Veterinary Technician III

The Veterinary Technician III will ensure that research protocols are followed, animal health records are maintained, and all applicable policies and regulations are adhered to. This position will be required to work nights, evenings, and/or weekends based on project needs. University Animal Care is responsible for providing the highest quality humane care to a variety of species of animals used in Biomedical research at the University of Arizona.

University Animal Care (UAC) manages multiple centralized animal facilities at the University of Arizona and oversees the campus wide animal care and use program. UAC provides assistance to scientists, physicians, staff, and students who have received Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) approval to perform research, testing, or educational studies on animal subjects. UAC ensures humane and appropriate animal care and use by providing for the animals daily needs, veterinary care, and monitoring the use of the animals by principal investigators, technical personnel, and students. UAC is devoted to maintaining a safe environment that minimizes the risk of disease or injury to the animals and the personnel who work with them. UAC maintains accreditation by AAALAC International, the gold standard for animal care and use programs.

Outstanding U of A benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; U of A/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to U of A recreation and cultural activities; and more!

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• Performs clinical health rounds to observe the health and well-being of laboratory animals and reports abnormalities to the facility veterinarian.
• Acts independently and with sound judgment to triage new clinical cases for appropriate veterinary care.
• Administers medication and treatments as directed. Evaluates responses to treatment.
• Maintains pertinent health records (written and electronic) on laboratory animals; this includes general health, date of birth, vaccinations, medications, and other relevant health data.
• Collects biological samples for diagnostic analysis and evaluation.
• Assists investigators and/or veterinarians with surgeries, including administration and monitoring of anesthesia, administration of medication including injections, and point of care clinical pathology.
• Provides post-operative nursing care ensuring recovery from anesthesia is satisfactory and incisions and sutures are intact.
• Performs emergency and critical care support under the direction of the veterinarian.
• Assists with necropsy procedures.
• Maintains veterinary care areas including cleaning, inventory, ordering and stocking supplies, crash carts, and kits.
• Performs training in standard veterinary and research technical procedures to a variety of audiences.
• Assists the veterinary staff in assuring compliance with applicable state and federal laws, regulations, and institutional policies pertaining to biomedical and agricultural research using animals.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to perform a clinical examination of lab animals.
• Ability to effectively communication with peers, supervisors, and research personnel.
• Ability to prepare and take care of medical equipment and supplies.
• Ability to perform animal vital signs assessment and monitoring.
• Ability to collect samples and complete laboratory tests.
• Ability to administer vaccinations and medications to animals and dress wounds.
• Ability to keep the veterinary care premises clean and organized.
• Ability to update patient records.
• Knowledge of X-rays and diagnostic imaging.
• Knowledge of administering and monitoring anesthetic procedures.

This job posting reflects the general nature and level of work expected of the selected candidate(s). It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The institution reserves the right to amend or update this description as organizational priorities and institutional needs evolve.

• High school diploma or high school diploma equivalency is required.
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience, or equivalent combination of education and work experience.

• Arizona Veterinary Medical Association certification as a Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT) and 2 years of experience.
• American Association for Laboratory Animal Science certification as a Laboratory Animal Technician (LAT) and 3 years of experience as a veterinary technician.
• Academy of Surgical Research certification (SRT, SRA, SRS).
• Experience caring for a variety of large and small animal models.
• Clinical, surgical, anesthesia, and/or intensive care experience is desirable.