Animal Care Technician
Heska Corporation, United States
Job Description
Heska is dedicated to quality pet care. Through innovation, invention, and strategic partnerships with worldwide leaders in diagnostics and treatments, Heska provides the benefits of the latest generation technologies to veterinarians. Heska’s range of complete blood diagnostic solutions include biochemistry, hematology, coagulation, immunoassay, heartworm, as well as other assays. Heska is at the forefront of high definition digital radiology and ultrasound for small and large animals and is a leader in point of care telecytology with a team of experienced clinical pathology specialists. Heska offers complete allergy solutions from testing and interpretation to immunotherapeutic options.
The Animal Care Technician will provide daily care for test animals and perform cleaning of the animal testing facilities. Wash, sanitize and disinfect cages, rooms and equipment. Record daily observations of animals on test. Schedule and perform vaccination of test animals as required. Obtain blood samples from laboratory animals as required. Assist in scheduling and performing vaccination of test animals as required. Assist in obtaining blood samples from laboratory animals as required.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Quality Control Testing and Administration: 95% of position responsibility
- Provide fresh feed and water to all test animals daily.
- Change bedding in cages when necessary, but not less than two times weekly.
- Sweep and rinse floors in the animal testing rooms daily.
- Provide all physical necessities, including environmental enrichment, to maintain animal health and comfort.
- Wash, sanitize and disinfect the rooms, racks, water bottles, cages and miscellaneous equipment at the conclusion of all testing.
- General cleaning of the animal testing facilities, such as the hallways, equipment storage areas, and food storage areas.
- Keep supervisor informed of any equipment or facility problems that require repairs by the maintenance department. Fill out request forms for such repairs.
- Transport caging, equipment, cleaning supplies, feed, and bedding to rooms and otherwise prepare for upcoming testing.
- Keep animal testing areas stocked with supplies and order appropriately.
- Ability to safely operate a pickup truck.
- Accurately complete records for animal usage, animal euthanasia, pain and suffering with and without drugs, cleaning of rooms, controlled drugs and incineration.
- Record daily observations of all animals on test in a timely manner. This includes numbers of animals and their condition.
- Maintain temperature records of incubators and freezers daily including on weekends and holidays.
- Schedule and perform vaccination of test animals when required including potency, toxicity and safety testing.
- Assist in restraint of and obtain blood samples from laboratory animals as required.
- Order animals to minimize delays in testing and maximize use of facility.
- Maintain and/or prepare all necessary challenge material, antiserum, and references for in-house and finished product testing.
- Perform immunological tests on animal serum, antigens, and cultures for in-house and finished product testing.
- Calculate, review, and evaluate final test results to assure that they have been performed correctly and that they meet all SOP, Outline of Production, and government requirements.
- Coordinate with production, Planning, Central Services, Purchasing and Ramp;D to assure that all testing is conducted in a timely manner.
- Perform AVMA approved euthanasia techniques at the end of testing and properly disposal of the carcasses.
- Be familiar with 9 CFR testing, SOPs, and the Animal Welfare Act and notify the supervisor of any deficiencies or non-compliance issues.
- Recognize unhealthy animals and promptly inform staff veterinarian.
- Observe all safety procedures, review relevant MSDS literature, and use appropriate personal protective equipment.
- Report any problems that arise within or that affect the department and contribute to the solution.
Other duties as assigned: 5% of job responsibility
Requirements
EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE: Minimum of a two-year degree from a Veterinary or Laboratory Animal Technician program, or a minimum of four years of work experience in animal health related activities. AALAS certification is required. Valid Iowa Driver’s License is required.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
- Must have concern for animals in their care and take responsibility for their well-being.
- Ability to read and comprehend Standard Operating Procedures, protocols, and government regulations.
- Must be available to work weekends and holidays.
- Flexib