Veterinary Technician II

1) Provide clinical and nursing care for a variety of small and large lab animal species;

2) Participate in surgeries, anesthesia, and intensive and postoperative care;

3) Provide support and coverage to all Veterinary Service units (Clinical, Surgical, Farm Animal, Pathology) as needed;

4) Maintain standard operating procedures and training materials;

5) Work with investigators & research staff regarding the healthcare and management of lab animal species.

The incumbent will ensure that research protocols are followed, animal health records are maintained, and all applicable policies and regulations are adhered to. This position will be required to work nights, evenings, and/or weekends based on project needs.

University Animal Care (UAC) manages multiple centralized animal facilities at the University of Arizona and oversees the campus wide animal care and use program. UAC provides assistance to scientists, physicians, staff, and students who have received Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) approval to perform research, testing, or educational studies on animal subjects. UAC ensures humane and appropriate animal care and use by providing for the animals daily needs, veterinary care, and monitoring the use of the animals by principal investigators, technical personnel, and students. UAC is devoted to maintaining a safe environment that minimizes the risk of disease or injury to the animals and the personnel who work with them. UAC maintains accreditation by AAALAC International, the gold standard for animal care and use programs.

Outstanding UA benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; UA/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to UA recreation and cultural activities; and more!

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Duties and Responsibilities:

* Performs clinical health rounds to observe the health and well-being of laboratory animals and reports abnormalities to the facility veterinarian.

* Acts independently and with sound judgment to triage new clinical cases for appropriate veterinary care.

* Administers medication and treatments as directed. Evaluates responses to treatment.

* Maintains pertinent health records (written and electronic) on laboratory animals; this includes general health, date of birth, vaccinations, medications, and other relevant health data.

* Collects biological samples for diagnostic analysis and evaluation.

* Assists investigators and/or veterinarians with surgeries, including administration and monitoring of anesthesia, administration of medication including injections, and point of care clinical pathology.

* Provides post-operative nursing care ensuring recovery from anesthesia is satisfactory and incisions and sutures are intact.

* Performs emergency and critical care support under the direction of the veterinarian.

* Assists with necropsy procedures.

* Maintains veterinary care areas including cleaning, inventory, ordering and stocking supplies, crash carts, and kits.

* Performs training in standard veterinary and research technical procedures to a variety of audiences.

* Assists the veterinary staff in assuring compliance with applicable state and federal laws, regulations, and institutional policies pertaining to biomedical and agricultural research using animals.

* Additional duties may be assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

* Abel to perform a clinical examination of lab animals

* Effective communication with peers, supervisors, and research personnel

* Preparing and taking care of medical equipment and supplies

* animal vital signs assessment and monitoring

* Collecting samples and completing laboratory tests

* Administering vaccinations and medications to animals

* Dressing wounds

* X-rays and diagnostic imaging

* Administering and monitoring anesthetic procedures

* Keeping the veterinary care premises clean and organized

* Updating patient records

Physical Requirement:

* Must be able to lift/move/transport up to 50 pounds.

* Environment that requires continuous bending, stooping, twisting, and turning.

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent advanced learning attained through professional level experience required. CVT required and a minimum of 3 years of relevant work experience, or equivalent combination of education and work experience.

• Arizona Veterinary Medical Association certification as a Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT) and 2 years of experience.
  
• American Association for Laboratory Animal Science certification as a Laboratory Animal Technician (LAT) and 3 years of experience as a veterinary technician.
  
• Academy of Surgical Research certification (SRT, SRA, SRS).
  
• Experience caring for a variety of large and small animal models; Clinical, surgical, anesthesia, and/or intensive care experience is desirable.