Under general supervision of the Manager of Veterinary Services, the Animal Health Tech performs standard paraveterinary health care procedures.  These procedures may include a wide variety of standard repetitive procedures within one clinical or diagnostic specialty, or a limited variety of highly specialized procedures, or of non-standard procedures requiring ingenuity, resourcefulness and adaptability.

The position includes responsibility for the oversight of the health and well-being of all or specific animal subjects in the Vivarium.  The Animal Health Tech participates in teaching activities by demonstrating techniques or procedures to researchers and staff. The  Animal Health Tech will participate in writing, reviewing and training other staff members and research staff with regard to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) specific to biohazardous animals and Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) compliant research activities. Train researchers and technical staff on biomethodology, medical and surgical care, husbandry and use of laboratory animals.  The Animal Health Tech will maintain records as necessary to comply with USDA, FDA, DEA, GLP and Comparative Medicine regulations and policies as well as AAALAC Int. standards for accreditation. 

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Daily observation of all or specific animal subjects to assess health and welfare. Take appropriate action and communicate observations/actions to veterinarian(s), manager, AHTs, and Primary Investigator/research staff.
• Assist with large animal surgical and imaging procedure prep and support (IV catheter placement, intubation, clip hair/prep skin, remote delivery/pick up).
• Properly stores, administers, and maintains appropriate pharmaceutical records-including controlled substance logs.
• Maintains working knowledge of IACUC protocols and SOPs (to include hazardous agents) pertaining to the active large and small animal protocols
• Proficient in baseline responsibilities needed to provide relief for rabbit, rodent and large animal daily care (as needed during periods of staff shortage or unusually high workload). 
• Evaluates, medicates, and monitors all pre-surgical animals as needed.  Provides post-operative management and care for animals undergoing surgical procedures.
• Employs methods to prevent, control, diagnose and treat diseases and injuries of animals and maintains appropriate veterinary health records. Records vital and necessary information pertinent to health of animals
• Assists with ensuring regulatory compliance (Post-Approval Monitoring) and operation within veterinary ethical standards.
• Record keeping and billing:  facilitates submission of required documentation, ensures entry into appropriate recordkeeping system.  Captures charges for items not recorded in electronic medical records.

Primary Areas: 

Large Animal (specifically canine and swine)—Coordinates receiving and acclimation.  Creates and maintains electronic medical records. Responsible for post-procedure care.  Calculates and prepares routine standard dosing for analgesia and performs sedations for scheduled non-surgical procedures according to approved protocol. Davis Rodent Colony, 

Researcher Rodent Biomethodology Trainer

Rotating Primary Areas (qualified team members are assigned to rotation):

AHSP Rodent Colony

BIRI support

Rabbit Colony—Coordinates receiving and acclimation.  Creates and maintains electronic medical records.  Responsible for pre- and post-procedure care.

Float (qualified to provide proficient overage for Large Animal and Davis Rodent Colony AHTs during absence).  Provides support to all clinical areas during period of unusually high workload. 

Education:

High School Diploma/GED Required Minimum

Associates Degree / Graduate of an AVMA-CVTEA or CVMA accredited veterinary technology program or passing VTNE score strongly preferred

Work Experience:

1 Year Experience – Combination of education or related work experience will be considered.

License/Certification:

Assistant Laboratory Animal Tech (ALAT) - Preferred