Veterinary and Animal Care Assistant
Responsible for performing animal care associated with the operation of a laboratory animal facility or teaching hospital. Performs any combination of duties to attend to the care of animals. This includes tasks in animal care, sanitation, operations support, and quality control.
Typical Functions
Typical functions listed below are examples of work performed by positions in this role and are not intended to be all-inclusive. Some duties may overlap levels; however, the preponderance of the work will be assessed when assigning positions to specific levels.
- Operates, maintains, and cleans animal care equipment.
- Assists with the transport of animals.
- Maintains records.
- Maintains and replenishes supplies.
- Monitors the health of animals and reports sick or stress cases to supervisor.
- Assists with or administers medications or treatments following protocols under the direction of a veterinarian.
- Prepares animals for medical exams or treatments.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities (KSAs)
Listed below are the minimum requirements for this role. KSAs will become more advanced as the level increases and will vary depending on the requirements of the position.
- Knowledge of animal behavior.
- Specialized knowledge in providing patient care.
- Communication skills.
- Ability to follow specific instructions.
- Ability to lift heavy equipment.
- Ability to read and follow safety procedures and protocols.
- Ability to bend, stoop, and stretch.
- Ability to handle and restrain animals.
- Ability to recognize and triage problems or concerns.
Level Descriptions
Veterinary and Animal Care ASSISTANT 1
- Entry-level role that performs standard operating procedures under close supervision.
- Reports incidents of any deviation from standard operating procedures to the supervisor.
- Work is reviewed for accuracy.
- Cleans feeders, waterers, cages, pens, bedding, walls, and floors in animal care facility.
- Disassembles and reassembles cages, pens, and other laboratory equipment.
- Feeds and waters animals.
- Assists with loading, unloading, and transportation of caging, equipment, supplies, etc.
Education/Experience
Typically requires a high school diploma or the equivalent.
Licenses/Certifications
Applicable license/certification may be required.
Market Range: MR02
Veterinary and Animal Care ASSISTANT 2
- Performs a variety of tasks daily.
- Follows established procedures, schedules, and protocols to complete work.
- Assists in observing the health conditions (signs of disease, illness, injuries, abnormal behavior, or mortality) of the animal colonies and reports to the supervisor.
- Decisions that directly impact the quality of life and health status of the research animals are referred to a supervisor.
- Carries out protocols such as administering medications and treatments; restraining animal patients during medical procedures, collecting biological samples; surveying and recording observations under direction.
- Monitors working operations and environmental conditions and recommends adjustments (temperature, light, and ventilation) based on protocols.
- Work is frequently reviewed for accuracy and to ensure adherence to research protocols.
Education/Experience
Typically requires a high school diploma and one year of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
Certification/License
Applicable license/certification may be required.
Market Range: MR03
Effective Date: January 4, 2021
