ANML HEALTH TCHN 3 (Animal Health Technician - Primate Medicine)

The California National Primate Research Center (CNPRC) is an Organized Research Unit, which conducts interdisciplinary research programs on significant human health related problems where nonhuman primates are the animal models of choice. In addition to its major efforts in the area of research, the Primate Center is also committed to its mission of teaching and service. The role of this position is to provide medical and technical support to veterinary staff and CNPRC investigators in Primate Medicine. Employee may be required to work with animals/tissue infected with biohazardous agents such HIV/SIV virus, measles virus, and others.

Job Summary

Under the direction of Staff Veterinarians, provide medical, dental, surgical, anesthesia and technical support in the care of non-human primates. Duties include but are not limited to performing medical and dental procedures, such as x-rays, pulpotomies, pulpectomies and extractions; initiate emergency treatments; induce and maintain general anesthesia as required for surgical procedures on non-human primates; perform acute and emergency and/or critical intensive care procedures, venipuncture, catheterization, gastric or tracheal intubations and wound management; and provide technical support for procedures including endoscopy, surgery and laparoscopy. Record therapeutic orders, prescribed treatments and complete work orders for project animals. Maintain stock levels of drugs, disposable solutions and hospital supplies. Maintain equipment and surgical instruments. Maintain records on drugs usage and supplies for recharge activities; and maintain records on hospitalized animals and surgical records. Familiarity with regulations/guidelines/policies to ensure that animals are provided appropriate care to promote physical and psychological well-being and minimize discomfort.
AHT3 staff reports to the Primate Medicine Practice Manager and take assignments as directed by Practice Manager and in coordination with Area Staff Veterinarians and AHT 4 Charge Nurses who serves as Lead Technician for assigned area, which includes Hospital Services, Surgery & Anesthesia Services, and Outpatient Services. 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

• Carrying – Frequently
• Attendance - Constantly, 
• Kneeling - Occasionally, 
• Pulling - Occasionally, 
• Pushing - Occasionally, 
• Reaching - Frequently , 
• Speaking - Constantly, 
• Squatting, Stooping, Bending - Frequently, 
• Standing - Constantly, Twisting - Frequently, 
• Walking - Constantly, 
• Writing Frequently, 
• Grasp - Frequently, 
• Talk or Hear – Constantly
• 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 corncrib housing, inhalation therapy, and animal testing space.
• Substantial contact with animals, includes administering treatments and medications, restraint of animals that may weigh up to 35 lbs.
• Employee is required to work with animals/tissue that is infected with the HIV/SIV virus, or other infectious agents such as Zika, adenovirus.
• Work with large and small nonhuman primates. Substantial animal contact, which includes restrain animals (sometimes fractious) weighing up to 40 lbs.
• Work with animals that may be either naturally or experimentally infected with potentially hazardous diseases such as HIV, SIV, Herpes B virus, Zika, and adenovirus.
• Move and lift equipment/building materials weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Move and lift loaded animal transfer cages weighing up to 35 pounds and up to cage elevations 7 feet high.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• This position is subject to Medical Surveillance procedures and review in accordance with Federal and State Laws and Regulations and University Policy. Measles vaccination or proof of illness required. TB test or chest x-ray, measles vaccination or proof of illness is required prior to employment and annually thereafter.
• Must be willing to perform assigned duties in a BioSafety Level (BSL) 2 or 3 facility where non-humans primates may be either naturally or experimentally infected with potentially hazardous diseases such as HIV, SIV, or Herpes B virus.
• Required to wear protective clothing and respirator in circumstances that require personal protection from infectious diseases and animals.
• Required to work overtime includes, weekends and holidays. Staff is required to be available for on call shifts. Schedule is subject to change with only 12-24 hours notification.
• 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 License/Certification: 

• Animal Technologist (LATG) certification or American Association for laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) technician certification: Assistant Laboratory.
• Animal Technician (ALAT) or Laboratory Animal Technician (LAT). Must complete ALAT at minimum within one year of employment and willingness to complete the LATG certification program.

Minimum Education/Experience:

• Advance experience in applying veterinary nursing procedures and applied knowledge of acute medical, emergency and critical intensive care of laboratory animals. This includes venipuncture, catheterization, wound management, and orogastric intubation. Experience and applied knowledge and critical thinking skills to act independently in the triage of multiple clinical cases simultaneously in order to initiate emergency and/or critical care of animals.
• Experience with induction and maintenance of both short-term and long-term anesthesia in a veterinary and research environment with attention to project needs and clinical demands. Experience performing complex medical procedures under the guidance of veterinary staff.
• Experience performing standard veterinary medical procedures including but not limited to venipuncture, IV catheterization, gastric incubation, endotracheal or gastric intubation, wound healing management and bandaging, and initiating emergency treatments. Experience providing technical support for procedures including endoscopy, surgery and laparoscopy.
• Experience and applied knowledge to manage a digital radiology imaging system. Experience to perform advanced radiology techniques. Experience to recognize changes in physical appearance or behavior of non-human primates. Experience with applied basic pharmacology, mammalian anatomy, medical terminology, and mammalian physiology. Experience in pharmacology and controlled drug policy and practices, Good Laboratory Practices (GLP), and SOAP.

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA):

• Knowledge and training in induction and maintenance of long-term anesthesia in a veterinary or research environment with attention to project needs and clinical demands.
• Skills to perform complex medical procedures under the guidance of laboratory animal science veterinarians, such as performing veterinary medical procedures including but not limited to venipuncture, IV catheterization, gastric incubation, endotracheal or gastric intubation, wound healing management and bandaging, and initiating emergency treatments.
• Interpersonal and communication skills to interact with a diverse group of people to include, but not limited to investigators, visitors, veterinarians, residents, and students and staff.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Preferred License/Certification: 

• Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) license registered in the State of CA.

Preferred Education/Experience:             

• Experience working in an animal research facility where non-humans primates may be either naturally or experimentally infected with potentially hazardous diseases.
• Experience assessing non-human primates for physical/behavioral abnormalities.
• Experience initiating emergency medical treatment of non-human primates.
• Experience and specialization in animal (non-human primates) dental procedures, including experience in x-rays, pulpotomies, pulpectomies, extractions, and assisting in oral surgical procedures.
• 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):

• Skills 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 USDA regulations, Animal Welfare and AALAS practices and protocols pertaining to primate non-human animal models. Applied knowledge of nonhuman primate behavior, social structure, and enrichment strategies. Applied knowledge of and skill in handling and training nonhuman primates.
• Knowledge of basic computer science and ability to learn to use the computer.

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 .