Veterinary Assistant

Michigan Medicine; Ann Arbor (MI); On-site; USD 30,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dedicated Veterinary Assistant to support licensed veterinary technicians in providing medical care for research animals. This role involves maintaining accurate medical records, assisting with various species, and participating in team meetings. Ideal candidates will have a high school diploma and some animal care experience, with a willingness to learn and collaborate. Join a critical team that plays a vital role in animal research and care, ensuring compliance with all standards while working in a dynamic environment. If you have a passion for animal welfare and are ready to make a difference, this is the opportunity for you.

Qualifications

• High School diploma and up to 1 year of paid animal experience.
• Willingness to work with various species including rodents and dogs.

Responsibilities

• Perform ongoing medical care for rodents managed by veterinary technicians.
• Maintain animal records to ensure compliance with regulatory guidelines.

Skills

Animal Care Experience

Basic Computer Skills

Ability to Work Independently

Team Collaboration

Education

High School Diploma

Associate's Degree

Bachelor's Degree

Tools

Word Processing Software

Spreadsheets

Job description

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Job Summary

To work with and support licensed veterinary technicians to provide and help coordinate the medical care of research animals within the Unit for Laboratory Animal Medicine (ULAM); to serve as a liaison between the veterinary team, husbandry team, and research laboratory personnel; and to maintain complete and accurate medical records.

Responsibilities

1. Perform ongoing medical care for rodents managed by veterinary technician team through rechecks, including communication with research staff, requiring direct handling of animals.
2. Assist licensed veterinary technicians with tasks involving USDA-regulated species.
3. Maintain animal records to ensure compliance with regulatory agency guidelines.
4. Attend and actively participate in team meetings and clinical rounds.
5. Understand and follow all Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Quality Assurance Standards, and Standard of Care (SOC) practices.
6. Assist in administrative tasks such as inventory, creating labels and acetates, filing records, creating forms.
7. Assist with isoflurane vaporizer rental program.
8. Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• High School diploma and up to 1 year of paid animal experience, or an equivalent combination of certification, education, or experience providing animal care.
• Ability to work independently and effectively with others.
• Willingness to work with many species including mice, rats, rabbits, ferrets, dogs, cats, sheep, pigs, cattle.
• Basic computer skills (word-processing, spreadsheets, emails).

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree.
• Knowledge of animal care methods, materials, and equipment used in laboratory settings.
• Experience working with rodents.
• Experience in veterinary clinics, farms, pet shops, zoos, or animal rehabilitation centers.

Additional Information

Position is considered critical staff under University Reduced Operations. Must be able to perform physical activities including lifting up to 200 lbs and pushing transport cages over 350 lbs. Repetitive motions over extended periods are required.