Veterinary Associate I

Job Overview

Job Summary:

A Veterinary Associate I is performing basic tasks and procedures within a team, and learning more intermediate tasks and procedures of the department training plan. The Veterinary Associate I is assigned to perform tasks which may include assisting veterinary staff in the documentation and management of all laboratory animal health cases, and performance of technical in-life procedures.  The Veterinary Associate I is working under little supervision, and beginning to work more independently.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Ensure good welfare and humane care for all animals worked with through gentle, positive human-animal interactions.
• Assist veterinary staff in the documentation and triage of all animal health cases noted by technical staff and/or veterinarians.
• Perform routine veterinary technical and husbandry skills which may include administration of various therapeutic measures by IV, IM, SQ, topical, oral routes, etc.; bandage/wrapping techniques; nail/hoof/teeth clipping/trimming; venipuncture techniques; vaginal swabs; proficient animal restraint techniques; and 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.
• Assist in providing leadership, animal health training, and guidance to 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).
• Assist in acclimation and behavioral management of animals in our care.
• Provide environmental enrichment for laboratory animals according to facility and Federal guidelines.
• Collect, document, review, and verify data on forms, or in electronic data capture systems.
• Review documentation of functions performed as part of quality control requirements. 
• Perform all other related duties as assigned.

The pay for this position is $20.00-$22.00/hr. Please note that salaries vary within the range based on factors including, but not limited to, experience, skills, education, certifications, and location.

Job Description

Qualifications: 

• Education: Associate degree (A.A./A.S.) in a science-related field or graduate of or in process of completing 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.
• Experience: 0-2 years of relevant experience working with animals in a pre-clinical laboratory or clinical setting; experience working in a CRO with multi-species preferred.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be accepted as a satisfactory substitute for the specific education and experience listed above.
• Certification/Licensure: Non-licensed/Non-certified candidates will be encouraged to become licensed/certified. AALAS (ALAT) certification desired. LVT license or CVT/RVT certification preferred.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Knowledge of English.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities to achieve goals.
• Computer skills (e.g., Microsoft Office Suite), commensurate with essential functions, including the ability to learn a validated system.
• Ability to ensure that a safe working environment is maintained by observing all safety procedures and working methods by making proper use of protective clothing and equipment, and by reading, understanding, and following all safety documents issued or notified of.
• Ability to ensure the integrity of the studies and fulfill the regulatory agencies requirements by performing the activities according to the Good Laboratory Practices (GLP), Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), Business Operating Procedures (BOP) and the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) rules.
• Ability to work extended hours beyond normal work schedule to include, but not limited to evenings, weekends, extended shifts, and/or extra shifts, sometimes on short notice.
• Ability to work under specific time constraints.
• Must be authorized to work in the United States without a sponsor visa, now or in the future.

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:

• Work 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.