Veterinarian Technician I

Rhesus Nonhuman Primate Colony Technician

Works closely with the rhesus veterinary staff in supporting the rhesus nonhuman primate colonies in Alice, TX. Monitors rhesus colony animal health and welfare working closely with NHP colony veterinarian, breeding coordinators, behavioral staff and animal care technicians.

Responsibilities include:

• Manages the NHP breeding colony clinical cases (Treat in Place Initiative) in coordination with the colony veterinarian(s).
• Coordinates all nursery activities including training, feeding, scheduling, husbandry, sanitation, etc.
• Primary nursery technician e.g. daily infant care
• Maintains upkeep of the nursery, nursery equipment and the nursery support space.
• Ensures nursery and clinical record documentation/data is accurate through review, follow-up and correction of errors on a regular basis.
• Leads the Foster-Mentor Program for rhesus orphans.
• Socializes animals (group or pair housing) according to animal welfare requirements and assists with behavioral assessments.
• Handles and restrains animals using positive reinforcement techniques for routine animal handling tasks.
• Leads training initiatives e.g. nursery care, colony animal observations, technical procedures, etc.
• Provides mentorship, training and guidance for less experienced staff.
• Participates in internal and external audits.
• Performs assessments and physical examinations.
• Perform non-invasive surgeries with veterinary support.
• Administers therapeutic modalities such as medications, fluid therapy, safe application of external heart source, etc.
• Assists with dental procedures, such as routine cleaning and/or extractions.
• Monitors anesthesia and recovery.
• Obtains and submits diagnostic samples to the laboratory.
• Assists other departments as needed e.g. behavior, hospital, shipping and quarantine.
• Participates in and provides feedback for special projects when required by management.
• Performs any rhesus-related activities as needed (i.e. behavioral observations, processing, etc.).
• Effectively applies knowledge of regulatory requirements, guidelines and SOP's.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor or Associates degree in Life Sciences, Associate degree in Laboratory Animal Technology, Associate degree in Veterinary Technology, Registered Vet Tech or Certified Vet Tech with a minimum of six months experience. Experience may be substituted for education requirements.
• AALAS certification at the Laboratory Animal Technologist level desirable.
• Proficient with Microsoft Word and Excel.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Six months of experience in a laboratory or veterinary setting preferred.
• Knowledge of anatomic and physiologic variations in lab animals, animal husbandry, behavior, feeding, nutrition, diseases, and reproduction.
• Ability to effectively interact with staff and clients.
• Skilled in concise writing and intermediate level computer operations.
• Ability to accurately read, record, and communicate information.
• Must have good interpersonal communication skills.
• Must be able to multi-task and prioritize conflicting deadlines.

Working Conditions:

• Overtime and weekend work required.
• Mandatory immunizations and screening as required.
• May work with potentially hazardous substances not limited to known/potential teratogens or carcinogens.

Salary will be commensurate with experience and responsibilities. Benefits include health and dental coverage, short- and long-term disability, paid time off, paid parental leave, 401K, and more!

Inotiv is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is our policy to provide a fair and equal employment opportunity to all persons, regardless of age, race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by law. This policy governs all aspects of employment, including selection, job assignment, compensation, discipline, termination and access to benefits and training.