clinical rounds, animal health assessments and treatments, preparation for and assistance with medical and surgical procedures, sample handling, recordkeeping, equipment and supply maintenance, and occasional husbandry coverage. The schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with some rotating weekend on-call duties.

Requirements

Registered Veterinary Technician certification and five years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Ability to achieve LAT or LATG certification within two years.
Accuracy and attention to detail when completing assignments.
Effective oral and written communication skills.
Ability to work independently with moderate supervision and as part of a team.
Ability to use logic and reasoning to evaluate alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Ability to recognize when something is wrong or likely to go wrong.
Ability to select appropriate training and instructional methods and procedures when learning or teaching.
Ability to react quickly and calmly in emergency situations.
Knowledge of, or ability to learn, policies, procedures, and guidelines established by professional organizations and governing agencies.

Nice To Haves

Completion of an AVMA-accredited veterinary technician program.
RVT or equivalent certification.

Responsibilities

Maintain understanding of approved research studies and protocols so animal care is appropriate and research integrity is preserved; learn how study procedures and genetic manipulations may affect animal health.
Comply with relevant regulatory requirements, policies, and guidelines, including those associated with USDA, OLAW, the Animal Welfare Act and Regulations, PHS Policy, and The Guide.
Assess animal health and pain using independent judgment and established standards of care; respond proactively and provide or coordinate treatment under veterinary direction.
Administer medications by oral, subcutaneous, intramuscular, intravenous, and other approved routes.
Conduct regular daily clinical rounds to monitor treatments, health concerns, and post-operative recovery; provide emergency care as needed or directed.
Prepare animals for and assist with veterinary medical and surgical procedures, including anesthesia preparation, monitoring and recovery, wound management, and euthanasia.
Perform examinations and coordinate routine maintenance such as nail trims, bathing, and hair brushing for applicable species.
Obtain fluid or tissue samples, process diagnostic samples in-house, and prepare samples for outside laboratory submission.
Maintain accurate and timely medical, treatment, intake, housing, enrichment, and electronic records; review records for completeness and accuracy.
Use and maintain veterinary equipment, which may include anesthesia machines, ventilators, infusion and syringe pumps, stereotaxis equipment, suction, warming devices, and microscopes.
Maintain pharmacy and clinical supplies, including dispensing pharmaceuticals, ordering and stocking supplies, maintaining controlled substance records, preparing and autoclaving instrument packs, and keeping clinical areas clean and organized.
Participate in scheduled weekend and holiday coverage and support the veterinarian on call as assigned.
Provide husbandry coverage when operationally needed, including animal health observations, feeding and watering, cage changes, cage washing, sanitation, and related documentation.
Perform technical services that may include anesthesia preparation, monitoring and recovery; breeding colony support; animal identification; injections; sedation; euthanasia; tissue collection; and other approved procedures.
Accurately document time spent on treatments, supplies, and technical services for billing purposes.
Assist with training departmental staff, research personnel, and students; provide scheduled or requested instruction on animal handling and techniques that support animal welfare and quality research.
Prepare for and assist departmental leadership during AAALAC International, USDA, IACUC, and other regulatory or oversight visits.
Follow applicable regulations, policies, institutional procedures, and occupational health and safety requirements; identify and communicate potential compliance concerns.