DESCRIPTION

Under supervision, perform standard paraveterinary health care procedures. Maintain clinical records on animals under veterinary observation and treatment. Perform routine clinical procedures on a variety of laboratory animal species including animal restraint, handling, examinations, blood and tissue collection and administration of medications; diagnostic laboratory tests and sample preparation; radiology, necropsy.

Perform procedures without close technical supervision in a clinical or laboratory animal setting. Provides animal health care under veterinary supervision. Provides psychological and environmental enrichment to a variety of laboratory animal species.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Graduation from an AVMA or State of California approved animal health technician program plus two years of applicable experience; certification or eligibility for certification within six (six) months as a Registered Veterinary Technician, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Strong demonstrated ability to perform various injection techniques (IV, IM, SQ, IP) in a variety of animal species (including but not limited to rodents, rabbits, dogs, cats, primates, ruminants, frogs, birds, and swine).

• Knowledge of the anatomy of laboratory animals

• Strong demonstrated ability to perform necropsies and collect laboratory specimens (blood and other tissues).

• Skilled in making health observations on a variety of animal species and making oral/written reports on observations

• Working knowledge of medical/scientific terminology

• Ability to use a computer and data base, e-mail and word processing applications.

• Skilled in AVMA accepted methods of euthanasia, including knowledge of various agents and routes according to species involved.

• Knowledge of proper handling and disposal of sharps, biohazardous waste, radioactive and other hazardous materials

• Ability to exercise diplomacy and flexibility in interacting with a diverse group of scientists engaged in research and teaching.

• Ability to manage a variety of tasks simultaneously

• Skilled in anesthetic induction and support, intubation, the use of X-ray machines and film development, surgical assisting.

• Knowledgeable of aseptic surgical technique, sterilization, disinfection and sanitization principles and applications.

• Demonstrated ability to work with a variety of laboratory animal species, especially rodents and rabbits

• Knowledge of UCSD policies and procedures for the care and use of laboratory animals, preferred.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

• Must be willing to work weekends, holidays and overtime as required.

• Must be able to pass a pre-hire physical examination.

• Possess California driver’s license.

• Background check and DMV check required.

• Euthanize animals.

• Work at several locations, work in biohazard and radioisotope areas or in areas with potential zoonotic disease exposure.

• Preferred: AALAS certification LAT or higher.

• Graduation from an AVMA or State of California approved animal health technician program plus two years of applicable experience; certification or eligibility for certification within six (six) months as a Registered Veterinary Technician, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.