Veterinary Technician I

This role requires working fulltime on-site at the Skirball Center for Innovation based in Orangeburg, New York.

SUMMARY

Under general supervision, the Veterinary Technician I is responsible for observing, reporting and monitoring the health and comfort of animals.  Provides for the care of laboratory animals in a humane, safe, and sanitary manner.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

This position does not manage direct reports, however, this position shares knowledge with other department personnel, may orient and train new personnel and may assist with the delegation of tasks and responsibilities with project work.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provides for the care of laboratory animals in a humane, safe and sanitary manner using appropriate equipment and established procedures
• Observes animals for clinical signs of diseases and behavioral changes and reports observations to Manager, Animal Care 
• Performs routine laboratory tests
• Provides animal restraint for examination and anesthesia induction
• Communicates any animal health issues with the Animal Care Manager or DVM
• Assists in the preparation of animals for invasive and/or interventional procedures
• Accurately maintains all necessary records to ensure compliance with all applicable regulations, including animal treatments, drug logs and other records as needed
• Cleans, maintains, and sterilizes instruments and equipment
• Cleans and maintains assigned areas of the lab by assisting Animal Care Technician(s) as needed
• Coordinates inventory with other staff members
• Induces and maintains anesthesia, monitors physiologic status and takes appropriate action for animals on acute or chronic studies
• Attends in-house training programs to advance knowledge of laboratory animal science and workplace safety
• Provides support to investigators when needed
• Ensures that all appropriate regulations are being followed
• Prepares and submits labwork to outside diagnostic laboratories as needed
• Obtains blood samples from appropriate vascular sites (e.g. cephalic or jugular veins)
• Administers oral medications and SQ, IM, and IV injections
• Places intravenous catheters; sets-up and maintains IV fluid lines and pumps
• Executes nasal cannulation and oxygen supplementation set-up
• Sets up and maintains equipment, including: blood pressure monitors, IV fluid pumps, suction units and surgical instruments
• Understands aseptic principals
• Accurately calculates medication dosages and volumes of liquids or tablets to be administered
• Administers peri-operative pain medications to all surgical animals per established protocols
• Maintains surgery and treatment inventory.  Regularly checks for outdated supplies and drugs.
• Remains productive during slow times by seeking additional duties such as cleaning, stocking or other tasks
• Additional duties as assigned

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES IN GLP STUDIES

• Participates in the entire scope of veterinary care and husbandry
• Participates in animal procurement, receipt, placement and moving within the facility, as well as to and from off-site housing, as directed by the Animal Care Manager
• Participates in the sanitization of the vivarium as directed by the Animal Care Manager 
• Prepares and anesthetizes animals for the procedures, provides peri-operative monitoring and recovers them from anesthesia 
• Dispenses medications to study animals
• Performs minor surgical interventions e. g. arterial access and closure
• Assesses health status of the animals for recording purposes and for making diagnostic and therapeutic decisions by the veterinary staff
• Makes entries in, or reviews, all kinds of animal-related documentation and records
• Performs blood and other analytical tests necessary to assess the animal health, including but not limited to, arterial/venous blood gases and ACT 
• Reports issues with the equipment in the area of animal care to supervisors 
• Documents any circumstance that may affect the quality and integrity of the study when they occur
• Reports any health or medical condition that may adversely affect a study to a supervisor

QUALIFICATIONS

• AS degree in Veterinary Technology or a related field required, BS/BA degree in life sciences preferred
• AALAS certification at the ALAT or LAT level preferred
• 1-2 years animal experience preferred
• Ability to perform heavy repetitive lifting and moving of animals and equipment on a daily basis
• Ability to be alert and observe changes in the surrounding environment
• Ability to conform to and follow established policies and procedures
• Ability to work both independently and in a team setting
• Strong focus on flexibility, ability to multi-task, attention to detail, excellent organizational skills, good follow-up and judgment.  Must be able to prioritize.
• Must possess excellent written and verbal communication skills, patience, professionalism and ability to effectively interact with staff and management alike
• Ability to analyze complex information and solve problems relating to the proper care of laboratory animals

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to touch and feel, reach with hands and arms, talk and listen. The position requires the employee to work and stand for long periods of time. Must be able to perform heavy repetitive lifting and moving of equipment on a daily basis. The employee is occasionally required to lift up to 100 pounds, along with members of his/her team. The vision requirements include close, distance, and peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus.

Mandatory week-end and holiday coverage, as scheduled on a rotating basis.

Must not be allergic to animals, latex rubber, waste products, cleaning reagents, feed or bedding.

The work environment is an indoor, climate-controlled Vivarium. The lighting is appropriate. The noise level in certain animal areas can be above normal. There are hazards, and protective gear may be required to be worn or used. Stress levels in this job are high.

BENEFITS

• Choice of health plans include medical, Dental, and vision coverage
• Company-paid short-term and long-term disability and life insurance
• Health and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• Pre-tax travel expenses through TransitChek program
• 401(k) plan
• Generous paid time off (PTO)
• Ten paid holidays each year

COMPENSATION

The hiring range for this position is $49,000 - $53,000 per year. The annual salary that will ultimately be offered to the successful candidate will depend on job-related knowledge, education, skills, and experience.

CONTACT INFORMATION

To be considered for this opportunity, please submit your resume.

Be sure and visit our web site to learn more about how we strive to enhance and save patient lives every day www.crf.org

CRF is an equal opportunity employer.