Veterinary Assistant, Anesthesia, Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine: UTIA

The College of Veterinary Medicine invites applicants to apply for the position of Veterinary Assistant, located within the Anesthesia service of the Small 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 small animal species for physical exams and medical procedures, such as blood draws, urine collection, blood pressures, and injections. Prepares cages and runs with bedding, water, and other supplies. Feeds diets as prescribed to admitted patients. Creates and/or provides enrichment devices and activities. Exercises patients, using special care. Records daily observations on cage cards. Assists in the admittance and discharge of patients. Performs bathing or grooming as needed.

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:

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without need now or in the future for sponsorship for employment-based visa status.

Veterinary Assistant 1:

Minimum Education:

• High School Diploma or Equivalent

Minimum Experience:

• No experience required. 
• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Must have a valid driver's license.

Preferred Experience:

• Experience working with small animals, including but not limited to dogs, cats, birds, and rodents preferred.

Progressing Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Basic knowledge of small animal care, behavior, monitoring, and handling.
• Basic knowledge of and ability to use common hospital equipment. 
• Knowledge of general sanitation and disinfection protocols. 
• Good Computer skills.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills. 
• Strong observation skills. 
• Ability to lift and restrain small animals. 
• Ability to multi-task. 
• Ability to follow directions and work with a diverse population. 
• Ability to adhere to safety and training procedures. 
• Ability to work under stressful or demanding conditions. 

Veterinary Assistant 2:

Minimum Education:

• High School Diploma or Equivalent

Minimum Experience:

• 6 months of relevant experience working with small animals, including but not limited to dogs, cats, birds, and rodents.
• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Must have a valid driver's license.

Progressing Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Intermediate knowledge of small animal care, behavior, monitoring, and handling. 
• Intermediate knowledge of and ability to use common hospital equipment. 
• Knowledge of general sanitation and disinfection protocols. 
• Good Computer skills. 
• Effective verbal and written communication skills. 
• Strong observation skills. 
• Ability to lift and restrain small animals. 
• Ability to multi-task. 
• Ability to follow directions and work with a diverse population. 
• Ability to adhere to safety and training procedures. 
• Ability to work under stressful or demanding conditions. 
• Ability to assist with treatment and sample collection.

Senior Veterinary Assistant 1:

Minimum Education:

• High School Diploma or Equivalent

Minimum Experience:

• 2 years of relevant experience working with small animals including but not limited to dogs, cats, birds, and rodents.
• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Must have a valid driver's license.

Progressing Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Advanced knowledge of small animal care, behavior, monitoring, and handling. 
• Advanced knowledge of and ability to use common hospital equipment. 
• Advanced knowledge of general sanitation and disinfection protocols. 
• Good Computer skills. 
• Effective verbal and written communication skills. 
• Str