Veterinary Technician (General) - Animal Care Program

Animal Care Program

Job Summary

Under the direction of the Animal Care Program (ACP) assigned supervisor, this position will provide standard paramedical support, and nursing care for research and teaching animals in ACP operated animal facilities and University of Illinois agricultural animal facilities. This position will also support the pharmacy operations, health surveillance, training, and sanitation monitoring programs for ACP facilities. Assist principal investigators with research protocols and veterinarians and farm staff with health monitoring and technical procedures at the animal units; provide general support to help the agricultural facilities maintain compliance with the Ag Guide, University policies, and current standards of care.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Laboratory Animal Care
  Provide standard paramedical support for laboratory animal species housed in the Animal Care Program operated facilities, including but not limited to:
  a. assisting ACP Veterinary staff in performing initial and recheck health assessments.
  b. handling and restraining animals as directed.
  c. collecting biological samples such as: blood, fecal and urine samples for laboratory analysis
  d. administering medications and treatments as directed by the ACP veterinarians.
  e. performing effective and humane euthanasia per species specific guidelines
  f. observing animals for overt signs of disease an effective evaluation of health status
  g. assist with preparing, monitoring, and assisting with, surgical prep and postoperative care to a variety of animal species for surgical procedures.
  h. performing procedures (such as dentals) under the direct supervision of ACP veterinary staff
  i. assists in the rodent health surveillance and sanitation monitoring programs, including proper collection and processing of samples, maintaining appropriate records.
  j. assist with providing training for research staff, students, and staff employees.
  k. appropriate administration and record-keeping for controlled substances.
• Agricultural Animal Care
  Provide standard paramedical support for agricultural species housed in university operated facilities, including but not limited to:
  a. Learn to identify and report sick animals and emergency conditions.
  b. Inspect incoming animals to the facilities within 48 hours of arrival.
  c. Handling and restraining large animals as directed.
  d. Collecting biological samples, completing submission forms and packaging for the appropriate laboratory
  e. Provide intra-operative and post-operative monitoring of animals.
  f. Assist with training of research staff, students, and staff employees.
  g. Assist with monitoring surgical records and maintaining health records.
  h. Help maintain the herd health plans, order drugs and supplies and ensure proper labeling and documentation.
• Performs other related duties as assigned. May be required to work holidays and possible rotating weekend on-call assignments.

Physical Demands

• Standing : Frequently

• Walking : Frequently

• Stairs : Occasionally

• Sitting : Occasionally

• Lifting/Carrying : Frequently

• Pushing/Pulling : Occasionally

• Climbing : Rarely

• Balancing : Occasionally

• Bending/Stooping : Occasionally

• Kneeling : Occasionally

• Squatting/Crouching : Occasionally

• Crawling : Rarely

• Reaching : Frequently

• Grip/Dexterity : Frequently

• Twisting : Occasionally

• Talking : Frequently

• Hearing : Frequently

• Repetitive Motions : Frequently

• Eye/Hand/Foot Coordination : Frequently

• Visual Acuity : Frequently

• Running/Jumping : Rarely

• Physical Exertion : Frequently

• Physical Restraining : Frequently

Operating Heavy Machinery/Equipment : Rarely

Working Conditions

• Extreme cold : Occasionally

• Extreme heat : Occasionally

• Humidity : Occasionally

• Wet : Frequently

• Noise : Frequently

• Hazards : Frequently

• Fumes/Particles/Allergens : Frequently

• Toxic, Caustic Chemicals : Occasionally

• Temperature Changes : Occasionally

• Inclement Weather : Occasionally

• Heights : Rarely

• Work Outdoors : Occasionally

• Tight Spaces : Frequently

• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) : Frequently

Dangerous Machinery/Equipment : Rarely

Additional Physical Demands

Laboratory Animal Environment: The work environment naturally includes animal odors, which should not be unpleasant with proper sanitation. There is an inherent risk to the Veterinary Technician of animal bites and scratches, miscellaneous injuries which may be incurred by potential disease vectors such as a broken water bottle or cage wire, allergies to bedding dust or animal dander, contraction of zoonosis, and caustic detergent spills. Proper training, care and protective attire should minimize these risks and a current tetanus vaccination is strongly recommended per campus Occupational Health and Safety guidelines for staff working in these types of environments. Position involves handling occasional aggressive or frightened animals; this is within the scope of experience gained during a Veterinary Technology practicum or internship. Lifting of small stacks of caging and feed bags up-to 50 pounds may be necessary. Due to the daily requirements and technical specialization of the job, dependability and low absenteeism are essential and this position may be required to work holidays and some occasional weekends.
Agricultural Environment: Working with large animals will always present some element of risk or injury. A willingness to learn safe handling skills for different species is imperative. Physical ability to restrain large animals and lift up-to 50 pounds is needed. Showering in and out of bio-secure areas is expected. Exposure to loud noises, animal dander, dust, pollen, and hay, etc. can be expected.

Travel Requirements

10% Travel across different campus location may be required.

Minimum Qualifications

Successful completion or current enrollment in the final semester of a veterinary technology program accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).

Preferred Qualifications

1. Current certification as a licensed Veterinary Technician in the State of Illinois.
2. Maintains a valid driver’s license in the State of Illinois

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• 1.Willingness and ability to work with laboratory and agricultural animal species, especially swine. 2. Ability to work effectively with others. 3. Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions or materials. 4. Ability to maintain records. 5. Ability to apply arithmetic skills. 6. Ability to detect marked signs of illness. 7. Ability to provide care for animals, including safe handling, feeding, and restraining of animals.

Appointment Information

This is a 100% full-time Civil Service 4080 - Veterinary Technician (General) position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after 8/28/2023. Salary is commensurate with experience.
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 (CST) on August 25, 2023. 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 Christopher Learned at clearned@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, COVID-19 vaccination requirement, 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. 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: 1018930
Job Category: Technical
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu