Veterinary Assistant

The primary role of this position is to provide clinical, technical, and administrative support to the veterinary care program of the Division of Animal Resources (DAR). This position plays a critical role in assisting with the smooth operation of the veterinary services. The candidate will work directly with the staff veterinarians and veterinary technicians, provide restraint of laboratory animals for physical examinations, assist with advanced diagnostic procedures, such as radiology and diagnostic specimen collection. Additional responsibilities include supporting hands-on training classes, administering medications and providing surgical support as needed. The candidate must be able to recognize signs of disease and distress in a wide variety of species and report health conditions or behavior. The candidate will assist technicians managing delegated DAR-maintained spaces, such as the surgical suites, procedural/training spaces, and equipment, including responsibilities like scheduling, cleaning, restocking and maintenance of equipment. Administrative duties include maintaining the veterinary services calendar, scheduling training programs, recordkeeping, billing, data entry, and direct communication with researchers for scheduling, training, or compliance issues.  The ideal candidate  will have excellent organizational and communication skills, along with a basic understanding of animal research. In return, the department will provide training in all required techniques and offer a supportive working environment.While the duties are performed primarily during normal business hours, Monday through Friday, the candidate will also participate in a rotating University holiday schedule, assigned in advance. 

• Demonstrated ability to work in and foster an environment of respect, professionalism, and civility with faculty, staff, and students from diverse backgrounds and experiences, or a commitment to doing so as a staff member at VCU.
• Several years of recent experience working with laboratory animals in a research animal facility or experience working with multiple species in a veterinary clinical practice setting.
• Knowledge and demonstrated skills in the humane handling and restraint of rodents and large animals, as well as the ability to recognize signs of disease, pain, and distress across a variety of species.
• Knowledge and experience administering medications to animals.
• Experience with autoclaves, surgical instruments and surgical pack preparation. 
• Demonstrates strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to interact professionally and effectively with all staff via phone, email, and in person. 
• Ability to interact effectively with individuals from a variety of educational and professional backgrounds.
• Basic computer skills and ability to maintain accurate animal health records and documentation.
• Ability to work accurately and demonstrate attention to detail while completing multiple tasks in an orderly and timely manner.
• Ability to work independently while supporting veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and researchers in a collaborative research environment.

• Veterinary Assistant certification (AVA) or equivalent credential
• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree.
• American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) certification.
• Knowledge of regulatory and accrediting agency requirements, policies, procedures, and standards related to laboratory animal husbandry and maintaining accreditation. (I would like to leave this under "Preferred" since policies and SOPs can be reviewed/learned as part of onboarding while the other qualifications above require more hands-on experience and knowledge.
• Experience assisting with anesthesia, surgery, radiology, necropsy, or clinical procedures.

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