Senior Veterinary Technician

Under the direction of supervisor and veterinary staff, maintain and monitor the health and physical environment of Charles River or external customer animals involving complex instructions and requiring technical expertise. Assist in the documentation and triage of all laboratory animal health cases. May perform technical in-life procedures. 
 

RESPONSIBILITIES:   

• Coordinate and execute veterinary care procedures and tasks to maximize veterinary staff capability
• Perform all skills and task required of subordinate level Veterinarian Technician roles
• Assist in managing environmental enrichment program 
• Demonstrate leadership in developing pilot programs on new veterinary technical initiatives
• Document and triage animal health cases noted by technical staff and/or Attending Veterinarian
• Conduct regular clinical rounds and routine health monitoring and examinations, and implement preventative measures in support of and accordance with the requirements of the research program
• Investigate staff reports of adverse animal health issues and conditions. Recommend, administer, and record routine treatment of animals. Generate summary reports.
• Perform and document appropriate clinical observations. Ensure corrective actions for health or welfare issues are developed and implemented in accordance with the research programs  
• Notify appropriate personnel of conditions indicative of pain and distress or abnormal findings that could compromise studies
• Perform minor and more advanced surgical procedures, suturing, routine dentistry, anesthesia monitoring. Perform surgical site observation for post-op cases
• Perform routine veterinary technical and husbandry skills including the following:
  • Routine physical exams
  • Administration of various therapeutic measures by IV, IM, SQ, topical, oral routes, etc.
  • Bandage/wrapping technique
  • Venipuncture techniques 
  • Vaginal swabs
  • Proficient animal restraint techniques
  • Monitor critical care animals (i.e., place IVs, monitor fluids, etc.). 
• Generate animal treatment records and perform, track and schedule follow-ups
• Work with other departments to schedule veterinary tasks and facilitate cross-training/ shadowing
• Create, modify, or edit training plans based on veterinary needs, new techniques, and procedures, and/or method based on veterinary input and literature
• Coordinate training and development needs of assigned staff
• Model effective time management, communication, and resource utilization.
• Ensure medical records are accurate, complete and in appropriate order for each animal in accordance with study and regulatory requirements.  
• Provide input into the creation/revision of SOPs and assist in implementation and training of new SOPs. 
• May act as team leader for less experienced technical staff and other laboratory personnel.   
• Assist in keeping inventory and stocking the vet rooms (i.e., drugs and supplies). Assist in organizing and maintaining the vet exam rooms. 
• May be responsible for tissue sampling, routine animal manipulations and administration of fluids or other treatments as required. 
• May perform routine technical and husbandry functions (general housekeeping) and must adhere to safety procedures. 

Compensation:  $29-$35/hr. Please note that compensation varies based on factors including, but not limited to, experience, skills, education, and certifications. 

Education:

• Graduate of a collegiate veterinary technology program accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Training Activities or equivalent program in veterinary technology, strongly preferred.
• A four-year degree in a relevant life science (e.g. Animal Science, Biology or Veterinary Technology) may be considered.

Experience:

• Five or more (5+) years of related experience working with animals in a pre-clinical laboratory.
• Four or more (4+) years of experience working with Nonhuman Primates is preferred.

An equivalent combination of education and experience may be accepted as a satisfactory substitute for the specific education and experience listed above.

Certification/Licensure:  

• LVT license or CVT/RVT certification, or a four-year degree in a relevant life science (e.g. Animal Science, Biology or Veterinary Technology) required.
• AALAS LATG certification required.

Other:

• Must have demonstrated technical expertise with a variety of animal species with a focus on USDA covered species to include rabbits, nonhuman primates, dogs, pigs, and small ruminants.
• Experience working in a regulatory controlled environment, adhering to SOP's.
• Excellent organizational skills, especially in time management and record keeping.
• Demonstrated analytical and problem solving skills. Ability to lead and work independently.
• Must be proficient in the use of computers (Microsoft Office Suite).
• Must be able to work independently.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• This position may require weekend, holiday, and/or on call shifts. 

Physical Demands

• Must be able to lift, move, manipulate, and/or hold heavy objects up to and including 50 pounds; this includes work materials, equipment, and/or animals. 
• Must be able to perform procedures, which require, talking, hearing, standing or sitting for long periods of time, entering data into a computer, using appropriate instruments, reaching with hands and arms, working in narrow spaces, and wearing safety equipment (PPE) according to OSHA regulations and company standards. 
• Must be able to frequently firmly hold species while utilizing fine motor skills.   
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. 

Work Environment:

• Works in a research environment, which requires use of sharp objects, working around mechanical parts, working with or near known or unknown toxic or caustic chemicals and/or biological hazards, exposure to fumes and airborne particles, working at noise levels ranging from moderate to loud. 
• Regularly works with live animals with risk of exposure to allergens, zoonotic disease, and biohazards.   
• The noise level in the work environment ranges from low to high depending upon the species housed.