Veterinary research / health technician

Beaverton, OR, United States

Department Overview: The Oregon National Primate Research Center (ONPRC) is located 12 miles west of the OHSU main campus, and sits on 162 acres of land featuring forested areas, research and administration buildings, indoor and outdoor animal housing, a pond, and 2-mile perimeter walking path. Our mission is to improve human health and the quality of life through the support of nonhuman primate research programs that advance our knowledge of the causes, preventions, treatments, and cures of debilitating diseases. Function/Duties of Position: The Veterinary Research/Health Technician 2 assists in providing clinical care and husbandry for a variety of laboratory research primates. This is the second level of a three level series. It is distinguished from the lower level by increased responsibility in independently performing the duties of a VRHT1 while also triaging situations that may arise throughout the day w/o direct oversite. The primary function of this position is to support the clinical medicine unit related to the care of laboratory animals with a large emphasis on clinical and surgical medication distribution and preparation. Duties must be performed in a professional manner and will require contact with investigative staff. The area of work assignment and specific tasks will vary, depending on veterinary care requirements, service requirements, and staffing needs, during regular and non-regular working hours, including weekends, holidays, or on an overtime basis.

Key Responsibilities & Performance Standards

1. Animal Health Care Services: Distribute prescribed medications for all laboratory animals campus wide

Prepare clinically prescribed medications for laboratory animals campus wide

Participate in general animal health surveillance by observing animals in all housing configurations, recognizing abnormalities in physical condition or behavior, and reporting and recording observations to the clinical veterinarian or research staff

Perform animal health procedures such as weighing, TB testing, and blood collections

Capture, restrain, identify, and sex common varieties of laboratory animals, and the transport animals in support of veterinary, husbandry or investigative procedures

2. General Maintenance: Cleans and disinfects minor surgical and clinical supplies and instrumentation by an appropriate means for the material being cleaned

Assembles minor surgical instrument sets and supplies according to established guidelines or as directed

Packages supplies and sets for sterilization

Operates steam sterilizers and ultrasonic cleaner

Maintains sterility of surgical supplies and instruments through proper storage and rotation

Knowledge of sterilization methodology and microbiology as it relates to cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization in the surgical environment is preferred

Cleans hospital, hallways, medication and special diet prep areas, and satellite clinical procedure rooms in accordance with published guidelines or as directed

The candidate will perform any other duties which are deemed necessary by the Veterinary Clinical Supervisor or Chief of Clinical Medicine.

3. Observation and Records: Documents medication disbursement in writing and utilizing the electronic database were applicable

Recognize familiar medications as well familiar with standardized medical terminology and nomenclature

Able to communicate and record patient information in appropriate formats

Checks clinical medication cases for signs of abnormal behavior, illness, or injury

Records information necessary to document adequate clinical care

Reports observed findings to a veterinary technician or veterinarian.

4. Other duties as assigned to meet the goals of the Division Required Qualifications: Education: High School diploma or GED, AND

Experience: Two years of experience caring for animals in a research setting and certification by the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science at the Assistant Lab Animal Technician level (ALAT) or ability to obtain certification following 12 months of employment.

OR One year of experience caring for animals in a research setting and certification by the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science at the Lab Animal Technician level (LAT) or ability to obtain certification following 12 months of employment.

OR An equivalent combination of training, certification, and experience

Job Related Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (Competencies): Professional and service-oriented attitude

Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills

Ability to consistently interact with research investigative staff, supervisors and co-workers in a positive and contructive manner

Ability to use proper techniques to safely perform standard clinical procedures (including ability to accurately calculate medication dosages)

Possess sufficient dexterity and manual skills to safely perform (or learn to perform) basic animal husbandry and animal handling (using proper techniques)

Ability to use computer keyboard

Ability to read, write, and follow oral and written isntructions

Ability to communicate effectively in oral and/or written formats with both technical and professional staff

Registrations, Certifications and/or Licenses: Certification by the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science

OR Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT)

A valid Driver's License and the ability to drive ARRS/ONPRC vehicles on and off campus. Must be able to complete an FBI security risk assessment

Preferred Qualifications: Education: Bachelor's degree in related field preferred.

Experience: Three years of experience in the healthcare of experimental animals in a research setting and certification by the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science at the Lab Animal Technician level (LAT) or ability to obtain certification following 12 months of employment.

OR Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT)

OR An equivalent combination of training and experience.

Additional Details: WORKING CONDITIONS: Requires the ability to move unassisted through various animal housing areas located in several separate buildings, indoor and outdoor, (including covered areas that are not environmentally controlled), in order to make animal observations, perform animal husbandry tasks, handle, move, or restrain animals, collect samples, administer treatments, and perform other procedures

Includes: moving on wet and/or slick surfaces, through narrow corridors between rows of cages, and climbing stairs to corral observation platforms

Ability to work in areas where there is risk of exposure to zoonotic agents through injury, by direct contact with animals or their tissues and body fluids, or by contact with equipment contaminated by animals or their tissues and body fluids

Ability to work where there is risk of exposure to potentially hazardous chemicals and sanitizing chemicals

Schedule may include working inside an ABSL 3 facility

Normal work schedule is Tuesday - Saturday or Sunday - Thursday, 7:30am-4pm

Ability to work overtime as needed and can be mandatory when necessary

PHYSICAL DEMANDS & EQUIPMENT USAGE: Requires: Possession of a valid Driver’s License and ability to drive ARRS/ONPRC vehicles on and off campus as required

Ability to consistently interact with research investigative staff, supervisors and co-workers, in a positive and constructive manner, to provide research support in a professional manner, and with a service-oriented attitude

Ability to use proper techniques to safely perform standard clinical procedures, including ability to accurately calculate medication dosages

Possess sufficient dexterity and manual skills to safely perform (or learn to perform) basic animal husbandry and animal handling (using proper techniques)

Ability to use computer keyboard

Ability to lift and carry objects weighing up to 23 kg (50 lbs), and lift objects weighing approximately 19 kg (42 lbs) to approximately shoulder height

Ability to push and pull heavy wheeled equipment such as cage racks and loaded carts

Ability to read, write, and follow oral and written instructions

Ability to communicate effectively in oral and/or written formats with both technical and professional staff

Ability to learn computerized medical programs and perform data input

All are welcome: Oregon Health & Science University values a diverse and culturally competent workforce. We are proud of our commitment to being an equal opportunity, affirmative action organization that does not discriminate against applicants on the basis of any protected class status, including disability status and protected veteran status. Individuals with diverse backgrounds and those who promote diversity and a culture of inclusion are encouraged to apply. To request reasonable accommodation contact the Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Department at 503-494-5148 or [email protected].

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