Veterinary Assistant, Office of Laboratory Animal Care: College of Veterinary Medicine

Veterinary Assistant, Office of Laboratory Animal Care

College of Veterinary Medicine

The College of Veterinary Medicine invites applicants to apply for the position of Veterinary Assistant, located within the Office of Laboratory Animal Care (OLAC). The University of Tennessee houses various species of laboratory and teaching animals across the Knoxville-area. The primary purpose of this position is to provide quality care for these animals by performing a variety of functions including but not limited to general care, veterinary care, feeding, cleaning, exercising, enrichment, and record keeping.

Depending on experience and qualifications of successful candidate, individual will be hired in as a Veterinary Assistant 1, Veterinary Assistant 2, Senior Veterinary Assistant 1, or Senior Veterinary Assistant 2.

Qualifications:

Typical Responsibilities:

• Veterinary Rounds and Patient Care:
• Performs facility walk-throughs (rounds), assessing individual animals, housing, facility cleanliness and order along with its structural integrity and appropriate engineering systems (HVAC, plumbing, etc.).
• Schedules clinical veterinarian and specialty veterinarian appointments.
• Assists veterinarian and veterinary technician during dental prophylaxis and physical exams for colony animals.
• Prepares for collection and processing of patient specimens by preparing supplies, ordering tests, and delivering samples.
• Ensures patient records are complete and all required forms have been completed.
• Assists with quality control programs such as sentinel testing, quarantine health testing, biological indicator testing, and environmental swab testing.
• Maintains inventory of department supplies and orders/restocks supplies as needed.
• Attends staff meetings and other routine meetings as required.
• Attends Continuing education events including local AALAS branch meetings and assists with their planning.
• Performs and documents a variety of animal care and husbandry tasks such as cage changing, kennel cleaning, feeding, bathing, exercising, and providing enrichment.

Minimum Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Must be at least 18 years of age
• Must have a valid driver's license
• Must attain ALAT certification within 18 months of hire

Preferred Qualifications:

• Relevant experience working with animals, including but not limited to rodents, pocket pets, dogs, cats, avians, poultry, equines, farm animals, reptiles, amphibians, and fish. Associates degree in animal science or a related field with experience working in research setting and knowledge of federal regulations associated with research animals.

UTCVM is operational 24 hours a day, 7 days per week, and 365 days per year. Occasional weekend, evening, or holiday work will be required of this position.