Veterinary and Recovery Technician

Job Description

Job Description

Description:

The Veterinary and Recovery Technician is primarily responsible for performing clinical observations, administering medications and treatments, supporting in-life study activities, and providing post-operative monitoring and recovery care for research animals. This position works closely with veterinarians, Study Directors, research personnel, and surgical teams to ensure animal health and welfare and the accurate execution of study requirements.

This role is a full-time onsite opportunity in our Brooklyn Park location. This is a 1st shift Monday-Friday role with occasional flex outside of core hours as studies require. ERG offers comprehensive medical, dental and vision benefits with a generous additional HSA company contribution, 401K matching, and PTO. Salary range for this role is competitive within the med/tech Twin Cities Market.

The technician must accurately document all activities and promptly report abnormal clinical findings or changes in an animal’s condition. All work must be performed in accordance with approved study protocols, veterinary instructions, institutional Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), animal welfare requirements, and applicable regulatory standards

Key Responsibilities:

Perform and accurately document clinical observations, including assessments of behavior, activity, appetite, hydration, incision sites, mobility, and overall health status. 

Promptly communicate abnormal findings, changes in an animal’s condition, or potential animal welfare concerns to the veterinarian and other designated study personnel. 

Administer medications, treatments, and injections by approved routes in accordance with study protocols, veterinary instructions, and applicable SOPs. 

Accurately document medication and treatment details.

Monitor animals during post-operative recovery and provide post-operative supportive care.

Recognize signs of pain, distress, delayed recovery, or other complications and immediately notify the veterinarian or appropriate study personnel. 

Support in-life study activities, including animal handling and restraint, body weights, physical assessments, sample collection, dosing, treatment administration, and other protocol-required procedures. 

Assist veterinarians and research personnel with examinations, treatments, diagnostic procedures, and scheduled study activities. 

Prepare animals, supplies, medications, and equipment for in-life procedures and surgical recovery activities. 

Review study protocols, treatment plans, and applicable forms to ensure assigned activities are completed accurately and within the required timeframes. 

Assist with routine animal care and husbandry activities when necessary to support animal welfare and study needs. 

Perform other related duties as assigned based on operational and study needs. 

Requirements:

Education/Experience:

Associate or bachelor’s degree in animal science, veterinary technology, biology, laboratory animal science, or a related field is preferred. 

Previous experience in veterinary medicine, laboratory animal care, surgical recovery, or in-life research activities is preferred. 

Laboratory animal certification, such as Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT), Laboratory Animal Technician (LAT), or Laboratory Animal Technologist (LATG), is preferred. 

Credentialing as a Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT), Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT), or Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) is preferred but not required. 

Technical Experience/Knowledge:

Knowledge of animal behavior, clinical assessment, medication administration, and general animal care. 

Experience administering medications or injections using approved routes. 

Ability to monitor animals during anesthesia recovery and recognize signs of pain, distress, complications, or delayed recovery. 

Basic understanding of laboratory animal science and research principles. 

Knowledge of Good Laboratory Practice regulations and The Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals is preferred. 

Strong attention to detail and demonstrated ability to follow study protocols, veterinary instructions, and SOPs. 

Ability to maintain accurate and contemporaneous records using Good Documentation Practices. 

Strong communication and teamwork skills. 

Ability to prioritize responsibilities and respond appropriately to urgent animal health or welfare concerns. 

Basic computer skills, including experience with Microsoft Outlook and electronic recordkeeping systems. 

Physical Requirements / Working Conditions: 

Ability to lift and carry up to 75 pounds, with assistance or lifting equipment when appropriate. 

Frequent standing, walking, bending, reaching, crouching, and kneeling throughout the workday. 

Ability to push and pull carts and maneuver animals, supplies, and equipment safely. 

Manual dexterity sufficient for animal handling, medication preparation and administration, sample collection, and operation of clinical equipment. 

Ability to work safely around research animals of various sizes and species. 

Ability to work in environments that may be hot, humid, cold, wet, or noisy. 

Ability to wear required personal protective equipment, including gowns, gloves, face shields, masks, and respirators when applicable. 

Willingness and ability to work occasional evenings, weekends, holidays, or on-call shifts based on animal care and study requirements.