Veterinary Assistant, Rotating, Large Animal Clinical Sciences: College of Veterinary Medicine - UTIA

The College of Veterinary Medicine invites applicants to apply for the position of rotating Veterinary Assistant, located within the Large Animal Clinical Sciences department. The day-to-day responsibilities of a veterinary assistant are varied and essential to the overall well-being of animals under their care.

The primary purpose of this position is to provide quality care for patients and/or research animals by performing a variety of functions including but not limited to feeding, bathing, exercising, record keeping, restraint, and/or equipment operation. Provides cleaning and disinfection, stocks supply, and collects and disperses laundry.

• Performs animal restraint on various large animal species for physical exams and medical procedures, such as blood draws, urine collection, blood pressures, and injections. 
• Prepares animal quarters with bedding, water, and other supplies.
• Feeds diets as prescribed to admitted patients. 
• Exercises patients, using special care. 
• Records daily observations such as livestock inventory and ration allotments. 
• Assists in the admittance and discharge of patients. 
• Assists with transport of animals, both live and deceased.
• Learns to operate equipment such as forklift, tractor, skid steer loader sprayers, treadmill, hot walker, float tank, slings, sled cattle chutes, both standard and 360.
• Cleans and disinfects animal quarters, treatment rooms, and other areas as needed. 
• Unpacks and unloads supplies and places items in appropriate areas. 
• Provides laundry collection and dispersement.

Depending on experience and qualifications of successful candidate, individual will be hired in as a Veterinary Assistant 1, Veterinary Assistant 2, Senior Veterinary Assistant 1, or Senior Veterinary Assistant 2:

Veterinary Assistant 1: 

Minimum Education:

• High school diploma or equivalent

Minimum Experience:

• 1 year of relevant experience working with large animals, including but not limited to horses, cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, llamas, and alpacas.

Progressing Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Intermediate knowledge of large animal care and handling, including lifting and restraint.

• Basic knowledge of and ability to use common hospital and farm equipment.

• Strong observation skills. 

• Ability to multi-task. 

• Ability to follow directions and work with a diverse population.

• Ability to work with others in a respectful and cooperative manner.

Veterinary Assistant 2: 

Minimum Education:

• High school diploma or equivalent

Minimum Experience:

• 18 months of relevant experience working with large animals, including but not limited to horses, cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, llamas, and alpacas.

Progressing Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Intermediate knowledge of large animal care and handling.

• Intermediate knowledge of and ability to use common hospital and farm equipment.

• Knowledge of common safety practices.

• Knowledge of large animal breeds. 

• Knowledge of one’s limitations. 

• Strong communication skills. 

• Organizational skills. 

• Ability to assist with treatment. 

Senior Veterinary Assistant 1: 

Minimum Education:

• High school diploma or equivalent

Minimum Experience:

• 2 years of relevant experience working with large animals, including but not limited to horses, cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, llamas, and alpacas.

Progressing Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Advanced knowledge of and ability to use common hospital and farm equipment.

• Knowledge of Bio Security procedures and hospital/isolation protocols. 

• Ability to monitor animal conditions and behaviors.

• Ability to train and supervise others. 

• Ability to work in high stress situations. 

Senior Veterinary Assistant 2: 

Minimum Education:

• High school diploma or equivalent

Minimum Experience:

• 3 years of relevant experience working with large animals, including but not limited to horses, cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, llamas, and alpacas.

Progressing Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Expert knowledge of and ability to use comm