Veterinary Technician III

Join the HJF Team!

HJF is seeking a Veterinary Technician III to provide support in performance of numerous veterinary procedures in accordance with departmental Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), as well as approved animal protocols. Accurately keeps animal census and health records; performs periodic surveys of the chemicals, drugs and equipment used in the vivarium; monitors animals for normal behavior, food and water consumption, and is responsible for maintaining various animal rooms, cages and associated equipment. Responsible for social and environmental enrichment.

This position will be in support of the Naval Medical Research Unit San Antonio (NAMRU-SA) at Fort Sam Houston. NAMRU-SA is a major research and development center whose mission is to conduct gap driven combat casualty care, craniofacial, and directed energy research, to improve survival, operational readiness, and safety of Department of Defense (DoD) personnel engaged in routine and expeditionary operations. Its purpose is to provide non-personal support services to NAMRU-SA. Performance will include intramural research and development (R&D) support services for four (4) scientific directorates and their respective departments: Directed Energy Health Effects Directorate (DEHE), Combat Casualty Care and Operational Medicine Directorate (CCC&OM), Craniofacial Health and Restorative Medicine Directorate (CH&RM), and Research Services Directorate (RSD).

This effort primarily entails investigative studies which involve planning, coordinating, designing, and executing experimental protocols that meet both directorate-level research objectives and the command mission.

The Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine (HJF) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing military medicine. We serve military, medical, academic and government clients by administering, managing and supporting preeminent scientific programs that benefit members of the armed forces and civilians alike. Since its founding in 1983, HJF has served as a vital link between the military medical community and its federal and private partners. HJF's support and administrative capabilities allow military medical researchers and clinicians to maintain their scientific focus and accomplish their research goals.

This position is contingent on contract award.

• Conduct and support surgical procedure, operating room maintenance, animal disease prevention and health surveillance, appropriate animal housing, and record keeping, insuring specific pathogen-free techniques.
• Daily handling and restraint of various small and large animal species.
• Maintain biosafety practices, sterile equipment, pest control, quality assurance procedures and record keeping.
• Conduct daily and weekly inspections or areas of contractor responsibility to ensure compliance with standards.
• Assist in preparation of purchase requests for animal procurement and coordination of shipping procedures.
• Assist in preparation of purchase requests and assist with maintenance of inventory of supplies. All ordering is conducted by a government employee.
• Coordinate animal research work activities between contractor Research Scientist, animal care staff, and research laboratory technicians.
• Oversee the work of junior level contract personnel.
• Set up, operate, modify and maintain laboratory equipment and apparatus.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Assigned Lead: May recommend the following: employee hiring, disciplinary action, and starting salaries; provide input on employee performance evaluations.

Education and Experience

• Veterinary Technician degree or High School Diploma/GED plus five (5) years' related experience.
• Laboratory Animal Technologist (LATG) certification

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of standard laboratory techniques.
• Experience handling animals (nonhuman primates higher).
• Ability to follow detailed instructions.
• Good communication and analytical skills.
• Must be proficient at using software tools such as Microsoft Word and Excel to maintain, create or modify departmental forms or obtain information.
• Complies with the Institute's occupational health and safety requirements and can perform work while wearing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
• US Citizenship and the ability to obtain and maintain a Secret Clearance, including background check and drug screening.
• All staff required to enter the labs shall maintain current certification in American Heart Association Basic Life Support (BLS); American Heart Association Healthcare Provider Course; American Red Cross CPR (Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation); or equivalent.
• Administrative experience in project fund management and purchases is desirable.

Physical Capabilities

• Lifting: Requires lifting materials up to 10 lbs.
• Ability to stand or sit at a computer for prolonged periods.
• Ability to climb, pull, and lift heavy objects.

Licenses and Certifications

• Preferred certification as a Laboratory Animal Technician (LAT) through the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS). May be working towards the degree as part of continuing education.

Work Environment

• This position will take place primarily in a laboratory setting.

Benefits

• HJF offers a comprehensive suite of benefits focused on your health and well-being, from medical, dental, and vision coverage to health savings and retirement plans, and more.

Employment with HJF is contingent upon successful completion of a background check, which may include, but is not limited to, contacting your professional references, verification of previous employment, education and credentials, a criminal background check, and a department of motor vehicle (DMV) check if applicable. Any qualifications to be considered as equivalents, in lieu of stated minimums, require the prior approval of the Chief Human Resources Officer.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)

Any qualifications to be considered as equivalents, in lieu of stated minimums, require the prior approval of the Chief Human Resources Officer.