Lab Animal Technologist (Surgical)

Lab Animal Technologist (Surgical)

Job Title Lab Animal Technologist (Surgical)
Requisition Number 11-1958
Organization BIDMC Research
Division - Department 01083700E - Animal Facility
Job Category Research-RES
City Boston
State MA
Grade 06
Status Full-Time
Shift Day

Job Description
Under the direction of the Supervisor, Manager and Veterinarian provides technical assistance with large animal surgical procedures to include all pre-operative, intra-operative and post-operative monitoring of all large animal surgical patients. Duties include induction of anesthesia, catheter placement, administration of all anesthetic drugs and fluids, monitoring and recording of vital signs and recovery from anesthesia. Provides all post-operative treatments and analgesia and records these treatments in the clinical records or other departmental documents. Assists with maintaining the Sentinel Health Surveillance Program, monitors cage wash and husbandry staff, inspects animal colonies for health and wellbeing and provides treatments according to departmental standard operating procedures and Veterinarian instructions. Provides technical assistance and training with rodent procedures to include proper handling and restraint, anesthesia, bloodletting techniques and other common small animal techniques. Assists with inventory control including feed and bedding and personal protective equipment.
1. Provides technical assistance with all large animal surgical procedures. This includes induction of anesthesia, tracheal intubation, catheter placement and all related pre-operative, intra-operative and post-operative techniques. Provides all approved drugs and fluids during and after surgical procedures. Maintains all surgical records and appropriate treatment records.
2. Prepares surgical suites, anesthesia equipment and surgical instrumentation for surgical procedures. Ensures that appropriate sterile environment is achieved. Maintains inventory of supplies for operating suites and surgical prep suites. Assists with controlled drug inventory under the direction of the Supervisor or Veterinarian.
3. Monitors health and wellbeing of all animal colonies. Provides medical treatments to both large animal and small animal patients as determined by the department standard operating procedures, approved protocols or Veterinarian instruction. Records all pertinent information on required departmental forms. Reports all health conditions to the Supervisor, Manager or Veterinarian immediately.
4. Maintains the Sentinel Health Surveillance Program including obtaining samples and preparing these sample for transport to an external diagnostic laboratory according to departmental standard procedures and schedules determined by the Veterinarian. Review sample results with the Supervisor and update room entry order documents.
5. Evaluate all incoming animal orders for accuracy of name, strain, age, weight and gender. Place appropriate cage cards on each box, disinfect according to standard operating procedures for the site and place boxes outside the respective holding room. Ensure that any special instruction are relayed to the caretaker and denoted on the respective cage card. House new animals as needed.
6. Provides technical assistance and training for research and animal facility staff in commonly used techniques in accordance with department standard operating procedures. Ensures that all procedures are approved techniques in the protocol
7. Prepares cage cards for research needs. Scans, activates or deactivate cage cards according to department standard operating procedures. Monitors overcrowded cage and Temporary Wean/Separation Cards for timely collection of fees. Separates overcrowded cages as needed according to policy.
8. Monitors all supply inventories to include personal protective equipment, cage wash chemicals, feed and bedding, cylinder gases and other items needed for proper functioning of the facility. Orders supplies as needed under the direction of the Supervisor. Generates daily/weekly reports needed for recovery of expenses for use of surgical suites or technician assistance.
9. Provides weekend and Holiday coverage on a rotating basis as det
Qualifications
HS or GED and 3 years of work experience in veterinary surgical techniques AS degree in Vet Technology and 6 months of work experience in veterinary surgical techniques BS in animal science and relevant internship experience in veterinary surgical techniques AALAS Laboratory Animal Technician Certification or AALAS Laboratory Animal Certification preferred. Previous experience in assistance with research related Veterinary surgical techniques preferred
Physical Requirements:Medium-requirement exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally and or up to 20 pounds of force frequently. Job is physical in nature and employee needs to stand and/or move around through the majority of their shift.