Research Assistant II (Veterinary Technician)- Animal Science Farm- Davis College
West Virginia University

Morgantown, West Virginia

Posted in Education and Training


This job has expired.

Job Info


Description

West Virginia University Davis College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (DCANRD) is currently accepting applications for a Research Assistant II (Veterinary Technician) This position provides assistance to WVU DCANRD veterinarians in the form of providing daily treatment and disease prevention efforts for all livestock species at the WVU Animal Science Farms. Additionally, the person in this position provides some technical training and support as well as regulatory oversight and guidance for animal research conducted at the farms. The position requires excellent written and verbal communication skill, strong organizational and time­ management skills, the ability to multi-task, the ability to work independently or with a group, strong clinical knowledge and skills, and the desire/ability to work with a range of farm animal species.

We strongly believe in work-life balance and keeping time for things we love outside our work. WVU offers generous benefits, including:

  • 37.5-hour work week 
  • 13 paid holidays (staff holiday calendar)
  • 24 annual leave (vacation) days per year
  • 18 sick days per year
    (for when you’re ill, for when you need time to care for sick family, for your own, or your family’s, regularly scheduled medical appointments. Who is family for the purpose of this leave? A lot of people in your life including immediate relatives and in-laws as well as others considered to be members of your household living under the same roof)
  • WVU offers a range of health insurance and other benefits (this position is a benefits-eligible non-classified staff position)
  • 401(a) retirement savings with 6% employee contribution match, eligibility to continue health insurance, and other retiree perks. Looking for more retirement benefits information? Check out retirement health insurance benefits, retirement income, and FAQ’s.
  • Wellness programs
What you'll do:

Be responsible for assisting the veterinarian (DVM) with clinical cases and with maintaining the health and wellbeing of WVU Animal Science Farm livestock, including developing and administering vaccination programs for all species as well as treating individual or groups of sick animals. This requirement demands a strong understanding of clinical, physiological, and biological medical information, attainable only from an accredited professional-level veterinary technology program. The duties of this position require frequent reliance on professional training and judgment. Specifically, you will provide or assist with physical examinations, diagnostic procedures, treatment procedures, and management of ongoing clinical cases as they arise among the various farm animal species. Additional clinical duties, such as surgical or anesthetic support, necropsy support, etc. may also be required at the DVM's request. You must have strong clinical/technical skills and the ability to quickly assess and triage a variety of clinical conditions in multiple species, including assessment of body condition, hydration status, basic vital signs, pain/distress behavior patterns, and normal/abnormal behavior patterns. You must be able to appropriately handle a variety of species without fear or apprehension and must be able to assess the safety, cleanliness, and appropriateness of animal macro-and micro-environments according to species needs and regulatory requirements. Under the guidance of the clinical DVM and within the guidelines of the WV RVT licensing board, you may diagnose conditions based on physical exam SOP's and use SOP's to prescribe/administer treatments for a variety of medical conditions in all species housed at the WVU farms. 

You will be required to teach a clinical rotation for veterinary technician (VT) students nearing completion of an accredited VT program. Basic veterinary techniques will be demonstrated to the VT students, including but not limited to handling and restraint of large animal species, injections, blood collection, basic aseptic technique, anesthesia administration and monitoring, necropsy techniques, fecal exams, herd/flock health principles, vaccine program development and administration, and general farm management principles. You will also have teaching responsibilities for specific Animal Science courses, including AVS 251, 410, 411, 412; and AnPR 341/343, 356. Responsibilities include but are not limited to assisting the instructors with techniques taught in labs as well as teaching animal handling and basic veterinary techniques directly to students.

Administrative duties include contributions to the development and implementation of standard operating procedures (SOP's) related to animal care -vaccination protocols, lambing/calving/farrowing protocols - as well as enrichment and feeding protocols in consultation with the farm manager. Additionally, attendance at regular staff meetings, training events, university-sponsored staff development events continuing education (CE) meetings and other relevant activities will be required for this position. The incumbent will be responsible for acquiring, maintaining, and submitting a record of CE events to maintain current RVT licensure (currently 18 hrs are required annually in WV).

Qualifications

  • Master of Science in a related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Experience with livestock species
  • Experience as a VT with a veterinarian
  • Experience with animals in a clinical setting, including management of preventative and treatment plans
  • Experience with veterinary anesthesia - administration and monitoring
  • Knowledge of the basic biology, anatomy and physiology of common farm animal speciaies including cows, horses, pigs, sheep and poultry.
  • Knowledge of basic principles and practices of animal science and related scientific disciplines including biology, chemistry, and epidemiology.
  • Knowledge of veterinary pharmacology including, but not limited to, administration of anesthetics and analgesics and withholding times for all drugs used for food-producing animals.
  • Basic knowledge of laws, regulations, and industry standards for the care and use of animals in a research and teaching setting (e.g. Animal Welfare Act, PHS Policy on Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, Guide for the Care and Use of Agricultural Animals in Teaching and Research, AVMA Guidelines on Euthanasia, etc)
  • Basic understanding of VS Drug Enforcement Agency policies and practices with regard to controlled substance categorization and veterinary use.
  • Clinical mathematical competency (dose calculation, English-Metric conversion, etc) Technical clinical competency:
  • Administer subcutaneous, intramuscular, and intraperitoneal injections and oral medications
  • Perform basic phlebotomy skills Perform basic animal restraint skills
  • Perform aseptic technique and prepare patients properly for surgery Provide surgical assistance and perform external suturing
  • Provide intraoperative cardiac and respiratory monitoring, administer oxygen and/or resuscitative drugs
  • Perform basic diagnostic/ clinical laboratory techniques Apply bandages/temporary splints/immobilizing bandages
  • Exceptional verbal and written communication skills
  • Must be able to meet DEA requirements to work under veterinary supervisor's DEA license


About WVU

  • A valid WV state driver's license is required as well as the successful completion of the on-line course needed to drive a state-owned vehicle. This training must be completed within 6 months of employment
  • WV State Veterinary Technician Registration /Licensure (RVT): This person must hold the current professional license of Registered Veterinary Technician from the state of West Virginia, in good standing. This requirement is to ensure an appropriate level of basic medical knowledge and technical proficiency. This is also required for maintaining compliance with regulations requiring properly trained animal health care givers. This must be obtained within 6 months of employment.
  • FAMACHA Training


This job has expired.

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