Veterinary Technician

Lovelace Biomedical Research Institute•Albuquerque, NM

About The Position

Under general direction, the Veterinary Technician conducts routine health care procedures on the Institute’s animal populations using established techniques and procedures. Duties include clinical diagnostics, sample collection, administration of drugs or therapeutics, anesthetic monitoring from induction through recovery, dental prophylaxis, and related activities. The technician also participates in routine animal colony maintenance and preventative care, including health assessments, vaccination, and other prescribed health maintenance procedures. The role may involve handling biological samples such as blood, serum, plasma, and urine. Work is performed in laboratory and vivarium/animal-housing environments, in close proximity to research animals. The technician may work in areas where hazardous materials or infectious agents are present, which may require vaccinations, and will wear personal protective equipment that may include a respirator. The position has varied physical demands, including frequent standing, sitting, walking, kneeling, crawling, reaching or working overhead, and lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling objects weighing up to 50 pounds. Repetitive tasks and desk-based computer work are also required. Reasonable accommodation is available for employees with disabilities who require it to perform essential job functions.

Requirements

Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in veterinary technology, animal sciences, or an equivalent field.
Demonstrated understanding of veterinary medicine, routine procedures, anesthetic monitoring, and common disease conditions.
Ability to perform routine procedures such as catheter placement, phlebotomy, radiography, dental prophylaxis, and drug administration.
Ability to follow and enforce safety procedures and successfully perform routine laboratory procedures within project deadlines.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Ability to meet the physical requirements of the role, including frequently lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling objects weighing up to 50 pounds and performing the listed movements and tasks.

Nice To Haves

Registered veterinary technician (RVT) status; RVTs will be given preference.
Experience and/or certification in laboratory animal research, such as ALAT, LAT, or LATG.
Computer proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, Internet Explorer, and Outlook, and ability to learn department-specific computer systems.

Responsibilities

Conduct routine health care procedures on animal populations, including clinical diagnostics and sample collection.
Administer drugs or therapeutics and monitor anesthesia from induction through recovery.
Perform dental prophylaxis and related veterinary procedures.
Participate in routine animal colony maintenance and preventative care, including health assessments, vaccination, and other prescribed health maintenance procedures.
Handle biological samples such as blood, serum, plasma, and urine.
Follow and enforce safety procedures.
Perform routine laboratory procedures within project deadlines.