Veterinary Technician III- Division of Animal Resources, School of Medicine

About the Role

Under minimal supervision, assists veterinarians and researchers in anesthesia, surgery, post-operative care, radiology, animal care, and treatments. Observes animals and reports abnormalities, sickness, and injury. Assists in diagnostic, preventative, and research procedures. May perform minor surgical procedures or other minor invasive procedures. Contributes to colony management, data collection, and environmental enrichment programs. Maintains animal records and inventory, assists in capture and restraint of animals, and aids in training new veterinary and/or animal care technicians.

Employees in this classification may be required to work with, take special precautions against, and/or be immunized against hazardous agents.

Responsibilities

• Provides direct clinical support for large animal anesthetic, imaging, and surgical events associated with the DAR service, including surgical prep, positioning, anesthesia administration, monitoring, and recovery of animals.
• Performs technical skills: intubation, catheterization, animal restraint, basic pre-op physical exams, administration of analgesics/anesthetics/other medications, and maintenance of aseptic technique.
• Operates and maintains multiple anesthetic circuits and equipment (e.g., rebreathing/non-rebreathing systems, ventilators, vitals monitors).
• Tracks use of controlled drugs according to DEA regulations.
• Monitors anesthesia for routine, orthopedic, and emergency procedures; recognizes normal vs. abnormal vitals and communicates with veterinarian for intervention.
• Performs calculations for induction drugs, continuous rate infusions, and emergency drugs.
• Performs blood draws and other biologic sampling, with follow-up submission to the DAR Diagnostic laboratory.
• Familiarizes themselves with large animal IACUC protocols regarding approved surgical procedures and medications.
• Obtains digital radiographs under the direction of a veterinarian while using appropriate safety measures.
• Provides technical assistance for animal procedures not directly associated with large animal surgery service.
• Manages and maintains large animal surgery areas and equipment, following appropriate disinfectant and sterilization procedures.
• Notifies supervisor of low inventory or other supply needs in surgery.
• Follows weekly/monthly/annual cleaning schedule and completes tasks on record.
• Communicates and collaborates with Emory researchers under the guidance and supervision of a veterinarian.
• Provides clinical care for all animal species within DAR as needed.
• Participates in the weekend and holiday on-call rotation schedule shared with DAR treatment/triage veterinary staff.

Requirements

• Two years of occupational-specific training from a college or university or an associate degree in biology or related field, and four years of veterinary technical experience with a minimum of two years in a laboratory animal setting.
• A bachelor's degree in a related field and two years of veterinary technical experience in the laboratory animal field may substitute.
• Certification at the LAT level by AALAS may substitute for the educational requirement but requires five years of veterinary technical experience.
• Certification at the LATg level by AALAS requires four years of veterinary technical experience.
• Specialized veterinary technical experience can substitute for the laboratory animal requirement when directly applicable to the specific position, such as for surgical and anesthesia assistance.
• Equivalent combination of education and relevant work experience.
• Valid Georgia driver's license and an insurable driving record.
• Ability to lift 50 lbs.

Applicants with a valid driver's license and able to obtain Emory Safe Driving permissions are preferred. Certification at ALAT level preferred.

Position tasks are generally required to be performed in-person at an Emory University location. Remote work from home day options may be granted at department discretion.