VA Veterinary Technician Assistant

This position will support the US Department of Veterans Affairs Critical Staffing Program.  The person in this position will represent International SOS and provide services outlined below: International SOS is looking for an individual who is an experienced Veterinary Technician Assistant to support the VA program in biomedical research that utilizes laboratory animals. Key Responsibilities:Basic animal husbandry, including handling animals, cage changes, cage wash operations, managing food and water and sanitation. Pre and post animal surgery care. Communication the veterinary technician and veterinarian, and researchers and research staff, that are necessary for bio-medical research projects. Have knowledge of the normal cleaning and housing (caging) requirements of animals based on species, size and sex. Be skilled in providing special feeding subcutaneously and in administering medication orally or by injection.  Be able to operate and various types of animal research equipment (ventilated housing units, cage washing systems, autoclaves, automatic watering equipment, and environmental monitoring systems).  Monitors the equipment and reports data to the VMU supervisor. Record data for animal census and per diem system and provides report data as required by federal regulations. Ensure the preparation and timely collection of biological samples for pathogen testing.  Participate in the disease and health surveillance program.  Develops data related to animal health surveillance.  Observe animals and notes observations of any sickness or illness.  Prepares summaries of relevant health and compliance observations. Collect biological samples for use in approved research projects or disease surveillance. Coordinate daily health checks, administration of medications, treatments, post-surgical care, and overseeing of experiments by staff.Ensures timely notification of research staff of observations or deviations. Schedules and coordinates use of animal procedure rooms. This list is non-exhaustive, and the role holder may be required to undertake additional duties that are not specifically listed above.