Veterinary Technician

Altasciences • Sacramento, CA

5d

About The Position

This is an entry-level Veterinary Technician position requiring sufficient knowledge and self-reliance to perform veterinary and research activities. Veterinary Technicians support facility work and research by carrying out animal-health activities in medicine, surgery, and drug therapy. Veterinary Services staff treat ill and injured animals on site and fulfill the preventative medicine program as determined by the Attending Veterinarian.

Requirements

• An associate or bachelor's degree with experience in a clinical or research setting, applicable state veterinary technician licensing (CVT/LVT/RVT), or a high school diploma/GED; equivalent combinations of experience may substitute for education.
• Six to twelve months of basic animal handling and/or basic medical or veterinary experience.
• General reading, writing, and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to quickly understand and act on complex verbal or written instructions and communicate professionally, respectfully, and clearly with a wide variety of people.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and well-developed interpersonal skills.
• Personal and professional integrity, including discretion in handling confidential information.
• Ability to build trusting relationships, manage multiple conflicting priorities, and work independently with motivation and initiative to anticipate client needs and make recommendations.

Nice To Haves

• Minimum of one year of relevant experience is preferred.
• Working toward AALAS Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT) certification or equivalent is desirable.
• Veterinary Technician license is preferred.
• Relevant industry experience is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Follow Altasciences Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and comply with GLP, ALCOA+, USDA, and AAALAC requirements.
• Perform animal-health duties, including examinations and treatments under veterinarian guidance, and maintain animal-health records.
• Conduct routine quality control of paperwork and perform computer data entry or retrieval as appropriate.
• Perform routine diagnostic and screening tests and veterinary procedures, including body weights, body condition scoring, fecal examinations, blood collection, dose administration, sample processing, and tissue collection.
• Support surgery by preparing patients, medications, and equipment, and monitoring animals under anesthesia; may assist with surgical and advanced diagnostic or treatment procedures.
• Perform housekeeping and facility duties, including surgical sanitation, study setup and cleanup, equipment maintenance and validation, and organization of veterinary spaces.
• Calculate medication doses based on veterinarian orders, SOPs, or protocols, and may order substances from the pharmacy for planned procedures.
• Handle, restrain, and manipulate core animal species, including sedated and non-sedated animals, for essential procedures.
• Contribute to data collection and maintain high data quality.
• Assist Research Associates, Post-Life, and/or Labs, and participate in weekend and evening rotations as needed.
• Assist with inventory and ordering supplies used by the department.

Benefits

• Health, dental, and vision insurance plans
• 401(k)/RRSP with employer match
• Paid vacation and holidays
• Paid sick and bereavement leave
• Employee assistance and telehealth programs
• Training and development programs
• Employee referral bonus program

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED