VETERINARY TECHNICIAN I8335F3 Pay Grade: 18 DEFINITION OF WORK Summary This is paraprofessional veterinary work in a research, teaching, or clinical unit. Work involves assisting a veterinarian in technical procedures and activities involving animal health and disease. Standard Classification Factors Supervision Received - LEVEL B: "Under general supervision..." Employees working under general supervision usually receive some instructions with respect to the details of most assignments but are free to develop their own work sequences within established procedures, methods and policies. They are often physically removed from their supervisor and subject to only periodic checks. Difficulty - LEVEL B: Average - Where the employee is confronted with a variety of duties susceptible to different methods of solution which, in turn, places a correspondingly higher demand upon resourcefulness and concentration. Positions which require the analysis and evaluation of raw data and the rendering of conclusions would, in many instances, fall into this category. Complexity - LEVEL B: Work is of a structured nature including duties that have several related steps. This level involves simple analysis of data, identification of easily distinguishable facts and recognition of differences in related situations. Workers at this level exercise limited independent judgment in determining methods or procedures to be used in making minor decisions. Work is normally controlled by frequent review and consultation with supervisors. When guidelines exist at this level, they are usually specific and aid in determining an approach to problems or situations. Workers at this level must be able to identify basic differences in situations to determine the actions which need to be taken. Consequences of Actions and Decisions - LEVEL C: Consequences of actions or decisions at this level are limited in scope and effect as the work is reviewed occasionally. Errors may cause moderate inefficiency. Costs due to errors may be significant. Contacts - LEVEL B: The purpose of the contact is to plan, coordinate and advise on work efforts, interpret guidelines or instructions, elicit opinions or give guidance on the basis of facts to resolve common issues or problems when the information is not sensitive in nature or the individuals or groups are working toward mutual goals and have basically cooperative attitudes. Well developed communication skills are required. Physical Demands - LEVEL D: The work requires considerable physical exertion. Environmental Conditions - LEVEL C: The work environment involves hazards, risks or discomforts typical of working with or around machinery with exposed moving parts, irritant chemicals, heavy equipment or abusive or hostile clientele and patients. Exposure to disagreeable weather conditions and extreme levels of temperature, ventilation, lighting and sound are normal. Protective clothing or gear and specific safety standards or procedures may be required. Serious injury is possible. Supervision/Leadership - LEVEL A: No supervisory or leadership responsibility; may explain work instructions or assist in training others. Distinguishing Features Differs from the Veterinary Technician II class where the work is of a more specialized nature and may include instructional activity. Differs from the Animal Science Technician I class where work is technical animal care work. Differs from the Laboratory Technician series where the primary emphasis is analytical and diagnostic work in a laboratory. EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED Provides surgical support services by clipping, shaving, and scrubbing surgical sites of patients; selects instruments and supplies required for scheduled surgical procedures; and oversees the sterilization of surgical instrument and maintenance of clean conditions in surgical areas. Monitors equipment which measures vital life signs during anesthetization; observes the respiratory rate, pulse rate and mucous membrane coloration; and advises the veterinarian of readings. Collects and prepares tissue specimens for diagnostic, instructional, and research purposes; takes intravenous and intraarterial specimens; catheterizes animals for the collection of urine and blood specimens. Assists with set-up, pre-operative and post-operative care of surgical patients by preparing proper instrumentation for the surgical procedures at hand, and by cleaning up the surgical area after completion of the procedure. Oversees the technical aspects of anesthesiology services provided for clients and teaching and research staff by operating and maintaining precision medical equipment to monitor patient life signs during surgical procedures in small and large animals; provides technical assistance to faculty and veterinary students during surgical procedures. Assists with supply stocking and pharmaceutical dispensing by monitoring items dispensed, logging them into appropriate use areas, and assuring that adequate supplies are available so that quality professional medical care may be continued. Applies technical knowledge in preparing surgical packs, sterilizing of surgical instruments, and monitoring hospital quality control procedures for cleanliness and sterility of surgical instruments and supplies. Selects, prepares and returns teaching materials for student laboratories. REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES AND SKILLS Knowledge *Knowledge of the principles of animal science. *Knowledge of the principles and practices of the maintenance of animal health and of nursing ill or injured animals. Abilities *Ability to prepare animals for surgery and select instruments for surgery. *Ability to read and record data from animal health monitoring equipment. *Ability to perform routine laboratory tests to measure animal health conditions. *Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers. *Ability to work under the direct supervision of a veterinarian. *Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. *Necessary at Entry MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: Completion of a two-year college program in veterinary or animal technology accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association. Necessary Special Requirements: NC: 06/93 |