Veterinary Care Generalist/Veterinary Technician I - Animal Care Program

Veterinary Care Generalist Job Summary Under the direction of the Animal Care Program (ACP) assigned supervisor, this position will provide standard paramedical support, and nursing care for research and teaching animals in ACP operated animal facilities and University of Illinois agricultural animal facilities. This position will also support pharmacy operations, health surveillance, training, and sanitation monitoring programs for ACP facilities. Assist principal investigators with research protocolsand veterinarians and farm staff with health monitoring and technical procedures at the animal units; providegeneral support to help the agricultural facilitiesmaintain compliance with the Ag Guide, University policies, and current standards of care. Duties Responsibilities Laboratory Animal Care Provide standard paramedical support for laboratory animal species housed in the Animal Care Program operated facilities, including but not limited to: a. assisting ACP Veterinary staff in performing initial and recheck health assessments. b. handling and restraining animals as directed. c. collecting biological samples such as: blood, fecal and urine samples for laboratory analysis d. administering medications and treatments as directed by the ACP veterinarians. e. performing effective and humane euthanasia per species specific guidelines f. observing animals for overt signs of disease an effective evaluation of health status g. assist with preparing, monitoring, and assisting with, surgical prep and postoperative care to a variety of animal species for surgical procedures. h. performing procedures (such as dentals) under the direct supervision of ACP veterinary staff i. assists in the rodent health surveillance and sanitation monitoring programs, including proper collection and processing of samples, maintaining appropriate records. j. assist with providing training for research staff, students, and staff employees. k. appropriate administration and record-keeping for controlled substances. l. Provide backup paramedical support as needed to the ACP Ag Office for agricultural species housed in university operated facilities. Performs other related duties as assigned. May be required to work holidays and possible rotating weekend on-call assignments. Minimum Qualifications Successful completion or current enrollment in the final semester of a veterinary technology program accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association(AVMA). Preferred Qualifications 1. Current certification as a licensed Veterinary Technician in the State of Illinois. 2. Maintains a valid driver’s license in the State of Illinois Knowledge, Skills and Abilities 1.Willingness and ability to work with laboratory and agricultural animal species, especially swine. 2. Ability to work effectively with others. 3. Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions or materials. 4. Ability to maintain records. 5. Ability to apply arithmetic skills. 6. Ability to detect marked signs of illness. 7. Ability to provide care for animals, including safe handling, feeding, and restraining of animals.