Veterinary Technology II

Job Summary:

To provide routine and specialized care for a wide variety of species of large and small laboratory animals which are used by scientists for biomedical research and education in the Schools of Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, and Nursing at the University of Colorado Denver | Anschutz Medical Campus.

Key Responsibilities:

• Consult with research personnel to accommodate any investigator needs such as:
  • scheduling use of procedure rooms and/or surgical rooms to research personnel;
  • reserving of equipment needed by research personnel (anesthesia table, scales, etc.);
  • providing technical services upon request of research personnel examples include: individualized training sessions
  • assistance with anesthesia (induction and monitoring of both large and small animals); organ, blood and tissue collection; administering experimental agents; animal  euthanasia
  • collection of postmortem tissues for evaluation; surgical assistance; etc.
• Operate as a lead technician by coordinating activities of other veterinary technicians which may include training (to include OLAR staff, research personnel and students), activities in the surgical area, and investigator research procedures.
• Assess, plan, implement, and evaluate projects assigned that involves leading others within the veterinary group and from other groups within OLAR. 
• Examples could include environmental bacteriological monitoring, inventory management, and training.
• Evaluate established work processes for inefficiencies and inconsistencies, such as animal ordering or sentinel collection.
• Recommend and implement assessable solutions. Monitor the progress of the assigned work area by ensuring that all SOPs are being followed.
• Assist the Veterinary Technician Supervisor with the schedule and coordination to ensure that everything at one facility gets done on the correct day. 
• Assign and adjust coverage for their assigned area to accommodate employee absences. Mentor/train others regarding all aspects of this position, provide input into areas covered by performance plans, and provide feedback to supervisor to prepare evaluations. 
• Make recommendations as to how the veterinary technician area will operate to include when additional staff coverage is needed, more efficient procedures (animal and technical), and changes to forms used daily at work. Monitor and maintain any animal housing areas and support rooms assigned to include performing veterinary checks, triaging animal health issues, and performing treatments of animals as directed by a veterinarian or as described in the IACUC protocol.
• Communicate with research personnel regarding animal health issues.
• Perform physical examinations on large animals.
• Perform audits to ensure appropriate documentation of all veterinary activities is conducted and maintained to include animal health records, treatment sheets, anesthesia records, sick or injured animal records.
• Create charge sheets for support provided to research personnel. Perform diagnostic laboratory evaluations and tests in the areas of hematology, parasitology, serology, microbiology, cytology, and clinical pathology.
• Perform proper techniques for: sample collection, handling of diagnostic samples and equipment (examples include:
  • parasitology sample collection and evaluation
  • serology sample collection and shipment to various diagnostic laboratories; creating diagnostic reports
  • filing of all diagnostic related paperwork; and the “Sentinel” program) of the work unit.
• Create diagnostic records and billing for appropriate tech time spent on diagnostic services.
• Monitor and perform diagnostic testing involved in the transfer of animals between facilities or rooms within OLAR facilities.
• Consult with a veterinarian regarding treatments and euthanasia and perform treatments as prescribed. Make judgments about treating animals without permission (from the investigator) in an “emergency” situation or after communication attempts (with the investigator) have been repeatedly unsuccessful while working under the authority of a veterinarian. Drive a university vehicle occasionally as needed.

Work Location:

Onsite – this role is expected to work onsite and is located in Aurora, CO. 

Why Join Us:

CU Denver | Anschutz is an AAALAC-accredited, OLAW assured institution that is in the top 25 of NIH-funded universities. We provide veterinary care for a wide variety of species and areas of research. We value teamwork, personal well-being, high standards of animal care, teaching, and service to the university and national field.  The University of Colorado offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes health insurance, life insurance, retirement plans, tuition benefits, ECO pass, paid time off – vacation, sick, and holidays and more. To see what benefits are available, please visit: https://www.cu.edu/employee-services/benefits-wellness .

Diversity and Equity:

The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus is committed to recruiting and supporting a diverse student body, faculty and administrative staff. The university strives to promote a culture of inclusiveness, respect, communication and understanding. We encourage applications from women, ethnic minorities, persons with disabilities, persons within the LGBTQ+ community and all veterans. The University of Colorado is committed to diversity and equality in education and employment.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:

• Four years’ experience in a research animal facility working in a technical capacity with animals. 

Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire.

A combination of education and related technical/paraprofessional experience may be substituted for the bachelor’s degree on a year for year basis.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with an associate’s degree in veterinary/animal health technology
• Experience assisting in animal surgery, administering anesthesia to animals and/or performing veterinary surgery.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Effective written and oral communication skills, in English
• Ability to enter data in a database and manage an email account.
• Ability to handle rodents.
• Ability to perform anesthesia on animals.
• Knowledge of an animal research facility.
• Ability to maintain an activity log.
• Ability to work with complex machinery.
• Planning and organization skills.
• Mechanical and physical ability.
• Able to teach and lead others by example.

How to Apply:

For full consideration, please submit the following document(s):

1.     A Cover Letter describing relevant job experiences as they relate to listed job qualifications and interest in the position.

2.     Three references, including name, address, phone number (mobile number if appropriate), and email address.

Questions should be directed to: Maria Montero, [email protected]

Screening of Applications Begins:

Immediately and continues until position is filled. For best consideration, apply by March 20, 2024.

Anticipated Pay Range:

The starting salary range (or hiring range ) for this position has been established as $48,600 - $53,600.

The above salary range (or hiring range ) represents the University’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting. This position may be eligible for overtime compensation, depending on the level.

Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. The University of Colorado provides generous leave, health plans and retirement contributions that add to your bottom line.

Total Compensation Calculator: http://www.cu.edu/node/153125

ADA Statement:

The University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities throughout the employment application process. To request an accommodation pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact the Human Resources ADA Coordinator at [email protected] ​.

Background Check Statement:

The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus is dedicated to ensuring a safe and secure environment for our faculty, staff, students and visitors. To assist in achieving that goal, we conduct background investigations for all prospective employees.

Vaccination Statement:

CU Anschutz strongly encourages vaccination against the COVID-19 virus and other vaccine preventable diseases . If you work, visit, or volunteer in healthcare facilities or clinics operated by our affiliated hospital or clinical partners or by CU Anschutz, you will be required to comply with the vaccination and medical surveillance policies of the facilities or clinics where you work, visit, or volunteer, respectively. In addition, if you work in certain research areas or perform certain safety sensitive job duties, you must enroll in the occupational health medical surveillance program .