Job Summary

The Office of Animal Resources invites applications for a Veterinary Care Manager / Veterinary Care Professional! This position, under supervision of the Attending Veterinarian and Director of the Office of Animal Resources, applies specialized knowledge and training to contribute to the research support provided by OAR. The Veterinary Care Manager oversees and provides high quality clinical care, specialized technical services, and health surveillance for a variety of rodent, reptile, and aquatic species used by scientists for biomedical research and education at the University of Colorado Boulder. The position is also responsible for coordinating and conducting training on animal care and experimental techniques for departmental and research staff, in accordance with regulations and IACUC and institutional policies. The Veterinary Care Manager serves as personnel manager for the Veterinary Care Assistant, providing oversight of training, technical proficiency, professional development, and performance management.

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

Evaluation of Sick/Injured Animals:

• Independently conducts in-person or remote triage of sick/injured animals, coordinating with OAR animal care and investigative staff to determine and implement treatment plans or euthanasia.
• Raises cases or issues to the Attending Veterinarian as appropriate.
• Provides triage and animal care on an emergency basis on weekends and after-hours.
• Is responsible for provision of adequate triage and care by Veterinary Care Assistant.

Animal Health Surveillance:

• Manages animal health surveillance program.
• Coordinates testing media ordering and placement, and schedules and collects quarterly samples from testing media for submission to diagnostic lab.
• Works with Attending Veterinarian to analyze results and implement any follow-up actions.
• Assists with necropsy submissions for colony animals.
• Schedules and collects samples from imported animals housed in quarantine per departmental SOP.

Training:

• Manages OAR and PI training program and augments to meet research needs.
• Trains OAR and research staff on common rodent injuries/illness, handling and restraint, and euthanasia.
• Trains lab staff in specialty or novel procedures such as, but not limited to: anesthesia, aseptic technique, wound closure, post-op analgesia, post-op monitoring, blood collection techniques, injection techniques, oral gavage, medication administration, animal identification, breeding support, organ/tissue collection, and necropsy.
• Practices current skills and attends, when available, workshops to advance knowledge of technical skills.
• Recommends equipment, materials, and resources to enhance the program.
• Regularly evaluates and updates veterinary-related departmental SOPs to ensure consistence with current and best practice.
• Acts as personnel manager for Veterinary Care Assistant, to include provision of training, professional development, and performance management.

Investigator Support:

• Consults with research personnel to coordinate use of OAR-managed equipment (anesthesia machines, restraint devices, etc) by lab personnel.
• Provides investigator technical support upon request. Examples include: skill training, anesthesia assistance, surgical services, organ, blood, and tissue collection, experimental agent administration, animal euthanasia, animal identification (e.g. tattooing, ear punch, microchip), breeding advice/assistance, etc.
• Orders and coordinates pick-up/drop-off of supplies for investigators and ensures investigators are properly billed for services or goods provided.
• Schedules time efficiently to ensure broad availability to OAR and investigator staff.

Regulatory Compliance:

• Aids all areas of OAR in working towards and maintaining AAALAC accreditation.
• Participates in Post Approval Monitoring meetings, training proficiency assessment, IACUC mandated trainings, principal investigator protocol consult, and semi-annual facility inspections as requested.
• Maintains DEA drug logs for OAR purchased controlled substances and ensures they are properly stored under lock and key.
• Manages inventory of drugs and solutions to ensure expiration dates are followed.

Room Support/Supplies:

• Coordinates ordering of all veterinary supplies and investigator supplies for re-sale and ensures proper billing.
• Maintains veterinary supply stock e.g. syringes, needles, gauze etc.) for treatments, training, and procedures.
• Schedules annual instrument sharpening services and anesthesia vaporizer certification for investigators.