ANML HEALTH TCHN 2 (Animal Health Technician - Treatments - Primate Medicine)

The California National Primate Research Center, CNPRC at UC Davis, is an Organized Research Unit that conducts interdisciplinary research programs on significant human health problems where non-human primates is the animal of choice. In addition to its major efforts in the area of research, the CNPRC is also committed to both UC Davis and NIH missions of teaching and service.

Job Summary

Under direction of Animal Care Supervisor (RVT) and Senior Veterinarians, provide medical, basic dental and technical support in the care of non-human primates admitted to the hospital (Therapeutics Unit) and Outpatient. Perform skilled veterinary technical support including, but not limited to animal sedation, assist in minor surgical procedures, animal assessment and triage, preparation and administration of treatments, medical record documenting, research support and controlled substance monitoring. Responsible for performing medical and basic dental procedures, initiate emergency treatments; sedation of non-human primates; perform acute care procedures, venipuncture, catheterization, gastric intubation and wound management. Schedule and record work orders for prescribed treatments. Maintain stock levels of instruments, drugs, equipment, disposable solutions and supplies. Maintain records on usage of drugs and supplies for recharge activities; and records on hospitalized animals.
The incumbent will work under minimal supervision in compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, industry standards governing animal research (NIH/OLAW/AAALAC) and all safety procedures according to NIH standards and standard operating procedures (SOPs). Employee may be required to work with animals/tissues infected with HIV/SIV virus, and other experimentally used agents.

Position Information

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Provide health care technical support to nonhuman primates housed in 407,148 square feet in BSL 2-3 animal spaces that include indoor housing, outdoor field corrals, outdoor corn crib housing, inhalation therapy, and animal testing space.
• Employee is required to work with animals/tissue that is infected with the HIV/SIV virus.
• Work with large and small nonhuman primates. Substantial animal contact. Must be willing to work with animals that may be either naturally or experimentally infected with potentially hazardous diseases such as HIV, SIV, Herpes B virus and Filoviruses.
• Required to wear protective clothing and respirator in circumstances that require personal protection from infectious diseases and animals.
• The incumbent is regularly required to stand or walk; and to use hands to handle or feel objects, tools, or controls; and to reach with hands and arms. Perform diversified tasks that may require squatting, kneeling, bending, stooping, or standing up to 8 hours per day.
• Move and lift equipment/building materials weighing up to 50 lbs.
• Lift and move equipment and animals that may weigh up to 70 lbs. Handle, move, and transport animals.
• Substantial contact with animals, includes administering treatments and medications, restraint of animals that may weigh up to 35 lbs.
• Wear protective clothing for extended periods of time including: gown, coveralls, gloves, masks, PAPR, face shields, goggles, sleeves and head covers.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• This position is subject to Medical Surveillance procedures and review in accordance with Federal and State Laws and Regulations and University Policy.
• Employee shall participate in required preventative medical and medical monitoring programs which may include blood tests, immunizations, TB screening, Blood borne and Airborne Pathogen training, etc., and are provided to meet Federal, State and University requirements.
• Measles vaccination or proof of illness required.
• Perform assigned duties in BioSafety Level (BSL) 1, 2, or 3 facilities where nonhuman primates may be either naturally or experimentally infected with potentially hazardous diseases such as HIV, SIV, or Herpes B virus. Wear protective clothing and respirator in circumstances that require personal protection from infectious diseases and animals.
• Work weekends and holidays and on call shifts. Frequently work overtime. Schedule is subject to change with only 12-24 hours notification to meet department needs. Participate in weekend and holiday AHT on call coverage. Work occasional varied lunch hours.
• California National Primate Research Center employees are directly or indirectly engaged in the performance of work on Federal or State contracts and grants as well as periodically come into contact with controlled substances; and are expected to abide by the UC Policy on Substance Abuse, the Federal Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988, and the State Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1990.
• The Smoke and Tobacco Free Environment policy is intended to provide a healthier, safer, and more productive work and learning environment for the entire UC community. The University of California prohibits smoking and tobacco use at all University owned or leased properties, or facilities operated by UC staff or faculty. Smoking and tobacco use are strictly prohibited in indoor and outdoor spaces, parking lots, residential space, and University vehicles. https://ucdavispolicy.ellucid.com/documents/view/271

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Education/Experience:

• Experience providing veterinary technical support in a clinical setting including, but not limited to venipuncture, treatments, minor surgery, medicating, IV catheterization, gastric intubation, wound management, bandaging and initiating emergency treatments.
• Experience following both written and oral instructions in a veterinary or research setting.

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA):

• Knowledge of basic pharmacology, mammalian anatomy, medical terminology, and mammalian physiology.
• Skills, knowledge and ability to handle and work with non-human primates.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Preferred Certification/License:

• Current California Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) license.
• American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) technician, Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT) or (LAT).

Preferred Education/Experience:             

• Experience working as an animal health technician working with nonhuman primates in a clinical setting.
• Experience assessing non-human primates for physical /behavioral abnormalities.
• Experience initiating emergency medical treatment of laboratory animals such as non-human primates.
• Experience as an animal technician in biohazard containment procedures necessary for performance in BioSafety Level (BSL) 2 or 3 facility.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA):

• Skill to troubleshoot a diverse array of medical equipment including radiology units, automatic film processor, anesthetic machine, autoclave (sterilizer), dental equipment, digital camera, EKG machine, pulse oximeter, blood pressure monitor, nebulizer (thermo-care unit), fiberoptic endoscope and bronchoscope.
• Knowledge of basic computer sciences and the ability to utilize most standard and some specialty computer programs.
• Knowledge of USDA regulations and AALAS practices and protocols pertaining to primate non-human animal models.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Background Check

This position is a critical position and subject to a background check. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of background investigation including criminal history and identity checks. 

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging

At UC Davis, we’re solving life’s most urgent challenges to bring a fuller, healthier, and more resilient world within reach. We grow from every challenge we take on and we don’t just maintain - we improve. We recognize that creating an inclusive and intellectually vibrant organization means understanding and valuing both our individual differences and our common ground. The most comprehensive solutions come from the most diverse minds, and you belong here. As you consider joining UC Davis, please explore our Principles of Community , our Clinical Strategic Plan and strategic vision for research and education, and our latest efforts to outgrow the expected . The University of California, Davis is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status. 

For the University of California’s Affirmative Action Policy please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4010393/PPSM-20 . 

For the University of California’s Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination .