Animal Care Technician - Comparative Medicine

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

• CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.

• CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.

• If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click “Apply” and complete the application process for external applicants.

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.

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.

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