Veterinary Technician at University of Oklahoma in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Job Description:

POSITION INFORMATION:  Responsible to assist veterinary staff in caring for the health and welfare for a variety of laboratory animals. Assist with provision of standard veterinary care; training for staff members; document accurate medical records. Assist with research procedures and data collection. Assist with protocol development and writing, manage the sanitation verification program, and review of research records.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES:

1. 
   Veterinary Care.  Conducts daily rounds, physical examination of the animals, and documents the animals health status.  Under veterinary supervision, provides treatment as needed for the animals.  Evaluates a variety of animals upon receipt.  Restrains animals during exams or procedures. Provide anesthesia and analgesia as necessary, and pre- and post-procedural care. Rotates weekend on-call veterinary care.


2. 
   Samples Collection.  Collects blood, urine, feces, tissues for analysis; ships and receives test materials and provides documentation.


3. 
   Training.  Assists the veterinary staff and independently trains new staff to include but not limited to animal handling, restraint, animal husbandry, substance administration, sample collection, identification procedures, preparation for transport, colony management, administration and/or monitoring of anesthesia.  


4. 
   Cleaning.  May clean and sterilize instruments, equipment, and rooms. Manages sanitation verification program.


5. 
   Records.  Creates and maintains accurate medical and research records for a variety of species. Reviews investigator animal medical records for completeness and accuracy.


6. 
   Policies.  Assists with maintaining an AAALAC accredited facility and following regulatory policy of USDA and NIH standards.  Reads and evaluates protocols and conducts post approval monitoring under veterinary supervision. Assists in writing animal use protocols for internal projects.


7. 
   Assists.  Assists with husbandry staff duties, as needed, such as working in cage wash, conducting cage change out, and other day-to-day operation duties of a rodent facility.


8. 
   As Needed.  Performs other duties as assigned by the supervisor to successfully fulfill the functions of the position.

Education:  Associates Degree in Veterinary Technology.

Licenses / Certifications:  Registered Veterinary Technician and licensed in the State of Oklahoma or the ability to obtain a license within 6 months of hire date. Must pursue Laboratory Animal Certification through AALAS.

Equivalent / Substitution:   Will accept 24 months experience as a Registered Veterinary Technician in lieu of the Associate’s Degree.   

Knowledge / Abilities:

• Knowledge of animal husbandry, anatomy, and physiology. 


• Knowledge of procedures used to restrain and handle a variety of species.


• Knowledge of and the ability to perform the day-to-day duties of the facility.


• Ability to identify a problem, evaluate, and discuss possible options with the Veterinarian.


• Ability to use critical thinking skills to troubleshoot effectively.


• Ability to understand written and verbal instructions.


• Ability to train other employees on animal husbandry, handling techniques, and laboratory orientation.  


• Ability to work independently and as a team player with integrity and collegiality.


• Must have excellent interpersonal and communication skills. 


• Must be detail oriented.