Surgical Veterinary Technician II

Job Summary

We are seeking a Surgical Veterinary Technician II to work at our client's site, Boston Children's Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts.

The Surgical Veterinary Technician II will be responsible for performing surgical technical duties, intermediate and advanced ability to assist in surgical procedures. Contribute to and participate in the facilities animal health care program, as well as per and post-procedure animal care. Document of animal health and communicate with research staff. Maintain performance level consistent with and according to Children’s Hospital professional standards and requirements.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILTIES

• Work closely with the Veterinarian to perform daily health assessments of the USDA covered species in the Surgical Services Program. Maintain all records as needed and associated with this monitoring.  Provide animal treatments as instructed by the Veterinarian.
• Perform technical functions required by research protocols, such as daily clinical observations, diagnostic testing, administering medications and health examinations of sick animals, prior to reporting adverse findings to Veterinarian responsible for that area.
• Receipt of new animals, including generating records, and doing an initial health assessment.
• Recovery of post-operative animals, including recording vital signs.
• Provide anesthesia support to all surgical cases, including placement of IV catheters, intubation, and administration of anesthetic agents as well as operating a ventilator and provides full anesthetic support during procedures.
• Provide support for the research staff, e.g. animal handling and restraint, blood and other tissues sample collection, injections, and treatments.
• Place arterial and venous central lines, either percutaneously or by surgical cut down.
• General knowledge of Arterial and Venous Blood Gas, CBC, and Chemistry Profile interpretation in accordance with anesthesia, surgery and animal health under the guidance of the veterinarian.
• Maintain sterile ORs by cleaning and breaking down the OR at the end of cases.
• Responsible for making instrument packs, cleaning and autoclaving supplies. 
• Prepare the OR for cases, as well as, maintaining equipment and ensuring it is in proper working order.
• Coordinate and process orders for animal medications (drugs, anesthetics, analgesics, etc.), document distribution of same, and provide guidance on recordkeeping requirements.
• Prepare and submit written reports, monthly billing summaries (drug orders) charts, logs and inventories as requested.
• Review and comply with all policies pertaining to the animal care program. 
• Care for laboratory animals in accordance with USDA Animal Welfare Act and policies, the “Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals,” and other applicable regulations and policies.
• Provide training for the ARCH staff as it relates to animal care, and health. 
• Operate equipment and utilize supplies according to safety guidelines; perform general housekeeping and adhere to safety procedures.
• Adhere to established safety policies and procedures and MSDS guidelines, including those related to biohazards and radioactive substances. 
• Assist with ordering, receipt, stocking and maintenance of supply inventories.
• Maintain required attendance level and adhere to work schedule in accordance with required staffing levels in order to ensure that assigned duties are completed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

The following are minimum requirements related to the Surgical Veterinary Technician II:   

Candidates must possess one of the following:

• Bachelor’s degree (B.A./B.S.) in animal science or equivalent field required with a minimum of 2 years of animal handling experience and 2 years of veterinary technical skills.
• Associate's degree (A.A./A.S.) in veterinary technology or equivalent college level program with a minimum 4 years’ experience animal handling experience and 4 years of veteiernary technical skills

PREFERRED:

• Veterinary Technician licensure of CVT or LVT.

KNOWLEDGE SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Basic knowledge of USDA covered species including skills and experience with identifying sick animals, summarizing findings, and providing medical treatments as prescribed.
• Basic understanding and interpretation of Arterial and Venous Blood Gas, CBC, and Chemistry profile values in relation to running anesthesia, surgery and animal health.
• Computer literacy in word processing and database record keeping preferred.
• Must be able to provide and follow verbal and written instructions and exhibit interpersonal skills that are conducive to effective professional communication and that contribute to a congenial work environment. Maintain positive work atmosphere by behaving and communicating in a professional manner with clients, customers, coworkers, and supervisors.
• Ability to work independently in a responsible manner and to serve as an effective team member.
• Ability to read, write, speak and understand English.

The pay range for this position is $40-$45/hour.  Please note that salaries vary within the range based on factors including, but not limited to, experience, skills, education, certifications, and location.