Veterinary Technician
Alaska Sealife Center

This position is responsible for supplying veterinary technician and clinical laboratory technical support to the Center’s Veterinary staff.  The position will assist with and perform supportive and medical tasks to ensure the health and welfare of all animals housed at the Alaska SeaLife Center.  The position will also perform the day-to-day functions of the laboratory, quality control program, and laboratory tests including but not limited to hematology, serum chemistry, microbiology, urinalysis, fecal parasite exams, and water coliform tests.

Responsibilities include (but are not limited to):

·         Provides assistance to the Veterinarians as needed including support for anesthesia, endoscopy, surgery, radiology, ultrasound, dentistry, biopsies, necropsy, catheterization, and fluid therapy of birds, mammals, and fish.

·         Communicates with staff and on-call veterinarian and with designated supervisors as needed.  Responds to emergencies, performs physical examinations, carries out treatment, collects diagnostic samples, and dispenses or administers medications as directed by the Veterinarians.

·         Maintains a current veterinary supply inventory and coordinates procurement.  Prepares purchase orders and check requests within Veterinary Services budget.

·         Assists in maintaining all veterinary medical records and logs accurate data records.  Distributes laboratory results as directed. 

·         Assumes primary responsibility for animal health laboratory procedures.  Performs diagnostic tests on biological samples, using both manual and automated techniques.

·         Prepares, ships and assists with tracking diagnostic samples.

·         Coordinates with Laboratory Manager and personnel to track and maintain research samples of Central Lab and ensures that laboratory is well stocked and resourced.

·         Maintains accurate data records and distributes laboratory results as directed.

·         Performs maintenance, calibration and quality control on standard laboratory equipment (e.g. Idexx machine, Istat, centrifuge, microscopes, etc).

·         Complies with biohazard safety standards through proper handling of potentially hazardous biological material, including blood-borne pathogens in the work place.

·         Maintains workspaces in safe and sanitary condition.  Maintains the veterinary clinic, surgical suite, necropsy room, hematology lab and associated areas.  Ensures areas are cleaned and controlled as appropriate.  Performs quality control and routine maintenance of medical, surgical, diagnostic and clinic laboratory equipment.

·         Assists in presentations and preparation of education and visitor materials related to clinical animal laboratory topics, animal health and medical care.

·         Maintains on-call status after hours and on weekends as needed.

Requirements include:

Associate degree in the clinical laboratory sciences and a minimum of one year clinical laboratory experience and/or must be eligible for an Alaska Veterinary Technician Certification and have one year’s experience in a clinical veterinary technician position required.  Ability to be organized, self-motivated, and possess a strong desire to see the completion of projects.  Ability to speak and write effectively and be comfortable meeting new people and interfacing with diverse interests.  Experience with Word, Excel and Access.  Knowledge of applicable analytical laboratory equipment.  Hazardous materials training and/or laboratory safety training would be valuable.

This is a regular, full-time position.  ASLC offers a competitive wage (DOE) and benefits package.

Start date:  ASAP                            Apply by: Open until filled

Send resume & application (downloadable on website) to ASLC, Human Resources, P O Box 1329, Seward, AK 99664, fax 907-224-6320, or email  HR@alaskasealife.org