JOB TITLE: ICU Veterinary Technician I

About the role

Under the direction of the Sr. Veterinary Technician or Facility Veterinarian, the Veterinary Technician is responsible for daily rounds, preliminary health exams of sick animals, reporting to the veterinarians, examination of all incoming animals for overt signs of illness, and assistance with the animal surveillance program for various large animal species (rodents, ungulate, NHP). This role requires knowledge of veterinary medical terminology, animal treatment, nursing, and observations, as well as communicating abnormal or poor health. The technician will assist investigators with technical procedures including surgery preparation, sedation, anesthetic monitoring, bleeding, drug administration, animal identification, restraint, and record-keeping.

Responsibilities

• Provide care to research animals, performing health observations, and reporting problems or abnormalities to the veterinarians.
• Assist with laboratory animal surgical care including intubation, anesthesia monitoring, and pre- and post-operation monitoring and care.
• Assess and document clinical observations, body weight data, food consumption data, environmental data, and other data on appropriate forms.
• Ensure records, logbooks, and other clinical and project records are appropriately and contemporaneously maintained.
• Administer drugs or treatments, including dose calculation and controlled drug record-keeping.
• Communicate with staff to care for animals and provide high-quality services to customers.
• Coordinate work schedules with researchers and supervisors.
• Restrain and position animals for examination or treatment.
• Monitor and execute the sentinel animal program.
• Assure procedures and practices align with AAALAC accreditation standards for the NIH animal facility.
• Assist in experimental planning and logistics/scheduling requirements when requested.
• Maintain facility cleanliness, sanitation, and sterilization of supplies and equipment.
• Ensure all safety requirements are met and report potential hazards related to animal care, facilities, or equipment.
• Comply with the QA/QC program.
• Pursue specialized or cross-training to maximize service delivery.
• Maintain current knowledge of laws, regulations, and guidelines affecting animal care and use at the NIH.
• Maintain broad knowledge and competence in lab animal science, husbandry, technical procedures, and facility management.
• Perform other duties as assigned, including routine animal husbandry and cage wash functions during emergencies.

Requirements

• High school diploma.
• Associate Arts Degree in Veterinary Technology or B.S. degree in biology, animal science, or a similar discipline.
• Experience working with animals in biomedical research (preferable) or companion animal practice.
• Eligibility to take an AALAS certification exam; candidates with current AALAS certification are preferred.

Skills

• Handling and manipulating animals.
• Fluency in written and spoken English.
• Experience in an animal facility or veterinary clinic.
• Proficiency in PC applications including word documents and spreadsheets.