Veterinary Technician I - PESMOA DLAR

Join the HJF Team!

HJF is seeking a Veterinary Technician I who is responsible for providing the daily care of research animals and assisting with research projects as directed by the Principal Investigator and/or supervisor. First of three levels of Veterinary Technicians.

This position will be in support of Uniformed Services University (USU) Department of Laboratory Animal Resources (DLAR).

The Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine (HJF) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing military medicine. We serve military, medical, academic and government clients by administering, managing and supporting preeminent scientific programs that benefit members of the armed forces and civilians alike. Since its founding in 1983, HJF has served as a vital link between the military medical community and its federal and private partners. HJF's support and administrative capabilities allow military medical researchers and clinicians to maintain their scientific focus and accomplish their research goals.

• Performs various procedures at animal facilities under the supervision of the Attending Veterinarian or designated Clinical Veterinarian and supports the Department of Laboratory Animal Resources (DLAR) staff in their activities while conducting research project related procedures.
• Performs animal health rounds, administration of treatments as prescribed, provides social/environmental animal enrichment, collection of biological samples, submit samples to commercial laboratory for processing/analysis, anesthesia support, surgery support, animal restraint, euthanasia, necropsy, and other duties as assigned.
• Participates in research projects by collecting and organizing animal related and experimental data such as periods of morbidity and supportive care, which may include antibiotics, other drugs, as well as blood product administration, and monitors experimental animals closely daily.
• Maintains animal health records and/or electronic database.
• Assists staff with loading animals for irradiation in radiation source facilities while radiation is turned off with fail-safe mechanism. Monitors animals for normal behavior, health status, environmental conditions such as temperature and humidity, food and water consumption, ensures the social and environmental enrichment of animal species housed and makes detailed observations about experiments.
• Oversees breeding and reproduction of animals, determines when to wean, determines sex, and separates animals as required based on sex, weight, age, purpose of research, etc. May perform animal husbandry tasks such as feeding, watering, cage change, room maintenance, room/equipment decontamination as determined by supervisor, and other duties as assigned.
• Train research and DLAR staff members in animal handling, restraint, medication administration, sample collection, health evaluation, and euthanasia.
• Must be available to work occasional evenings, after-hours shifts, and weekends as needed.
• May perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned or directed by the supervisor. This may include attendance of and participation in required training for role.

Education and Experience

• High School diploma or GED
• Minimum of 0-2 years experience required

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of standard laboratory techniques.
• Experience handling and working with various laboratory animals (to include nonhuman primates).
• Ability to follow detailed instructions.
• Good communication and analytical skills.
• Familiarity with Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) desirable.
• Must be proficient at using software tools such as Google Suite, Microsoft Word, and Microsoft Excel to maintain, create or modify departmental forms or obtain information.
• Must comply with the Institute's occupational health and safety requirements and be able to perform work while wearing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
• Must be able to work both independently as well as a member of a team.
• Administrative experience in project fund management and purchases is desirable.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a T1 Public Trust background check.

Physical Capabilities

• Lifting: Requires lifting materials up to 25 lbs.
• Lifting: Requires lifting materials over 25 lbs.
• Ability to stand for prolonged periods, climb, pull, and lift heavy objects

License and Certifications

• Registered, Certified or Licensed Vet Tech or certificate of training from the US Army Animal Care Specialist (68T) school preferred; applicants without a degree or veterinary technician license should have minimally achieved certification as an Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT) through the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) or be actively working towards obtaining certification.
• Incumbent must obtain ALAT certification within 1 year of hire.

Work Environment

• This position will take place primarily in a laboratory environment.

Compensation

• The hourly pay range for this position is $19.33-$26.44. Actual hourly pay will be determined based on experience, education, etc.

Benefits

• HJF offers a comprehensive suite of benefits focused on your health and well-being, from medical, dental, and vision coverage to health savings and retirement plans, and more.

Employment with HJF is contingent upon successful completion of a background check, which may include, but is not limited to, contacting your professional references, verification of previous employment, education and credentials, a criminal background check, and a department of motor vehicle (DMV) check if applicable. Any qualifications to be considered as equivalents, in lieu of stated minimums, require the prior approval of the Chief Human Resources Officer.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)

Any qualifications to be considered as equivalents, in lieu of stated minimums, require the prior approval of the Chief Human Resources Officer.