VA Veterinary Technician

International SOS delivers customized medical and security risk management and wellbeing solutions to enable our clients to operate safely and effectively in environments far from home. Founded in 1984, we operate in 92 countries providing integrated medical solutions to organizations with international operations. Our innovative technology and medical and security expertise focus on prevention, offering real-time, actionable insights and on-the-ground quality delivery. We provide clinical services to include “hands on” direct care at over 800 sites around the world, many of which include inpatient clinical care capabilities. With 12,000 staff (including 5,200 medical and behavioral health providers) our services include the design, deployment, and operation of healthcare solutions including freestanding surgical facilities in remote and austere environments, telemedicine consultation through a wide range of virtual modalities, referrals to a global network of more than 100,000 vetted providers, and global aeromedical evacuation. Within our portfolio of companies, International SOS, headquartered in Houston, Texas provides contracted healthcare support to Government defense and civil agencies and government contractors, including support to military exercises and operations, diplomatic missions, natural disasters, and refugee care.

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 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. 
• Assessment of sick animals, administering treatment prescribed by veterinarian, and will have a solid knowledge of rules and regulations. 
• Implement comprehensive monitoring programs of several species of animal subjects in order to prevent, detect, and document violations of all laws and regulations for the control and eradiation of infectious, contagious, communicable diseases, parasites, and disease vectors.  
• Leads and plans the appropriate housing needed to execute multiple biomedical research projects and a program of compliance with federal regulations. 
• Applies AAALAC and the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals standards and recommendations as they relate to feeding and maintaining experimental animals. 
• 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. 

Basic Requirements/Certifications:  

• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification. 
• At least one year of experience in laboratory animal husbandry. 
• At least one year of experience working in a laboratory animal vivarium. 
• Must possess a ALAT Certification and be working toward a LAT Certification. 

Education Required: 

• Associate degree in veterinary technology from an accredited program is typically preferred. 

Physical Requirements: 

• Work is normally performed in a typical interior/office work environment. 
• Work involves sitting and standing for prolonged periods of time. 
• May require bending, stooping and lifting up to 15 lbs. 

Other Special Qualifications: 

• Must be able to read, write, and speak English to effectively communicate. 
• US Citizen or Permanent Resident Card is required. 
• Pass/possess VA Public Trust Clearance. 

Pay range is based on several factors and may vary in addition to a full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits. Final salary and offer will be determined by the applicant’s background, experience, skills, internal equity, and alignment with geographical market data.

Benefits – Full-time positions are eligible for our comprehensive and competitive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance. Additional benefits include a 401k plan paid time off and an annual bonus. International SOS Government Medical Services complies with all federal, state, and local minimum wage laws. 

International SOS Government Medical Services is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against employees or job applicants on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty or status as a covered veteran in accordance with the applicable federal, state and local laws. 

International SOS Government Medical Services is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against employees or job applicants on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws.