68T Animal Care Specialist
Serves as an Animal Care Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO), providing healthcare support to Military Working Dogs, other Government Owned Animals (GOA), and Privately Owned Animals (POA) in garrison and during worldwide contingency operations. This role encompasses the prevention and control of the spread of zoonotic diseases (from animals to humans). Additionally, it involves assisting Army veterinarians in conducting routine examinations, administering medications, and performing surgical and emergency procedures for GOAs.
NCOIC, Veterinary Medicine
Serves as the Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge (NCOIC) of the Department of Veterinary Medicine, assisting the Chief of Veterinary Medicine in ensuring all research, development, test, and evaluation (RDT&E), clinical investigations, and diagnostic procedures are conducted in compliance with relevant regulations and standards. The role includes providing veterinary expertise for medical research protocols, equipment procurement, and emergency plans. It also entails overseeing an animal colony consisting of a substantial number of non-human primates and mice, as well as being responsible for equipment valued at a significant amount of money. Additionally, this position involves the daily supervision and training of a diverse team of U.S. and foreign service nationals.
Animal Care Specialist
Provides routine care for animals in veterinary treatment or research and development facilities. This includes obtaining medical history from owners and/or handlers, as well as measuring and recording vital signs. The specialist conducts physical examinations to detect obvious abnormalities and promptly reports any findings to the veterinarian. Furthermore, they skillfully position and restrain animals during examinations and treatment, accurately calculate medication doses, and administer oral and topical medications as directed by the veterinarian. Additionally, they diligently maintain sanitary conditions in all areas of the veterinary treatment facilities, including the operating room and equipment.
Animal Care Specialist
Assists the veterinarian during surgical procedures and carries out euthanasia under the veterinarian’s instruction. The specialist also demonstrates expertise in cleaning, debriding, and suturing superficial wounds. They collect, preserve, and prepare various specimens, such as blood, urine, feces, skin scrapings, and post-mortem samples, for shipment and evaluation. Routine diagnostic laboratory tests, including fecal smears, urinalysis, blood counts, and chemistries, are skillfully performed and documented. Furthermore, the specialist is proficient in taking and developing radiographs of specific animal body parts. They are responsible for initiating and maintaining animal health records, immunization records, registration files, animal bite case reports, and other administrative files.
Animal Care Specialist
Offers technical guidance, management, and training to junior and other medical personnel (68W) while providing emergent and routine care to canine handlers. This involves performing advanced emergency medical procedures on animals, such as triage, tracheotomy, and the insertion of stomach tubes. The specialist is proficient in operating mechanical respirators, heart monitors, and sterilizer apparatus. Additionally, they supervise supply management and patient administration procedures to ensure smooth operations.