Veterinary Technician IV

As a community, the University of Rochester is defined by a deep commitment to Meliora - Ever Better. Embedded in that ideal are the values we share: equity, leadership, integrity, openness, respect, and accountability. Together, we will set the highest standards for how we treat each other to ensure our community is welcoming to all and is a place where all can thrive.

Job Location (Full Address):

220 Hutchison Rd, Rochester, New York, United States of America, 14620

Opening:

Worker Subtype:

Regular

Time Type:

Full time

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

40

Department:

400171 Div. Comparative Medicine M&D

Work Shift:

UR - Day (United States of America)

Range:

UR URG 106 H

Compensation Range:

$21.36 - $29.90

Responsibilities:

The Veterinary Technician IV provides veterinary care to research animals. Responsibilities will include inspecting research animals housed by URMC, monitoring health status of research animals, and evaluate and implement a diagnosis and treatment plan for sick or injured animals. The employee will participate in collecting biological samples on a variety of species and provide routine care, such as vaccinations and parasite control. The employee will be required to keep detailed and accurate records of health evaluations and surgical procedures. The employee will participate in the training of others biomethodology and required skills. Other responsibilities will include working in the area of the rodent health-monitoring program and performing various diagnostic procedures. Emergency duties required during adverse weather and/or other emergency situations.

Essential Functions:

Clinical Rounds:

• Performs clinical rounds rotation independently making diagnostic and treatment decisions following a formulary five mornings per week, five afternoons per week and rotating weekends. Records objective observations, administer medications and consult with principal investigator (faculty) and the Division of Comparative Medicine (DCM) veterinarian about clinical findings and treatment options. Interprets clinical signs and trends in all animals within the vivaria to develop a provisional diagnosis and/or differential diagnosis for veterinarian review. Uses educated judgement in recommendations to research faculty/staff in regards to following a standard of care treatment regimen or other treatments, follow-up and monitoring. Independently and creatively troubleshoots methods of medication delivery. Independently performs minor surgical procedures related to treating animal with medical conditions including enucleation and tail amputation. Assists veterinarian in examining patients through the use of mechanical, chemical and physical restraint. TB tests all nonhuman primates annually and during quarantine. Maintains regulated species records. Individually identifies non-rodent research animals via microchipping and tattooing.

Rodent Colony Management

• Directs rodent colony management practices for researchers at least twice per week. Identifies and employs
• appropriate breeding schemes to optimize progeny based on strain complexity, scientific need and strain based reproductive capabilities. Accurately sex neonatal rodents and weanlings. Weans rodents at appropriate interval based on age, size and following IACUC policies. Individually identifies rodents using IACUC approved methods including toe snip, ear punch, ear tags and tattoo. Obtains tissue samples for genetic characterization of mice and rats by performing tail biopsies, ear biopsies and blood collection. Organizes detailed breeding records and general inventories of genetically altered rodent colonies using DCM databases. Troubleshoots breeding insufficiencies in consultation with the researcher, supervisor and DCM Veterinarians.

Surgical and Anesthetic Support

• Induces and maintains injectable and inhalant anesthesia in a variety of species for examinations and minor and major invasive surgical procedures. Specialized procedures include, MRI scans, CT scans, radiographs, ultrasound, physical exams, dental cleanings, Tb testing of non-human primates, tattooing and microchipping for individual identification. Safely anesthetizes animals with a variety of protocol approved anesthetic agents via intramuscular injections, Intraperitoneal injections, Subcutaneous injections, Intravenous injections and inhalants based on appropriateness of species. Utilizes chemical and physical restraint methods appropriate based on species. Places intravenous catheters and endotracheal tubes. Aseptically prepare surgical sites. Prepares complex surgical equipment for use. Uses critical and analytical thinking to effectively respond to changes in body temperature, oxygenation saturation, cardiac rate, end tidal carbon dioxide, respiratory rate and body reflexes needed to maintain a safe and appropriate depth of anesthesia. Employs appropriate ventilator settings and make adjustments as needed. Utilizes IV infusion pumps to deliver anesthetics and paralytics. Communicates anesthetic concerns promptly to on-site veterinarian. Monitors patients post-operatively for recovery from anesthesia. Maintains surgery suite, monitoring equipment and prep room in clean, working order. Troubleshoots errors and malfunctions of vital signs monitoring equipment. Prepares surgical packs and instruments for use with an autoclave. Safely operates autoclave for standard and flash sterilization

Diagnostics:

• Hematology/Serology: Collects samples from any and all of the common laboratory animals. Performs, micro-sampling for terminal and non-terminal evaluation of small laboratory animals.
• Microbiology: Collects samples. Submits samples to contract lab for characterization of pathogens and determination of antibiotic sensitivities. Reports results to the veterinarian.
• Parasitology: Collects samples. Examines and identifies endo- and ecto- parasites by direct smear or zinc sulfate flotation.
• Radiology: Positions patients for radiographing targeted body views. Takes and processes digital radiographs. Maintain supplies, files and radiographic equipment.
• Gross Pathology: Performs euthanasia and terminal blood collection. Performs gross necropsy of common laboratory animals including a written description of any abnormalities for histopathological submission.

Fee for Services

• Collects blood and tissue samples, gastric gavage, tracheobronchial washes among other specialized procedures from laboratory animals. Euthanizes animals. Services teaching labs. Assists with restraint and administer experiment driven treatments. Performs C-section rederivation surgeries on genetically modified rodents. Processes charges to investigator’s accounts for pathology and fee for service activities;

Training

• Trains new DCM employees and UR research staff in biomethodology and required skills.

Other duties as assigned

Minimum Education & Experience:

• Associates Degree in Veterinary Technology required
• Bachelor’s degree in Veterinary Technology preferred
• 4 years as a practicing licensed veterinary technician with extensive surgical and anesthetic experience or equivalent combination of education and experience required
• Experience in a biomedical research facility preferred

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Knowledge of Federal and State Animal Welfare Regulations and current veterinary care standards required by AAALAC, International and NIH preferred.

Licenses and Certifications:

• Current NY state professional license as a veterinary technician upon hire required

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