JOB SUMMARY

Under the direction of veterinary staff, maintain and monitor the health and physical environment of Charles River or external customer animals involving complex instructions and requiring technical expertise. Assist veterinary staff in the documentation and triage of all laboratory animal health cases. May also perform technical in-life procedures.
 
 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
 

• Assist veterinary staff in the documentation and triage of all animal health cases noted by technical staff and/or Attending Veterinarian.
• Conduct regular clinical rounds and routine health monitoring and examinations in support of studies and in accordance with the requirements of the research program, and assure the implementation of preventive measures such as vaccinations, anthelmintic treatments, etc.
• Investigate site staff reports of animal health issues and/or conditions suggesting problems with animal well being. As appropriate, recommend, administer, and record (following coordination with study directors) routine treatment of animals. Generate summary reports as necessary.
• Perform and document appropriate clinical observations. Ensure corrective actions for health or welfare issues are developed and implemented in accordance with the research programs.
• Notify veterinary staff and other appropriate personnel of conditions that are indicative of pain and distress or other abnormal findings that could lead to such conditions or compromise studies.
• Perform routine veterinary technical and husbandry skills including the following:
  • Administration of various therapeutic measures by IV, IM, SQ, topical, oral routes, etc.
  • Bandage/wrapping techniques
  • Venipuncture techniques
  • Vaginal swabs
  • Proficient animal restraint techniques.
  • Monitor critical care animals (i.e., place IVs, monitor fluids, etc.).
• Perform animal follow-up observations or new findings as required.
• Monitor animal health, visually, and by following detailed schedules.
• Generate animal treatment records and perform, track and schedule follow-ups.
• Maintain appropriate medical records for each animal in accordance with study and regulatory requirements. Assist in maintaining accurate record keeping procedures for the veterinary department.
• Maintain and follow complex procedures to ensure appropriate animal health and treatment.
• Provide input into the creation/revision of SOPs and assist in implementation and training of new SOPs.
• Assist in providing leadership, animal health training, and guidance to less experienced technical staff and other laboratory personnel.
• Assist in keeping inventory and stocking the vet rooms (i.e., drugs and supplies). Assist in organizing and maintaining the vet exam rooms.
• May be responsible for tissue sampling, routine animal manipulations and administration of fluids or other treatments as required.
• May perform routine technical and husbandry functions (general housekeeping) on studies and must adhere to safety procedures.
• Assist in surgery and peri-surgery care, e.g. provide and monitor anesthesia, prepare surgical packs, administer supportive therapy.
• Perform all other related duties as assigned.

The pay for this position is $31-$33/hr. Please note that compensation varies based on factors including, but not limited to, experience, skills, education, and certifications.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

Education: Graduate of a collegiate veterinary technology program accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Training Activities or equivalent program in veterinary technology preferred. Candidates with a four-year degree in a relevant life science (e.g. Animal Science, Biology or Veterinary Technology) may be considered.
 
 

Experience: 3-5 years related experience working with animals in a pre-clinical laboratory or clinical setting; experience working with Nonhuman Primates is strongly preferred.

 
An equivalent combination of education and experience may be accepted as a satisfactory substitute for the specific education and experience listed above if the individual is credentialed as a Certified Veterinary Technician.

 
Certification/Licensure: LVT license or CVT/RVT certification preferred. A combination of an undergraduate degree in a related field, 3 or more years’ experience with NHPs and AALAS Certification at LAT level, or 5 years’ experience as a Veterinary Technician in a research setting and AALAS Certification at LATG level also considered.

 
Other: Demonstrate understanding of Standard Operating Procedures. Excellent organizational, time management and recordkeeping skills. Basic word processing skills required. Excellent communication skills both written and verbal. Must be proficient in routine veterinary technical and husbandry techniques.

 
Physical Demands:

• Employees must be able to lift, move, manipulate, and/or hold heavy objects up to and including 50 pounds; this includes work materials, equipment, and/or animals.
• Must be able to perform procedures, which require, talking, hearing, standing or sitting for long periods of time, entering data into a computer, using appropriate instruments, reaching with hands and arms, working in narrow spaces, and wearing safety equipment (PPE) according to OSHA regulations and company standards.
• Must be able to frequently firmly hold species while utilizing fine motor skills.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

 
Work Environment:

• Works in a research environment, which requires use of sharp objects, working around mechanical parts, working with or near known or unknown toxic or caustic chemicals and/or biological hazards, exposure to fumes and airborne particles, working at noise levels ranging from moderate to loud.
• The employee regularly works with live animals with risk of exposure to allergens, zoonotic disease, and biohazards.
• The noise level in the work environment ranges from low to high depending upon the species housed.