Veterinary Technician I

SUMMARY:

The Veterinary Technician I supports the Animal Resources Department with the provision of routine health care for a variety of laboratory animal species. Performs approved veterinary technician procedures and diagnostic testing with or without direct supervision. May provide laboratory animal training and technical expertise to ARD and researchers. Assists with regular maintenance of supplies, instruments, and equipment

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Monitors & observes animal health care daily; administers medications/treatments as needed and/or as directed.
• Communicates with investigators on health status and animal colony updates.
• Performs regular health checks of animals, as well as routine health surveillance in sentinel animals which can include in-house diagnostic tests and collection/preparation of samples for outside diagnostic testing.
• Maintains clinical records on animals under veterinary care.
• Assists with semi-annual physicals/tb tests on NHP; as well as assists the Veterinarians with surgeries and follow-up veterinary care.
• Performs humane euthanasia as needed and/or as directed.
• Performs routine clinical procedures and in-house diagnostic tests which can include animal restraint, handling, examinations, blood and tissue collection, as well as collecting and preparing samples on a variety of laboratory animal species.
• Prepares, formulates, calculates, administers and documents therapeutic regimens prescribed by veterinarians.
• May provide research study support, assisting investigators with blood and tissue sampling and animal dosing.
• Assists in maintaining veterinary supplies, equipment, organization and cleanliness of procedure rooms.
• Assists veterinarians with procedures as directed, which may include necropsies.
• May provide training in laboratory animal science and Salk IACUC mandatory training requirements.
• Performs general administrative duties, which can include assisting with ARD inventory and drug usage records, as well as filing, maintaining lab reports, and documentation for maintaining regulatory compliance.
• Performs other related duties as assigned by management.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• None

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Required: Minimum one (1) year animal experience and/or RVT training through schooling
• Required: Graduation from AVMA or State of California approved animal health technician program and eligible to sit for VTNE.
• Required: basic computer skills and knowledge of Microsoft Office and Google Suite
• Preferred: One (1) year of experience in a laboratory/clinical veterinary animal facility or research facility, proficiency in anesthesia, animal husbandry, handling and restraint, blood sampling, injections and administering medications.
• Preferred: AALAS certification of ALAT or higher, RVT (or CVT/LVT).
• Must be able to work overtime and holidays as needed.
• Must be able to work assigned schedule of 6:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. with any of these shifts; Monday - Friday/ Sunday-Thursday/ Tuesday-Saturday or Wednesday-Sunday.

SALK VALUES:

• Integrity - Guides our moral compass and underpins our every action. We do what is right in all situations for no other reason than because it is right. We uphold honesty and ethical behavior and make good on our commitments. We understand that words and deeds matter and that integrity leads to trust.
• Community - Enables us to harness the power of our collective talents. We work together towards common goals. We recognize the importance of diversity where everyone's ideas, identities, backgrounds, and perspectives are valued and pave the paths that propel us forward. We understand our pioneering role in the broader scientific community and take pride in our efforts to have a positive impact on the world.
• Accountability - Keeps us focused, and keeps us honest. We are responsible not only for our own success, but the success of our teams and the entire Institute. We consider how the actions we take and the decisions we make in our own work may impact others.
• Respect - Creates the foundation of trust and brings out the best in us all. We value the experiences, identities, and feelings of those we work with, regardless of their position or their relationship to us. We provide feedback in a constructive manner, use appropriate language, and allow others to share their thoughts and ideas without fear of ridicule.
• Empowerment - Amplifies all voices and inspires the pursuit of greatness. We lift each other up, enabling us to grow continuously and live to our fullest potential. We support the expression of ideas, encourage self-advocacy, inspire confidence and recognize that an environment of mutual respect is critical to our collective success.

COMPENTENCIES:

• Attendance/Punctuality - Is consistently at work and on time; Ensures work responsibilities are covered when absent; Arrives at meetings and appointments on time.
• Dependability - Follows instructions, responds to management direction; Takes responsibility for own actions; Keeps commitments; Commits to long hours of work when necessary to reach goals; Completes tasks on time or notifies appropriate person with an alternate plan.
• Interpersonal Skills - Focuses on solving conflict, not blaming; Maintains confidentiality; Listens to others without interrupting; Keeps emotions under control; Remains open to others' ideas and tries new things.
• Safety and Security - Observes safety and security procedures; Determines appropriate action beyond guidelines; Reports potentially unsafe conditions; Uses equipment and materials properly.
• Judgement - Displays willingness to make decisions; Exhibits sound and accurate judgment; Supports and explains reasoning for decisions; Includes appropriate people in decision-making process; Makes timely decisions.
• Leadership - Exhibits confidence in self and others; Inspires and motivates others to perform well; Effectively influences actions and opinions of others; Accepts feedback from others; Gives appropriate recognition to others.
• Quality - Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; Applies feedback to improve performance; Monitors own work to ensure quality.
• Organizational Support - Follows policies and procedures; Completes administrative tasks correctly and on time; Supports organization's goals and values; Benefits organization through outside activities; Supports affirmative action and respects diversity.
• Oral Communication - Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; Listens and gets clarification; Responds well to questions; Participates in meetings.

OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH & SAFETY PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

• As a safeguard for employees and animals, all ARD employees may be subject to vaccines/tests/physical exams prior to working with specific animals or animal populations as required by research needs including but not limited to:
  
  
  
  • TB Testing/Clearance (every 12 months / once a year)
  • Hepatitis B (proof of immunization and/or vaccination)
  • Tetanus (vaccination < 10 years)
  • Diphtheria (proof of immunization and/or vaccination)
  • Measles (proof of immunization and/or vaccination)
  • Periodic physical exams (may include respirator fit test)
  • Other vaccines/tests as required by Occupational Health & Safety standards
  • Post offer physical which may include respirator fit test
  
  
  
  

The expected pay range for this position is $21.15-$25.00 per hour. Salk Institute provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of what the institute reasonably expects to pay for a position. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal equity, geographic location, and external market pay for comparable jobs.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Frequently required to stand
• Frequently required to walk
• Frequently required to sit
• Continually required to utilize hand and finger dexterity
• Frequently required to climb, balance, bend, stoop, kneel or crawl
• Continually required to talk or hear
• Occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions (non-weather)
• Occasionally works near moving mechanical parts
• Occasionally work around fumes, airborne particles, or toxic chemicals
• Frequently exposed to extreme heat or cold (non-weather)
• Frequently exposed to bloodborne and airborne pathogens or infectious materials
• While performing the duties of this job, the noise level in the work environment is usually moderate
• The employee must occasionally lift and /or move more than 30 pounds / frequently lift and/or move up to 30 pounds / continually lift and/or move up to 5 pounds
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include: Close vision; Distance vision; Color vision; Peripheral vision; Depth perception and ability to adjust focus

The Salk Institute is an internationally renowned research institution that values diversity, equity, and inclusion. We seek bold and interactive leaders passionate about exploring new frontiers in science. Our collaborative community embraces diverse perspectives and unique life experiences, fostering innovation, and a sense of belonging. Together, we strive to improve the wellbeing of humanity through groundbreaking research.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The Salk Institute for Biological Studies is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to providing equal access to opportunities for students, employees, applicants for employment and other visitors. Salk has also adopted and maintains a policy to encourage professional and respectful workplace behavior and prevent discriminatory and harassing conduct in our workplace.

Accordingly, the Institute prohibits harassment and discrimination in employment on the basis of, and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to, actual or perceived race, color, religion, religious creed (including religious dress and grooming practices), national origin, ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, medical condition (including cancer and genetic characteristics), genetic information, marital status, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, veteran and/or military status (disabled veteran, veteran of the Vietnam era, other covered veteran status), political affiliation, and any other status protected by state or federal law.