Veterinary Technician

UVA Health System•Newcomb Hall, VA

34d•$23 - $30•Onsite

About The Position

The University of Virginia Center for Comparative Medicine welcomes applicants for a Veterinary Technician position. Are you looking for a better work-life balance? Do you want to take advantage of excellent employee benefits and retirement program offers? If so, keep reading! The mission of the Center for Comparative Medicine is to provide quality care for all laboratory animals (primarily rodent species i.e., mice & rats) used on Grounds. We assist faculty in conducting responsible research activities, help the University meet its goals for the humane and ethical treatment of laboratory animals, and educate the next generation of laboratory animal professionals. Veterinary Technicians support this mission by performing medical examinations and treatments in a laboratory environment under the supervision of a veterinarian. Technicians also assist in the training of research staff in biomethodology, including species-specific anesthesia and surgery. Responsibilities may include: Triage animal illnesses that are reported by animal care staff during the workday (including rotational weekend, on call, and holiday coverage) from the various facilities on and off Grounds. Create and maintain applicable records of animal examination, provisional diagnosis, laboratory testing, treatment, and response to treatment for ill animals. Assist the Veterinarians, principal investigator, and/or research technical staff with techniques of animal restraint and handling on a variety of species, preparation of surgical candidates by performing anesthesia, aseptic preparation of surgical site, intubation, venous and/or urinary catheterization, anesthesia monitoring, euthanasia, and specimen collection. Maintain surgical support facilities in a sanitary state validated monthly by charm swab testing. Maintain surgery area, maintain medical supply inventory by making sure all medications are within the expiration date and that all drugs are stocked. Schedule and ensure that equipment preventative maintenance is performed. Maintain all controlled substance records and animal medical records. Work independently to maintain stocking of consumable supplies and pharmaceuticals, dispense pharmaceuticals as needed to lab staff, and report items in short supply that need to be ordered to the Clinical Veterinarian or designee. Participating in continuing education classes to develop skills, certification programs, career development, and training on fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace. Assist in training courses on the safe and humane handling, restraint, and manipulation of research animals. Technicians can be required to perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Education: Associates degree or an equivalent combination of education and work experience; considerable experience in laboratory animal medicine and veterinary care.
Experience: At least one year of experience obtained in veterinary clinical practices, performing duties such as anesthesia, and surgical assistance is preferred.
Licensure: Valid driver's license with zero or positive points balance and at least 2 years of driving experience.
Immunization: Employees will be required to comply with the Health System's immunization policy - OCH-002.
Must be comfortable with handling animals, performing clinical techniques, and working in an animal research facility with a variety of species.
Must have the ability to perform animal physical examinations, clinical specimen collection, administer medications and perform laboratory diagnostic procedures under the direction of a veterinarian.
Must have ability to create and maintain accurate medical records.
Must have ability to work independently as well as part of a team.
Must have clear and professional communication skills including verbal and email communication.
Position requires frequent walking and standing for prolonged periods on wood or concrete, bending/stooping/twisting, kneeling, squatting, lifting, carrying, pushing/pulling, climbing ladders and stairs, repetitive motion, frequent use of both hands and use of either hand, independently, frequent fine finger manipulations: keyboarding, and frequent wrist movement: twisting or rotating.
Ability to drive a vehicle.
Required to wear personal protective equipment including disposable gloves, protective clothing, surgical masks, and ear protection (including earplugs) as mandated by department policy.
Ability to lift and move 50 lbs.
May be exposed to temperature changes, noise, atmospheric contaminants (including odors and fumes), biohazards, radiation, blood/bodily fluids, and chemical hazards.
May be exposed to allergens or microorganisms associated with soiled animal caging sometimes at Biosafety Level 2 that require decontamination.

Nice To Haves

Licensure: A current license as a veterinary technician in at least one state or eligibility to successfully obtain Veterinary Technician licensure within 12 months of hire is preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

Triage animal illnesses that are reported by animal care staff during the workday (including rotational weekend, on call, and holiday coverage) from the various facilities on and off Grounds.
Create and maintain applicable records of animal examination, provisional diagnosis, laboratory testing, treatment, and response to treatment for ill animals.
Assist the Veterinarians, principal investigator, and/or research technical staff with techniques of animal restraint and handling on a variety of species, preparation of surgical candidates by performing anesthesia, aseptic preparation of surgical site, intubation, venous and/or urinary catheterization, anesthesia monitoring, euthanasia, and specimen collection.
Maintain surgical support facilities in a sanitary state validated monthly by charm swab testing.
Maintain surgery area, maintain medical supply inventory by making sure all medications are within the expiration date and that all drugs are stocked.
Schedule and ensure that equipment preventative maintenance is performed.
Maintain all controlled substance records and animal medical records.
Work independently to maintain stocking of consumable supplies and pharmaceuticals, dispense pharmaceuticals as needed to lab staff, and report items in short supply that need to be ordered to the Clinical Veterinarian or designee.
Participating in continuing education classes to develop skills, certification programs, career development, and training on fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace.
Assist in training courses on the safe and humane handling, restraint, and manipulation of research animals.
Technicians can be required to perform other duties as assigned.