Job Opportunities

Job Summary

Under the direction of supervising clinician, the Veterinary Technician I will provide skilled paramedical support and nursing care for animals in a hospital/clinic setting. Specialized knowledge in anesthesia, surgery and radiograph technique is required. Work efficiently in all the varieties within the clinic, including but not limited to; dentistry, surgery, general practice and emergency. Veterinary Technician I functions in a team-oriented manner with other departments that will assist in efficient clinical service.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Clinical Responsibility
  • Providing necessary treatments prescribed by DVM in a timely fashion as well as preparing treatments anticipating doctors requests. Recognizing patients current medications that may contraindicate future treatments.
  • Prepare and prep patients for variety of procedures including but not limited to spay and neuter procedure. Intubate, administer, and monitor patients for surgery.
  • Collect samples for in house testing as well as preparing sample for outside laboratory testing. Ensuring that samples are packaged properly for shipping.
  • Prepare, administer, and monitor a variety of drugs (i.e., local anesthetics including controlled substances) per the request of the doctor.
  • Perform dental cleaning and radiographs without direction supervision of DVM.
  • Placing and maintain catheters.
  • Taking radiographs for a variety of images such as pre and post TPLO procedures.
  • Ability to place a variety of bandages and splints. Assessing what bandage would be most suitable for the injury.
  • Recovering patients after procedure and alerting DVM of any abnormalities.
  • Setting up fluid rates for hospitalized patients and maintaining a patent catheter.
  • Periodically checking in on hospitalized patients and administering treatments as needed.
  • Educated on proper cleaning techniques and protocols for both zoonotic and non-zoonotic diseases.
  • Proper packaging of deceased patients.
• Client Communication, record keeping and inventory management
  • Communicate with clients in English ("and Spanish") obtain history and providing client education. Discussing patient's lifestyle, going over medications, discharge instructions, and recommendations per doctor's request.
  • Maintain and update patient records including communications with client or pharmacy technicians.
  • Filling prescriptions per dr request as well as calling in prescriptions to local pharmacies.
  • Taking phone calls especially for non-English speaking clients. Answering questions, scheduling appointments, following up after procedures, and returning phone messages per dr request.
  • Enter charges into Cornerstone and keeping track in cornerstone for hospitalized patients.
  • Inventory management such as unpackaging and checking if we received ordered items. Ordering food items and putting away incoming shipments. Recording controlled substances. Putting in orders as needed and restocking clinic as needed.
  • Teaching students how to navigate cornerstone, proper restraint techniques, client communications, and educating on vaccines and medications.
  • Teaching students how to properly assess the body language of cats and dogs. Recognizing (fear-based) aggression in cats and dogs and how to properly address the situation.
  • Certified in Fear Free restraint
• Maintain and Organize
  • Maintaining and organizing all areas of the clinic such as treatment, surgery, and kennel area.
  • Maintain exam rooms clean, organized, and equipped for appointments.
  • Operate, clean, maintain. troubleshoot equipment and instruments.
  • Prepare surgery suite, dental suite, and x-ray room for procedures. Assist DVM throughout surgery such as providing local blocks, suture, scrubbing into surgery when necessary.
  • Developing new skills and techniques. Learning how to use new equipment, Learning and anticipating the needs of different doctors in the clinic.

 

Additional Physical Demands

Persons allergic to animal dander, dust, pollen, hay, etc., may experience discomfort in this position. Work involving animals with various disease states may expose the individual to viral, bacterial and fungal agents known to be transmissible to man. Laboratory work may expose the individual chemicals, anesthetic waste gases and bio-hazards, all of which may be potentially hazardous if mishandled or misused. The handling of an animal presents some element of risk or injury.

Minimum Qualifications

1. Successful completion of a veterinary technology program accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).

2. Current certification as a Veterinary Technician by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR).

3. One (1) year (12 months) of paramedical veterinary experience comparable to that performed at the Veterinary Technician (General) level of this series or in other positions of comparable responsibility.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Advanced knowledge of paramedical techniques and procedures
• Strong communication, organizational, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work with clinicians, staff, clients, and students in a professional and polite manner
• Flexibility to jump in when needed
• Strong client services skills are required.

Appointment Information

This is a 100% full-time Civil Service 4847 - Veterinary Technician I position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after 1/6/2025. Hourly wage for this position starts at $24.10, plus a 20% cost of living adjustment. Final salary offered will be determined by a thorough assessment of available market data, internal salary equity, candidate experience and qualifications, collective bargaining agreements, and budget constraints. Sponsorship for work authorization is not available for this position.   

For more information on Civil Service classifications, please visit the SUCSS web site at https://www.sucss.illinois.gov/pages/classspec/default.aspx.

Application Procedures & Deadline Information

Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on January 2, 2025. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. In order to be considered as a transfer candidate, you must apply for this position. Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered. If required by the position, transcripts or other documentation of credentials are to be provided no later than the first day of employment. For further information about this specific position, please contact Monica Castro-Gallegos at monicac@illinois.edu.  For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.

 

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The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodations portal, or by contacting the Accessibility & Accommodations Division of the Office for Access and Equity at 217-333-0885, or by emailing accessibility@illinois.edu.

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Requisition ID: 1027951
Job Category: Technical
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu