Veterinary Technician II-Surgery (NIH/DVR, Bethesda, MD)

JOB TITLE: Veterinary Technician II – Surgery Summary Under the direction of Contract Management and the Facility Veterinarian, the Veterinary Technician shall primarily be responsible for preparing the surgical suite aseptically, monitoring animals pre- and post-surgery, preparing animals for surgery, operating anesthesia equipment, monitoring vital signs and assisting the surgeon. This person must be knowledgeable of Veterinary Medical terminology and trained in animal treatment and care. In addition, this position requires completion and management of medical records. Requirements Employee must have a high school diploma and preferably be certified through the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science as a Laboratory Animal Technician (LAT) or hold an Associate Arts Degree in Veterinary Technology and experience working with animals in biomedical research preferable or companion animal practice and be eligible to take the LAT certification. Duties Communicate with the Attending Veterinarian and Researchers to better care for animals and provide services to the customers. Aseptically set up and maintain a surgical suite. Monitor animals (to include pigs, dogs, non-human primates, rabbits, rat, and mice) before, during and after surgery. Operate anesthesia equipment (mechanical ventilators, ECG, capnography, pulse oximeter, non-invasive and invasive blood pressure, temperature, heart rate and respiratory rate). Prepare animals for surgery (placing IV catheters, endotracheal tubes, shaving/cleaning surgical area, and aseptically cleaning surgical area). Perform body and dental radiographs. Provide pre- and post-monitoring of vital signs (respiration, heart rate, body temperature, etc.) of animals scheduled for surgical procedures. Assist Veterinarian with examination and procedures. Prepare and sterilize surgical equipment (Steam, Flash, and Ethylene Oxide). Use biological and chemical indicators to monitor the sterilization process. Maintain all rooms with stocked supplies. Assist with the monitoring and ordering of supplies. Completion and management of electronic medical records (DVMax). Ensure that proper veterinary care and treatment for NIH/DVR animals is maintained. Administer drugs or treatments to animals, as directed, including the calculation of dosage, and recording of drug use in Controlled Drug logs or animal clinical records. Assure that procedures and practices involving the program of animal care are appropriate for the continued maintenance of AAALAC accreditation of the NIH animal facility. Assist, when requested, in experimental planning and logistics/scheduling requirements. Ensure all safety requirements are met. Identify and report potential problem areas related to animal use, care, or health, or problems with facilities or equipment which might be hazard to animals or personnel. Ensure that records, logbook, and other clinical and project records are appropriately and contemporaneously maintained. Compliance with the QA/QC program. Maintain a current knowledge of existing and proposed laws, regulations, and guidelines affecting the care and use of animals at the NIH. Maintain a broad general knowledge and competence in lab animal science husbandry, technical procedures, and facility management. All other duties as assigned.

SKILLS/KNOWLEDGE

Handling and manipulating animals Literate in written and spoken English Experience in an animal facility or previous skills working in a Veterinary Clinic. Knowledgeable in PC applications including word documents and spreadsheets #J-18808-Ljbffr Priority One Services