Veterinary Technician II - University of Massachusetts Medical School

GENERAL SUMMARY OF POSITION:

Under the general supervision of the Veterinary Services Supervisor, provides clinical and laboratory support in the research animal facilities, with a substantial portion of research support tasks being specimen collection and rodent breeding colony management as a departmental fee-for-service. Secondary responsibilities may include providing input developing Vet Services Standard Operating Procedures. This individual is designated as an essential employee and must work occasional weekends, holidays, and off hours on a rotating basis.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Maintain rodent breeding colonies
• Handle, restrain, and sex of all laboratory animals
• Update animal room records, including census and cage card animal identification
• Collect biological samples
• Perform diagnostic laboratory tests in hematology, urinalysis, parasitology and clinical chemistry
• Assess and monitor health of laboratory animals, under direction of a veterinarian. Perform clinical rounds/do treatments on weekends/holidays on a rotational basis
• Provide clinical treatments, pre and post operative care, administer drugs and fluids, collect body fluids, vaccinate and euthanize animals. Keep accurate records of work activities
• Under the guidance of a veterinarian, participate in sample collection in the rodent sentinel disease surveillance program. Assist with routine necropsies for disease surveillance purposes, under direction of a veterinarian
• Participate in sanitation and disease control programs in animal facility; may include aseptic techniques in barrier rooms, quarantine, or clean housing systems
• Provide care for animals treated with hazardous agents, including organisms and radioisotopes in the Bio-Containment Suite or other designated locations
• Responsible for following safe work practices such as use of designated safety equipment, proper lifting techniques, etc
• Observe, record, and report atypical findings of the environment, physical plant, and animal health or behavior. These observations are to include but are not limited to sick animals, maintenance problems, safety hazards, mistreatment or inappropriate treatment of animals
• Provide hands-on training and instruction/mentorship/guidance on animal techniques and use to the UMMS research, Vet Tech I
• Assist and help coordinate sentinel sampling, quarantine and in-house laboratory diagnostics
• Assist with animal adoptions and transfers
• Assist and help coordinate monthly physical examinations for USDA covered species to include weights, nail trimming, dental care and general health assessments
• Perform other duties as required.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• B.S. in Animal/Veterinary Science or equivalent relevant technical experience in laboratoryanimal science or veterinary medicine
• 0-1 year of related experience                                         
• American Association of Laboratory Science certification at the ALAT level must be obtained within 12 months of hire

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

AALAS certification at the LAT level