Part Time Animal Care Technician - Comparative Medicine

The Pennsylvania State University; United States; On-site; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Part time

Job summary

Penn State College of Medicine in Hershey, PA is seeking part-time technicians for our critical care unit. The position involves observing sheep and calves, reporting changes to veterinary staff, and assisting with emergency responses and treatments.

Under veterinary staff direction, you will prepare medications, monitor vital signs, collect samples, maintain records, and help ensure clean, ready rooms for post-surgery recovery.

Qualifications

• Ability to work as part of an animal care team and independently.
• Self-starter and willingness to learn new skills.

Responsibilities

• Observe sheep and calves in an intensive care setting and report changes to veterinary staff.
• Assist with medications and monitor blood pressure, vitals, and equipment.
• Collect samples and maintain detailed records of vitals, meds, intake, and output.
• Prepare rooms for post-surgical recovery and ensure required equipment is ready.
• Operate routine equipment and respond to alarms, notifying staff during emergencies.

Skills

Teamwork

Self-starter

Observational skills

Ability to lift 50 lb

Job description

JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS

The Department of Comparative Medicine at the Penn State College of Medicine in Hershey, PA has part-time openings within our critical care unit. This position will observe sheep and calves in an intensive care setting. Observe animals in an intensive care setting and report changes to veterinary staff or supervisor; notify on-call veterinarian in emergency situation; as appropriate, take immediate action such as controlling bleeding or seizures, administering oxygen or medication, etc. Monitor animals with artificial organs and associated equipment; react properly to alarms and change in status; notify veterinarian or on-call engineer. Under veterinary staff direction, use proper aseptic techniques to administer medications orally, intramuscularly, and intravenously; draw up, dilute, or mix medications at the proper levels; monitor blood pressure and heart rate for abnormal conditions. Collect blood, urine, and fecal samples; conduct diagnostic tests as directed including blood gases, hematocrits, clot times, etc. Maintain records of animal data, vitals, medications, intake and output, etc.; follow orders written by veterinary staff and supervisor. Restrain, position, and prepare animals for medical/research procedures. Assist with veterinary treatments and activities as directed. Operate and perform routine user maintenance on equipment such as blood pressure monitors, fluid pumps, etc.; notify supervisor of malfunctions. Prepare room for animals returning from surgery; ensure availability of stanchion with clean mat, oxygen tank, and other equipment/supplies required for animal recovery. Maintain a stock of regularly used supplies; request additional supplies to replenish inventory, as necessary; make recommendations to supervisor when new equipment and supplies may be needed. Maintain work area and equipment in a clean and orderly condition; keep animals in clean state; promptly remove animal waste. Attend technician meeting and training sessions on all aspects of laboratory animal care, research and uses of animals in biomedical research. Requires the ability to work as part of an animal care team yet work independently. Being a self-starter and willing to learn new skills is a must. Ability to lift up to 50 pounds with or without accommodation.

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

This position requires the following clearances in addition to applicable background checks: PA State Police Criminal Background Check, PA Child Abuse History Clearance Form, and Federal (FBI) Fingerprint Criminal Background Check.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473. Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission.

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