The job duties include, but are not limited to:
Observes and examines experimental animals. Must have the ability to recognize signs of abnormal behavior, illness, or injury, which are either experimentally related or occurring spontaneously. Relays findings and consults with the veterinary staff, and discusses animal health issues with investigators and/or research staff. Recognize~ and reports changes in the animal's environment or deviations in their proper use and care which may affect animal welfare; aids in the resolution of these issues. Maintain animal health records.
Performs common veterinary diagnostic procedures, including but not limited to blood sampling, urine collection and analysis, fecal examinations, skin scrapings, and necropsies. Prepares samples for shipping to the appropriate laboratories when necessary. Collects and analyzes a variety of samples from animals monitored in the Animal Health Surveillance. Program including blood, feces, fur pluck, etc. Prepares for and ships or receives animals, including proper record keeping and health evaluations.
Performs common treatments and procedures, including but not limited to animal preparation for surgery, catheter placement, intubation, monitoring of anesthesia, calculation and administration of medication and/or fluids via oral or parenteral routes. Responsible for maintaining animal health records and drug inventory. Purchases all Class I through Class V drugs for the department, following DEA regulations. Maintains the controlled drug log. Maintains and inventories the department pharmacy, supplies, equipment, and instruments for the surgical program. Responsible for maintaining anesthesia machines, related equipment, and surgical supplies. Maintains records and enters animal health data and records into electronic databases for Animal Health and Surveillance programs.
Under the direction of a Veterinarian, calculates drug dosages, prepares, and dispenses limited drugs and anesthetics to investigators. Gives instruction and guidance on proper use of drugs and anesthetics, including dosage, routes of administration, duration, patient care, etc. Performs technical services, including but not limited to administration of drugs used in a research protocol, weighing animals, measuring food, and/or helping with a variety of research protocols.
Provide rodent Surgical expertise to research staff and assist with oversight of rodent breeding management. Assists in the training of clinical and research personnel and members of the Division of Laboratory Animal Services via direct interactions or in class situations.
Performs animal husbandry duties as necessary, including changing, sanitization, and sterilization of cages and accessory equipment, feeding, watering, and exercising of animals. Follows standard operating procedures to minimize cross-contamination of potential pathogens between colonies. Handles animals that have been exposed to chemical, pathogenic, or radioactive hazards and follows safety instructions for personal protection as well as protection of other personnel and animals. Handles and cares for animals in specialized colonies, including gnotobiotic, specific-pathogen-free, transgenic, or barrier-reared animals.
Coordinate surgical activity in central and satellite facilities, and prepare the surgical area for sterile and non-sterile procedures, which include equipment, instruments, and pack preparation. Prepares patients for nonsterile and sterile surgical procedures, and administers and maintains anesthesia for induction, intubation, maintenance, and recovery. Operates a variety of equipment, including gas anesthetic machines, ventilators, pulse oximeters, and blood pressure, ECG, and C02 monitors, and closely guides and monitors the activities of research staff in the surgical and clinical areas to assure compliance with USDA, PHS, and AU regulations and guidelines.
Drives department vehicles, operates equipment, and performs miscellaneous duties necessary to support the animal care and the research support mission. Available to work occasional weekends, and/or provide on-call service or a rotation schedule as needed to support animal care responsibilities.
Perform other related duties as assigned.
