Veterinary Technician

Title: Veterinary Technician

Employee Classification: Veterinary Technician

Campus: University of North Texas Health at Fort Worth

Division: HSC-Div of Rsrch & Innovation

SubDivision-Department: HSC-Div of Rsrch & Innovation

Department: HSC-Laboratory Animal Medicine-390010

Job Location: Fort Worth

Salary: $68,004

FTE: 1.000000

Retirement Eligibility: TRS Eligible

About Us - Values Overview

Welcome to the University of North Texas System. The UNT System includes the University of North Texas in Denton and Frisco, the University of North Texas at Dallas and UNT Dallas College of Law, and University of North Texas Health Fort Worth. We are the only university system based exclusively in the robust Dallas-Fort Worth region. We are growing with the North Texas region, employing more than 14,000 employees, educating a record 49,000+ students across our system, and awarding nearly 12,000 degrees each year.


We are one team comprised of individuals who are committed to excellence, curiosity and innovation. We are transforming lives and creating economic opportunity through education. We champion a people-first values-based culture where We Care about each other and those we serve. We believe that we are Better Together because we foster an environment of respect, belonging, and access for all. We demonstrate Courageous Integrity through setting exceptional standards and acting in the best interest of our communities. We are encouraged to Be Curious about opportunities for learning, creating, discovering, and innovating, and are encouraged to learn from failure. Show Your Fire by joining our team and exhibiting your passion and pride in your work as part of our UNT System team.


Learn more about the UNT System and how we live our values at

Department Summary

The Department of Laboratory Animal Medicine (DLAM) is committed to providing UNT Health faculty, staff, students and other partners with high quality, cost-effective research bio-resources. DLAM has a dedicated and experienced staff that contributes to the HSC's exemplary program of animal care and use. DLAM provides veterinary and personnel training and expertise in laboratory animal medicine and technology.

DLAM is dedicated to support the University's research and teaching goals, to promote and assure humane care and use of animals through compliance with the Animal Welfare Act, Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare, Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care (AAALAC) International and University policies for the humane care and use of animals.

DLAM advises and educates researchers, staff, students and other professionals on animal experimentation issues and promotes best practices for the responsible use of animals.

Position Overview

The Veterinary Technician supports the health, welfare, and responsible use of animals in biomedical research under the care of the Department of Laboratory Animal Medicine. The position provides technical support, training, and accurate documentation while maintaining the integrity of research studies and the highest standards of humane animal care and use. The Veterinary Technician works collaboratively and communicates effectively with veterinary, animal husbandry, research, and administrative staff.

Minimum Qualifications

Registered Veterinary Technician certification and (5) years related experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Ability to achieve LAT or LATG certification within (2) two years.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Skill in completing assignments accurately and with attention to detail.
• Ability to communicate effectively in both oral and written form.
• Ability to work successfully as a member of a team and independently with moderate supervision.
• Skill in using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
• Ability to tell when something is wrong or likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
• Skill in selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
• Ability to react quickly and calmly in emergency situations.
• Knowledge of, or ability to learn, policies, procedures, and guidelines established by professional organizations and/or governing agencies.

Preferred Qualifications

Completion of an AVMA-accredited vet tech program and RVT (or equivalent) certification.

Required License/Registration/Certifications

Registered Veterinary Technician certification and five years related experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience. Ability to achieve LAT or LATG certification within two years.

Job Duties

• Veterinary Care Maintain an understanding of approved research studies and protocols so animals receive appropriate care while research integrity is preserved.
• Learn how study procedures and genetic manipulations may affect animal health. Must be familiar with and comply with regulatory bodies (e.g. USDA, OLAW, etc.), (e.g. AWA/AWR, PHS Policy, etc.) and guidelines (e.g. The Guide) related to the field.
• Using independent judgment and established standards of care, assess animal health and pain, respond proactively, and provide or coordinate appropriate treatment under veterinary direction.
• Administer medications by oral, subcutaneous, intramuscular, intravenous, and other approved routes.
• Perform regular daily clinical rounds to monitor ongoing treatments, health concerns, and post-operative recovery; provide emergency care as needed or directed.
• Prepare animals for and assist with veterinary medical and surgical procedures, including anesthesia preparation, monitoring and recovery, , wound management, and euthanasia.
• Perform examinations and coordinate routine maintenance tasks (i.e. nail trims, bathing, hair brushing, etc.) for applicable species.
• Obtain fluid or tissue samples, , process diagnostic samples in-house, and prepare samples for outside laboratory submission.
• Maintain accurate and timely medical, treatment, intake, housing, enrichment, and electronic records; routinely review all records for completeness and accuracy. Use and maintain veterinary equipment, which may include anesthesia machines, ventilators, infusion and syringe pumps, stereotaxis equipment, suction, warming devices, and microscopes.
• Maintain pharmacy and clinical supplies, including dispensing pharmaceuticals, ordering and stocking supplies, maintaining controlled substance records, preparing and autoclaving instrument packs, and keeping clinical areas clean and organized.
• Participate in scheduled weekend and holiday coverage and support the veterinarian on call as assigned.
• Provide husbandry coverage when operationally needed, including daily animal health observations, feeding and watering, cage changes, cage wash, sanitation, and related documentation.
• Perform technical services that may include anesthesia preparation, monitoring and recovery; breeding colony support; animal identification; injections; sedation; euthanasia; tissue collection; and other approved procedures.
• Document time spent accurately for treatments, supplies, and technical services for billing purposes.
• 10% - Training Assist in trainings for departmental staff, research personnel, students.
• Provide regularly scheduled or special-request instruction on restraint, identification, injections, tissue collection, anesthesia, asepsis, safety, clinical assessment, euthanasia, and other techniques necessary to support animal welfare and quality research.
• 5% - Regulatory and accreditation support Prepare for and assist departmental leadership during AAALAC International, USDA, IACUC, and other regulatory or oversight visits.
• Follow applicable regulations, policies, institutional procedures, and occupational health and safety requirements; identify and communicate potential compliance concerns.

Physical Requirements

• Operating motor vehicles or heavy equipment.
• Repeating motions that may include the wrists, hands and/or fingers.
• Moving about to accomplish tasks or moving from one worksite to another.
• Moving self in various positions to perform tasks in tight and confined spaces.
• Lifting and Moving objects up to 50 pounds.
• Communicating with others to exchange information.
• Ascending or descending ladders, stairs, scaffolding, ramps, poles, and the like.

Environmental Hazards

• Small and/or enclosed spaces.
• Work with toxic or caustic chemicals.
• Noisy environments.
• Exposure to fumes or airborne particles.
• Exposure to moving mechanical parts or vibration.

Work Schedule

M-F 8:00AM to 5:00PM, some rotating weekend on call duties

Driving University Vehicle

No

Security Sensitive

This is a Security Sensitive Position.

Special Instructions

Applicants must submit a minimum of two professional references as part of their application. If needed, additional references can be added after the application has been submitted.

Benefits

For information regarding our Benefits, click here.

EEO Statement

The University of North Texas System is firmly committed to equal opportunity and does not permit -and takes actions to prevent - discrimination, harassment (including sexual violence, domestic violence, dating violence and stalking), and retaliation on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, or veteran status in its application, employment practices, and facilities; nor permits race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, veteran status, or sex discrimination and harassment in its admissions processes, and educational programs and activities. UNT System Administration promptly investigates complaints of discrimination, harassment, and related retaliation and takes remedial action when appropriate. System Administration also takes actions to prevent retaliation against individuals who oppose any form of harassment or discriminatory practice, file a charge or report, or testify, assist, or participate in a related investigation or proceeding.