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Office of Research & Innovation, Division of Animal Resources invites applicants to apply for an outstanding opportunity to join our Veterinary Team as a Licensed Veterinary Technician. Our scientists, faculty, researchers, students and staff advance transdisciplinary innovation to enrich the human experience, improve society, optimize health, and support sustainable environments. 

Benefits: All full-time university staff are eligible for VCU’s robust benefits package that includes comprehensive health benefits, paid annual and holiday leave granted up front, generous tuition benefits, retirement planning and savings options, tax-deferred annuity and cash match programs, employee discounts, well-being resources, abundant opportunities for career development and advancement, and more.

Duties & Responsibilities:

Summary:

The primary role of this position is to provide clinical and technical support for the veterinary care program of the Division of Animal Resources (DAR). Clinical support includes providing assistance to the staff veterinarians and research staff with surgical or medical procedures or independently performing clinical procedures in consultation with the staff veterinarians. The candidate will perform daily health rounds, ensuring that all the animals under his/her care are monitored to detect signs of illness or distress. The veterinary technician will be responsible for maintaining animal health records and using the health observation system and/or phone to communicate with research staff about care recommendations, follow-up treatment or actions.  The candidate must have knowledge and skills in administering and monitoring anesthesia; troubleshooting anesthetic complications and equipment to actively participate in a rotating anesthesia technical services offered. The prospective employee will collaboratively participate in leading small group hands-on training classes and veterinary surgical observations.  Veterinary observations require reading the approved protocol and scheduling a time to assess the techniques listed to ensure they meet applicable veterinary standards of care. Other duties include managing delegated DAR-maintained spaces, such as surgical suites, procedural spaces, the pharmacy, controlled substance logs, and equipment including scheduling, cleaning, and maintenance. While the duties are performed primarily during normal business hours Monday through Friday, the veterinary technician will participate in a rotating on-call weekend and holiday schedule or assigned in advance based on the needs. The ideal candidate will have excellent organizational skills and a basic understanding of animal research. In return, the department will provide training in all required techniques and foster a supportive working environment.

Minimum Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to work in and foster an environment of respect, professionalism and civility with a population of faculty, staff, and students from all backgrounds and experiences, or a commitment to do so as a staff member at VCU.

• Bachelor of Applied Science in Veterinary Technology or Associate’s Degree in Applied Science in Veterinary Technology.

• Must have current Veterinary Technician license in the state of Virginia.

• Must have knowledge and skills in: humane handling of animals, recognition of signs of disease and distress across a wide variety of species.

• Knowledge of administration of medications, collection of diagnostic specimens (including blood),  anesthesia administration, performance of aseptic clinical procedures and surgical support.

• Knowledge of performing radiographic techniques and basic laboratory diagnostic procedures.

• Ability to train and offer support to researchers and DAR care staff.

• Ability to listen and communicate professionally and effectively in person, over the phone, and via email.

• Demonstrate experience working in and fostering an environment of respect, professionalism and civility with a population of faculty, staff, and students from various backgrounds and experiences, or a commitment to do so as a staff member at VCU.

• Ability to maintain accuracy and attention  to detail while completing tasks in an organized  and timely manner.

Preferred Qualifications

• At least two years of recent experience in clinical veterinary medicine, referral, emergency, or specialty practice.

• Experience working with exotics or in a research animal facility.

• American Association of Laboratory Animal Science certification or willingness to obtain.

• Knowledge of  policies and procedures set by the regulatory and accrediting agencies.

Unit: VP Research 

Department: Animal Care Facility

Salary Range:$60,000 - $66,000 (commensurate with experience)

Sign On Bonus: $2,500

FLSA Exemption Status: Non-Exempt

Hours per Week: 40

Restricted Position: Yes

ORP Eligible: No

Flexible Work Arrangement: Fully Onsite

Contact Information:
Contact Name: Niki Boyd
Contact Email: tsboyd@vcu.edu