Agricultural/Animal Associate II

Job Description Summary

Works independently to provide veterinary care to research animals as well as performing specialized job assignments related to research and research support. The primary responsibility of
this position is providing veterinary care under direction of the clinical veterinarian for research animals at MUSC. A portion of this position is devoted to technical skill functions that are essential to the generation of research data for approved protocols of animal care and use. The position requires a basic understanding of animal anatomy, anesthesia, euthanasia, veterinary supportive care, biohazard containment, chemical hazard containment, and risk-reduction measures. Knowledge of investigators' needs with respect to the scientific process, the content of the corresponding IACUC approved protocols, the animal welfare regulations and the assurance of animal health and well-being are required. A portion of the responsibilities of this position may involve training of investigative staff regarding recognition and reporting of animal abnormalities and
techniques associated with animal care and use. Must be able to work independently much of the time, but as a team member when necessary.

Entity

Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC - Univ)

Worker Type

Employee

Worker Sub-Type​

Classified

Cost Center

CC001152 DLAR Division Of Laboratory Animal Resources

Pay Rate Type

Hourly

Pay Grade

University-GEN09

Pay Range

52,100.00 - 70,300.00 - 88,600.000

Scheduled Weekly Hours

40

Work Shift

Job Description

1.1 Performing Veterinary Technician Duties/Clinical Observations- 35%

• Performs daily clinical rounds, follow-up treatments, emergency and critical care, and post-surgical care for a wide variety of laboratory animal species involved in research protocols including weekends, after-hours, and holidays.

• Provide backup to the Surgical Research Laboratory Veterinary Technicians by performing peri- and intra-operative care of animals undergoing anesthesia and surgery.

• Administer treatments to sick animals by various routes appropriate for the species using department protocol or standard of care (SOC) under the direction of staff clinical veterinarians.

• Collect samples as needed using appropriate techniques for the species and sample needed.

• Calculate drug doses and administer supplemental fluids to various lab animal species.

• Maintain accurate medical records.

Meets Performance Requirements: Consistently, reliably, and independently performs duties as outlined in success criteria.

Exceeds Performance Requirements: Consistently, reliably, and independently performs duties as outlined in success criteria plus frequently alerts Supervisor and Veterinarians to trends in health using proper communication channels.

Substantially Exceeds Performance Requirements: Exceeds expectations and troubleshoots issues by collaborating with Supervisor and Veterinary staff.

 1.2 Research Support Duties- 20%

• Provide technical assistance during procedures.

• Performs euthanasia for terminal procedures.

Meets Performance Requirements: Consistently, reliably, and independently performs duties as outlined in success criteria.

Exceeds Performance Requirements: Consistently, reliably, and independently performs duties as outlined in success criteria plus frequently taking initiative to expand skill set.

Substantially Exceeds Performance Requirements: Exceeds expectations and troubleshoots issues by collaborating with Supervisor and Veterinary staff.

1.3 Administrative and Record-Keeping- 35%

• Maintain accurate and complete clinical records for all species in a manner that complies with departmental and federal regulatory standards.

• Ensure timely follow-up of clinical cases by DLAR Veterinarians. 

• Ensure treatment sheets and databases are accurate and up to date.

• Follow up with rodent clinical cases via email with DLAR Veterinarians and research personnel.

Meets Performance Requirements: Consistently, reliably, and independently performs duties as outlined in success criteria.

Exceeds Performance Requirements: Consistently, reliably, and independently performs duties as outlined in success criteria plus adds additional value by suggesting and implementing improvements to processes.

Substantially Exceeds Performance Requirements: Exceeds expectations and contributes to implementing improvements of procedural processes; frequently plots data to determine trends in healthcare.

1.4 Training- 5%

Provide training for DLAR and research personnel in various rodent techniques including handling and restraint, injections.

Meets Performance Requirements: Consistently, reliably, and independently performs duties as outlined in success criteria.

Exceeds Performance Requirements: Consistently, reliably, and independently performs duties as outlined in success criteria plus frequently contributes to ongoing improvements of procedural processes/improves training modalities.

Substantially Exceeds Performance Requirements: Suggests novel, well-thought-out alternatives for enrichment.

1.5 Other Duties as Assigned- 5%

Complete other duties as assigned.

Meets Performance Requirements: Consistently, reliably, and independently performs duties as outlined in success criteria.

Exceeds Performance Requirements: Consistently, reliably, and independently performs duties as outlined in success criteria plus frequently adding value by going above and beyond what is required in success criteria.

Substantially Exceeds Performance Requirements: Exceeds expectations and frequently volunteers to help outside of the unit.

MUSC Minimum Training and Experience Requirements:

An associate degree in animal husbandry, agriculture, or a related field and three years of work experience that is directly related to the area of employment. Work experience that is directly related to the area of employment may be substituted for the associate degree on a year-for-year basis. Veterinary Technician Certification may be used in lieu of the years of experience.

Physical Requirements:

Ability to perform job functions in a seated position. (Continuous) Ability to climb using step stool. (Infrequent) Ability to work in temperature extremes (32° F to 100 ° F) when required due to assignments in cold rooms and/or foreign countries. (Infrequent) Ability to work in confined/cramped spaces. (Continuous) Ability to maintain good olfactory sensory function. (Continuous) Ability to lift and carry 4-liter waste material bottles a distance of 30 feet, unassisted. (Frequent) Ability to lift and carry 25 lbs. to 30 lbs. jugs of liquid a distance of 100 feet, unassisted. (Infrequent) Ability to file boxes from floor level to counter tops, unassisted. (Frequent) Ability to lift materials up to 20 lbs., unassisted. (Infrequent) Ability to lift 25 lbs. boxes from floor level to a maximum height of 72". (Infrequent) Ability to lift 40 lbs. centrifuge rotors, from floor level to a height of 40 inches, then down 20 inches into centrifuge drum. (Infrequent) Ability to push/pull file boxes from one location to another at floor level, unassisted. (Frequent) Ability to maneuver heavy equipment on bench tops (Frequent) Ability to reach, stretch, bend, while moving items/materials from both sitting and standing positions. (Frequent) Ability to conduct a variety of hand pipefitting operations. Continuous) Ability to maintain 20/40 vision in both eyes, corrected. (Continuous) Ability to match or discriminate between colors. (Continuous) Ability to hear and recognize various alarms emitting from work area systems. (Continuous) Ability to work in a darkroom for processing film, etc. (Continuous) Ability to qualify for the use of cartridge respirators. (Continuous) Ability to work in dusty areas. (Infrequent)
May require working with animals of various sizes.

Physical Requirements: (DLAR Specific):

Must be able to lift 50 lbs. above waist routinely. Must be able to work with animals. May be exposed to animal allergen May be exposed to zoonotic diseases. Must be able to work in dusty environments. May have to work in wet areas. Must be able to properly wear DLAR issued PPE. Must be able to work in reverse light cycle rooms. May have to work in confined spaces. Must be able to understand safety requirements for autoclave rack washer and tunnel washer.
 

Additional Job Description

Minimum Requirements: A bachelor's degree in animal husbandry, agriculture or a related field and four years of work experience that is directly related to the area of employment. Work experience that is directly related to the area of employment may be substituted for the bachelor's