Animal Care Technician - Veterinary Teaching Hospital
University of Illinois

Animal Care Technician - Veterinary Teaching Hospital

Veterinary Teaching Hospital

In 2024 Forbes ranked the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign as #13 among all US public colleges, on the basis of return on investment, student success, student debt, and alumni leadership and influence. Only one other campus featuring a veterinary college ranked above U. of I.

Job Summary
The position of the Animal Care Technician at the Veterinary Medicine South Clinic is to perform duties and responsibilities related to handling, feeding, and general standard care of research, teaching, and privately owned animals. The Animal Care Technician must be capable of assuming responsibility for the completion of assigned tasks and must work alone or in the company of others, without direct supervision and will function as an integral part of the animal health care team. Due to the teaching nature of the hospital, this position may supervise and instruct students in diagnostic and therapeutic techniques. The incumbent may be asked to assist in other areas of the Veterinary Teaching Hospital.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Provide skilled animal care under the direction of a veterinary technician and/or veterinarian.
  • Restrain patients as requested and perform basic paramedical technical procedures under direction of a veterinarian.
  • Administer and dispense medications, fluids, etc., under the direction of a veterinarian or guidance of a veterinary technician.
  • Assist veterinary staff and students with patient treatments.
  • Assist veterinary staff and students with diagnostic procedures.
  • Collect and submit blood, urine, fecal, milk and other biological samples.
  • Prepare animals and equipment, set up, assist, demonstrate, and clean up after common procedures, such as castrations, breeding soundness evaluations, jugular catheterization, etc.
  • Perform a variety of in-house diagnostic tests, including blood gases, PCV, TP, fecal egg counts, etc.
  • Recognize and report emergent and non-emergent conditions to veterinarians.
  • Provide technical assistance regarding the facilities sanitation, animal care equipment and supplies for staff and students.
• Clean, maintain and stock work areas and equipment.
  • Clean, supply and maintain treatment rooms, exam areas, laboratories, surgical areas, storerooms, and field service vehicles as per regulatory requirements.
  • Operate, clean, monitor and provide routine maintenance of equipment and instruments used within the section such as steam, H202, and ethylene oxide sterilizers.
  • Inventory and maintain drugs and other supplies.
  • Transport deceased patients to the VDL
• Patient admission, discharge, record keeping and client communication processes.
  • Register patients and clients into the hospital HIS.
  • Answer phone calls and make appointments.
  • Assist in the discharge of patients, including taking payment.
  • Enter clinical signs, treatments, and other information in the medical records in the Health Information System under direction of a staff veterinarian.
  • Review daily patient monitoring sheets frequently to ensure accuracy and completion.
  • Enter supplies used and procedures performed on patients into the Health Information System
• Other duties as assigned

Additional Physical Demands
Enough strength is required to be able to lift large animals (i.e., large dogs), restrain large animals (i.e., tortoises, kangaroos). A minimum degree of complexity should be expected. Generalized work methods may need to be varied depending upon illness or injury of the animal patient and events scheduled (such as examinations, treatments and surgery). This individual must be able to function as a necessary part of the Animal Care Team. A reasonable amount of efficiency is necessary.

Minimum Qualifications

1. High school diploma or equivalent.

2. Any one or combination totaling two (2) years (24 months) from the categories below:

A. Coursework in animal science, biological science, veterinary technology, zoology, or a closely related field, as measured by the following conversion table or its proportional equivalent:

• 30 semester hours equals one (1) year (12 months)

• Associate's Degree (60 semester hours) equals eighteen months (18 months)

• 90 semester hours equals two (2) years (24 months)

• Bachelor's Degree (120 semester hours) equals three (3) years (36 months)

B. Work experience in an animal care facility which could include a research laboratory, veterinary hospital, veterinary clinic, intensive or industrial animal farm, or closely related experience.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Must be able to adapt to new technologies, procedures and equipment; and must adhere to strict protocols.
• Demonstrate a working knowledge of medications, routes of administration, and animal husbandry
• Enough strength and dexterity is required to be able to lift large animals (i.e., large dogs), restrain large animals (i.e., tortoises, kangaroos). A minimum degree of complexity should be expected.
• Must have a valid driver's license.
• Knowledge of machines and tools related to animal care, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
• Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, data entry, designing forms, and other office procedures and terminology.
• Knowledge of basic arithmetic operations and their applications.
• Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote the safety and security of people, data, property, and institutions.
• Ability to communicate effectively as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
• Ability to interpret work related documents, policies, and procedures.
• Ability to exhibit strong organizational skills and maintain detailed, accurate records.
• Ability to exert force to lift, push, pull or carry objects repeatedly or continuously over time.
• Ability to work successfully as a member of a team and independently with moderate supervision.
• Ability to identify problems, evaluate alternatives, and implement effective solutions.

Appointment Information

This is a 100% full-time Civil Service 0679 - Animal Care Technician position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The hours for this position are Monday-Friday 12:00 PM - 8:00 PM. The expected start date is as soon as possible. The collective bargaining agreement sets a wage of $21.38. 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 Sunday, December 1, 2024. 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 Kim Byrne (krbyne@illinois.edu). For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.

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 .

Requisition ID: 1027922
Job Category: Technical
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu

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