Job Description

University of Utah Job Description

Job Summary

Under limited supervision, provides clinical care to research animals. Participates in all aspects of the health and welfare of laboratory animals, including daily monitoring and treatment, maintaining accurate health records, and providing requested technical services

Qualifications

• GED
• Four years’ related experience or a related Associate's Degree.
• LAT or CVT to be obtained within one year in the position.

Applicants must demonstrate the potential ability to perform the essential functions of the job as outlined in the position description.

Disclaimer

This job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification.  It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to the job.

Essential Functions

• Performs veterinary procedures such as, but not limited to, blood collection, parenteral and oral administration of materials, animal restraint, anesthesia, tissue collection, etc.
• Must be able to identify and clearly communicate all health problems to veterinarians in oral or written form, and must understand verbal and written directions of the veterinarians and/or supervisor
• Conducts daily observational rounds and health checks
• Accurately maintain both written and electronic animal treatment records
• Establishes working relationships and communicates effectively with the OCM animal care staff, veterinarians and research staff
• On a rotating basis, must work weekend and holidays as well as during natural disasters to provide continuity of exceptional care to the research animals. May be required to work nights or alternative hours as needed
• Assist investigators with appropriate anesthetics and treatments for research animals, and educate researchers in the following topics: handling, rodent anesthesia, post-op monitoring, and aseptic technique
• Provide pre, peri and post-operative care including, but not limited to: shaving and skin preparation, animal transport, administration of anesthesia and analgesia, intubation, bandaging, or any other treatment as directed by the veterinarian
• Independently perform routine surgical procedures in rodents with oversight from the veterinarian.
• Participates in the management and maintenance of OCM veterinary drugs and supplies
  • Clean, prepare, pack, and sterilize surgical instruments/equipment
  • Accurately document use of controlled substances
  • Participate in inventory checks to ensure are drugs and supplies are in date and available when needed
  • Participates in specific technical services provided by OCM
• Maintain veterinary technical equipment in proper working order
• Provides training and mentorship to entry level veterinary technicians
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Comments

Work Environment and Level of Frequency that may be required:

• Nearly Continuously: Standard vivarium environment; with typical vivarium environmental hazards and concerns. Standard laboratory environment; Safety shoes are required to be worn by all employees working in animal facilities
• Seldom: Occasionally handles/works with biohazards or risks for potential job-related injury, rarely coming in contact with hazardous materials.

Physical Requirements and Level of Frequency that may be required:

• Nearly Continuously: Sitting, hearing, listening, talking, walking.
• Often: Bending, reaching overhead, twisting.
• Seldom: Lifting - up to 50 pounds, kneeling, squatting.