Veterinary Technician

Summary:

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Veterinary Technician duties include:

Office of Research & Innovation, Division of Animal Resources invites applicants to apply for an outstanding opportunity to join our Veterinary Team as a Veterinary Technician. The primary role of this position is to provide clinical and technical support for the veterinary care program of the Division of Animal Resources (DAR). Clinical support includes providing assistance to the staff veterinarians and research staff with surgical or medical procedures or independently performing clinical procedures in consultation with the staff veterinarians. The candidate will perform daily health rounds, ensuring that all the animals under his/her care are monitored to detect signs of illness or distress. The veterinary technician will be responsible for maintaining animal health records and using the health observation system and/or phone to communicate with research staff about care recommendations, follow-up treatment or actions. The candidate must have knowledge and skills in administering and monitoring anesthesia; troubleshooting anesthetic complications and equipment to actively participate in a rotating anesthesia technical services offered. The prospective employee will collaboratively participate in leading small group hands-on training classes and veterinary surgical observations. Veterinary observations require reading the approved protocol and scheduling a time to assess the techniques listed to ensure they meet applicable veterinary standards of care. Other duties include managing delegated DAR-maintained spaces, such as surgical suites, procedural spaces, the pharmacy, controlled substance logs, and equipment including scheduling, cleaning, and maintenance. While the duties are performed primarily during normal business hours Monday through Friday, the veterinary technician will participate in a rotating on-call weekend and holiday schedule or assigned in advance based on the needs. The ideal candidate will have excellent organizational skills and a basic understanding of animal research. In return, the department will provide training in all required techniques and foster a supportive working environment.

Minimum Hiring standards:

• Demonstrated experience working in and fostering an environment of respect, professionalism and civility with a population of faculty, staff, and students from various backgrounds and experiences, or a commitment to do so as a staff member at VCU.
  

• Bachelor of Applied Science in Veterinary Technology or Associate’s Degree in Applied Science in Veterinary Technology.
  
  
• Current license as a veterinary technician in the State of Virginia or the ability to obtain licensure within 6 months of hire.
  
  
• Must have knowledge and skills in: humane handling of animals, recognition of signs of disease and distress across a wide variety of species.
  
  
• Knowledge of administration of medications, collection of diagnostic specimens (including blood), anesthesia administration, performance of aseptic clinical procedures and surgical support.
  
  
• Knowledge of performing radiographic techniques and basic laboratory diagnostic procedure.
  
  
• Ability to train and offer support researchers and DAR care staff.
  
  
• Ability to listen and communicate professionally and effectively in person, over the phone, and via email.
  
  
• Demonstrate experience working in and fostering an environment of respect, professionalism and civility with a population of faculty, staff, and students from various backgrounds and experiences, or a commitment to do so as a staff member at VCU.
  
  
• Ability to maintain accuracy and attention to detail while completing tasks in an organized and timely manner.

Preferred Hiring Standards:

• At least two years of recent experience in clinical veterinary medicine, referral, emergency, or specialty practice.

• Experience working with exotics or in a research animal facility.
  
  
• American Association of Laboratory Animal Science certification or willingness to obtain.
  
  
• Knowledge of policies and procedures set by the regulatory and accrediting agencies.

Position Details:

Department: Animal Care Facility
Employment Type: UF - University Employee FT
Restricted Status: Yes
FTE: 100
Exemption Status: Non-Exempt
ORP Eligible: No

UAP Job Slotting: Veterinary Technician RS 1-3
Salary Range: $45,000-$55,000 (Commensurate with experience)