Job Description: Oregon Health & Science University
Oregon Health & Science University values a diverse and culturally competent workforce. We are proud of our commitment to being an equal opportunity, affirmative action organization that does not discriminate against applicants on the basis of any protected class status, including disability status and protected veteran status. Individuals with diverse backgrounds and those who promote diversity and a culture of inclusion are encouraged to apply. To request reasonable accommodation contact the Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Department at 503-494-5148 or aaeo@ohsu.edu.
Veterinary Research/Health Technician 3
US-OR-Beaverton
Job ID: 2024-31574 Type: Regular Full-Time # of Openings: 1 Category: Veterinary Beaverton, OR
Overview
The Veterinary Research/Health Technician 3, Equipment Sanitation Technician provides research support, health care and husbandry for laboratory research animals maintained at the Oregon National Primate Research Center; performs technical procedures as required for research on a variety of laboratory research animals; provides laboratory animals with sanitized primary housing in accordance with federal regulations and guidelines (this includes cleaning, sanitizing and sterilizing animal primary housing equipment following strict protocols); provides leadership and oversight to a group of laboratory animal equipment sanitation technicians to ensure compliance with animal welfare regulatory requirements; coordinate work assignments to meet investigator and clinical veterinarian needs, overseeing timely and effective completion of tasks assigned; and, provides instruction and training to Laboratory Animal Equipment Sanitation Technicians, Veterinary Research/Health Technicians, Laboratory Animal Technicians, and research staff, in a professional manner and with a service-oriented attitude. The area of work assignment and specific tasks will vary, depending on animal population and care requirements, service requirements, staffing needs and the individuals knowledge. This position may be designated 'Lead Technician.'
Key Responsibilities & Performance Standards:
Research oriented duties: Responsible for the management, coordination and completion of a large number of tasks involving animal research to meet investigator needs while balancing the requirements of equipment sanitation. Will interact with the research staff to accomplish their needs in a professional manner, with service-oriented attitude, the ability to follow various complex research protocols and safely perform & oversee technical skills in support of a variety of investigative needs, including but not limited to venipuncture, medication dose calculations; administration of medications via intravenous, intramuscular, subcutaneous and oral routes; collection of body fluids and tissues.
Contribute to the accomplishment of DCM goals, objectives and standards, encompassing such leadership responsibilities as efficient assignments to subordinate staff, departmental growth (orientation and training of a diverse group including equipment sanitation, animal care and research staff), quality employee performance (may contribute to the completion of performance evaluations) and leadership in all areas of equipment sanitation, through leading, directing, organizing and monitoring ARRS activities and functions to ensure overall completion of tasks assigned, while ensuring service excellence. This position may participate in developing, implementing, and executing strategies and tactics to achieve optimal performance related to equipment sanitation, animal care and services to research staff. Maintain liaisons with veterinary and research staff, other ARRS affiliated units and administrative and service units at ONPRC. Maintain open communication with management about area needs to help properly maintain equipment and supplies.
Oversees cleaning, sanitization and sterilization of animal primary housing and equipment following strict protocols. Provides laboratory animals with sanitized primary housing in accordance with federal regulations and guidelines. Exchange non-human primate cages by removing animal from cage using a transfer box. Transfer animal to clean cage. Transport dirty cages and/or racks to designated wash area. Clean and sanitize cages and/or racks. Includes operation of a mechanical cage washer.
Monitor the environment in animal areas; inspect caging, equipment, floors, walls, etc., for needed repairs and safety hazards, or potential hazards to research animals and/or experimental protocols. Recognize and report problems with facilities (i.e., inappropriate room temperatures, leaking or broken water pipes, plugged drains, damaged surfaces, etc.). Report items requiring corrective action following DCM operational procedures; may complete corrective action as authorized or directed. Operate equipment, including, but not limited to, cage washers, floor scrubbers, autoclaves, pressure washers, scales and veterinary care instruments. Operate the forklift to deliver supplies (i.e. chow, produce, PPE, bedding, etc.) and caging to all DCM areas as needed
Maintain complete and appropriate records as required by Federal and State regulations and ARRS policies and guidelines. Maintain proper inventory of all caging. Complete and submit data processing forms; access and/or input information from computerized animal record files; complete inventory and supply request forms. Print and distribute daily cage reports, monthly cage tracking and monthly area task sheets. Drive DCM vehicles as necessary to transport animals to/from the airport or from vendors. Perform tasks such as care of animals in the nursery, assist with group-housed animal capture (“roundup”) and processing; in a supportive manner, assist with animal care and environmental enrichment activities (may require work on weekends, during non-regular working hours, or on an overtime basis).
Other duties as assigned, to meet the goals of the Division.
Responsibilities
Education:
High School Diploma or GED
Experience:
Four years of experience caring for animals in a research setting and certification by the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science at Lab Animal Technician level (LAT) or ability to obtain certification following 12 months of employment; OR
Three years of experience in the care of experimental animals in a research setting or certification by the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science at Lab Animal Technologist level (LATG) or ability to obtain certification following 12 months of employment; OR
An equivalent combination of training, certification and experience
Job Related Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (Competencies):
Professional and service-oriented attitude
Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills
Ability to actively and pro-actively manage multiple priorities
Ability to make independent decisions
Ability to use proper techniques to safely perform standard clinical procedures, including ability to accurately calculate medication dosages
Ability to use computer keyboard -knowledge of Microsoft Office (Excel and Word)
Ability to read, write, and follow oral and written instructions
Ability to communicate effectively in oral and/or written formats with both technical and professional staff
Registrations, Certifications and/or Licenses:
Valid Driver's License and the ability to drive DCM/ONPRC vehicles on and off campus.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in science, preferably in related field such as Animal Sciences, Biology, Physiology, etc.
3 months experience with PRIMe, which maintains copious amounts of information related to primate research and serves as a clinical and resource management system
Demonstrated prior experience in a leadership role highly preferred
