What are the responsibilities and job description for the Surgical Coordinator - Veterinary Technician position at Colorado State University?
Posting Details
Posting Detail Information
Working Title Surgical Coordinator - Veterinary Technician Position Location Fort Collins, CO Work Location Position is fully in-office/in-person Research Professional Position No Posting Number 202501654AP Position Type Admin Professional/ Research Professional Classification Title Technical/Support III Number of Vacancies Work Hours/Week 40 Proposed Annual Salary Range $50,724 - $58,000 Employee Benefits
Colorado State University is not just a workplace; it’s a thriving community that’s transforming lives and improving the human condition through world-class teaching, research, and service. With a robust benefits package, collaborative atmosphere, and focus on work-life balance, CSU is where you can thrive, grow, and make a lasting impact.
Veterinary Teaching Hospital
At the CSU Veterinary Teaching Hospital (VTH) we exist to educate the next generation of veterinarians by providing exceptional veterinary care and service to the community every day. This work unit exists to provide administration and direction of the Veterinary Teaching Hospital and provide a support facility for service to the general public and referring veterinarians.
Why work at Colorado State University?
CSU was recently ranked first among Colorado-based educational employers and fifth among all in-state employers in Forbes magazine’s “America’s Best Employers by State!”
We are looking to add individuals to our team who have the following characteristics:
CSU is committed to providing employees with a strong and competitive benefits and well-being package that supports you, your health, and your family.
These CSU resources help with many aspects of your life – financial, physical, emotional, family, workplace wellness. These resources are part of our investment in you.
Employees are benefits eligible when working a minimum of 20 hours per week; benefits outlined below reflect full-time status of 40 hours per week; some benefits would be prorated for part-time status.
Retirement Programs
While employees of CSU do not contribute to Social Security, the University and the state of Colorado offer competitive retirement plans. As a condition of employment and required by Colorado law, employees are required to participate in either the University’s Defined Contribution Plan (DCP) or the Public Employee’s Retirement Plan (PERA) of Colorado. Each plan offers a generous employer match. For more information, visit: https://hr.colostate.edu/current-employees/benefits/afap/retirement/.
Campus Culture and Principles of Community
Colorado State University has a campus culture that is driven by a desire always to do better and a vision to be the best place to learn, work, and discover.
Tobacco and Smoke-Free
Colorado State University is a tobacco and smoke-free campus. For the health of our university community, the use of smoking, vaping or tobacco products is prohibited on CSU grounds or in buildings.
Position Summary
The Surgical Coordinator plays a vital role in supporting student learning, patient care, and surgical service operations within the Primary Care service. This position is responsible for overseeing and providing instruction in aseptic and sterile techniques, surgical preparation, and patient handling. The role also assists in coordinating daily surgical procedures, ensures proper check-in and EMR record management, and supports accurate charge capture and documentation. Under DVM supervision, they help train veterinary students in performing spay/neuter surgeries and other routine procedures, including the use of advanced surgical equipment such as electrocautery, vessel sealing devices, and laparoscopy. This role contributes to a positive learning environment, helps ensure patient safety and procedural efficiency, and plays a critical part in aligning surgical services with the college’s educational mission.
Required Job Qualifications
Job Duty Category Student Surgical Support and Education Duty/Responsibility
This role plays a key part in the hands-on clinical education of veterinary students. The technician supports students throughout surgical procedures, guiding them through sterile technique, patient preparations, and operating room processes. The technician reinforces teaching goals by providing direct instruction and oversight under DVM supervision.
This duty encompasses all tasks related to ensuring the surgical suite is clean, organized, and fully equipped to support daily surgical activities. This technician is responsible for preparing and maintaining the surgical suite to ensure patient safety, procedural efficiency, and adherence to hospital protocols.
This duty includes organizing and managing the daily surgical schedule to ensure smooth operations and efficient case flow. The technician works closely with clinicians and students to manage patient arrivals, preparation, and movement through the hospital process.
This role is responsible for cultivating and managing key relationships with local animal shelters and rescue groups. The technician ensures a consistent, well-coordinated intake of animals for student surgical teaching, balancing the needs of partner organizations with program goals and clinical requirements. These partnerships are essential for advancing both educational outcomes and community impact.
Application Details
Special Instructions to Applicants
To apply, please upload a cover letter that addresses the required and preferred job qualifications, a resume, CACVT/Other State Vet Tech Certification, and the contact information for three professional references. References will not be contacted without prior notification to candidates.
CSU is committed to full inclusion of qualified individuals. If you are needing assistance or accommodations with the search process, please reach out to the listed search contact.
Please note, applicants may redact information from their application materials that identifies their age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution.
Conditions of Employment Pre-employment Criminal Background Check (required for new hires), Essential Services Designation Search Contact vth_hr@colostate.edu EEO
Colorado State University (CSU) provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
Background Check Policy Statement
Colorado State University strives to provide a safe study, work, and living environment for its faculty, staff, volunteers and students. To support this environment and comply with applicable laws and regulations, CSU conducts background checks for the finalist before a final offer. The type of background check conducted varies by position and can include, but is not limited to, criminal history, sex offender registry, motor vehicle history, financial history, and/or education verification. Background checks will also be conducted when required by law or contract and when, in the discretion of the University, it is reasonable and prudent to do so.
References Requested
References Requested
Minimum Requested 3 Maximum Requested 3
Supplemental Questions
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
Applicant Documents
Required Documents
Posting Detail Information
Working Title Surgical Coordinator - Veterinary Technician Position Location Fort Collins, CO Work Location Position is fully in-office/in-person Research Professional Position No Posting Number 202501654AP Position Type Admin Professional/ Research Professional Classification Title Technical/Support III Number of Vacancies Work Hours/Week 40 Proposed Annual Salary Range $50,724 - $58,000 Employee Benefits
Colorado State University is not just a workplace; it’s a thriving community that’s transforming lives and improving the human condition through world-class teaching, research, and service. With a robust benefits package, collaborative atmosphere, and focus on work-life balance, CSU is where you can thrive, grow, and make a lasting impact.
- Review our detailed benefits information here.
- Explore the additional perks of working at CSU here.
- For the total value of CSU benefits in addition to wages, use our compensation calculator.
- Lastly, click here for more information about why Fort Collins is consistently ranked in the top cities to live in!
Veterinary Teaching Hospital
At the CSU Veterinary Teaching Hospital (VTH) we exist to educate the next generation of veterinarians by providing exceptional veterinary care and service to the community every day. This work unit exists to provide administration and direction of the Veterinary Teaching Hospital and provide a support facility for service to the general public and referring veterinarians.
Why work at Colorado State University?
CSU was recently ranked first among Colorado-based educational employers and fifth among all in-state employers in Forbes magazine’s “America’s Best Employers by State!”
We are looking to add individuals to our team who have the following characteristics:
- Confidence – they expect success in what they do
- Compassion – they have genuine care and concern for others
- Empowerment – they use their knowledge and skills to adjust, change, and improve daily tasks/work for themselves and others
- Integrity – they are honest, and others trust them
- Responsibility – they take ownership of decisions and actions
CSU is committed to providing employees with a strong and competitive benefits and well-being package that supports you, your health, and your family.
These CSU resources help with many aspects of your life – financial, physical, emotional, family, workplace wellness. These resources are part of our investment in you.
Employees are benefits eligible when working a minimum of 20 hours per week; benefits outlined below reflect full-time status of 40 hours per week; some benefits would be prorated for part-time status.
- Paid time off at 192 hours/year (accrued at 16 hours per month), 120 hours sick leave/year, and 11 paid holidays annually pro-rated by full-time equivalent (FTE)
- Comprehensive benefits programs and services including Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Disability, Parental Leave, work/life resources, and more
- 20% Employee Pet VTH Discount!
- Robust Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for your overall well-being
- FREE college credit courses (up to 9-semester credits per year) through the Employee Study Privilege program
- Tuition Scholarships up to 50% for eligible family members
- FREE employee growth opportunity through CSU training and development opportunities. After-school programs and summer camps for kids
- Community Discounts
- FREE MAX transit use with CSU identification
Retirement Programs
While employees of CSU do not contribute to Social Security, the University and the state of Colorado offer competitive retirement plans. As a condition of employment and required by Colorado law, employees are required to participate in either the University’s Defined Contribution Plan (DCP) or the Public Employee’s Retirement Plan (PERA) of Colorado. Each plan offers a generous employer match. For more information, visit: https://hr.colostate.edu/current-employees/benefits/afap/retirement/.
Campus Culture and Principles of Community
Colorado State University has a campus culture that is driven by a desire always to do better and a vision to be the best place to learn, work, and discover.
Tobacco and Smoke-Free
Colorado State University is a tobacco and smoke-free campus. For the health of our university community, the use of smoking, vaping or tobacco products is prohibited on CSU grounds or in buildings.
Position Summary
The Surgical Coordinator plays a vital role in supporting student learning, patient care, and surgical service operations within the Primary Care service. This position is responsible for overseeing and providing instruction in aseptic and sterile techniques, surgical preparation, and patient handling. The role also assists in coordinating daily surgical procedures, ensures proper check-in and EMR record management, and supports accurate charge capture and documentation. Under DVM supervision, they help train veterinary students in performing spay/neuter surgeries and other routine procedures, including the use of advanced surgical equipment such as electrocautery, vessel sealing devices, and laparoscopy. This role contributes to a positive learning environment, helps ensure patient safety and procedural efficiency, and plays a critical part in aligning surgical services with the college’s educational mission.
Required Job Qualifications
- Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) Certification or equivalent credential (CVT, LVT, etc.) recognized by the state of employment.
- Minimum of 3 years of veterinary surgical experience in a small animal setting, including direct involvement with sterile technique, patient handling, and surgical preparation.
- Prior experience mentoring or instructing in surgical technique, preparation, or equipment use.
- Working knowledge of surgical equipment including electrocautery and laparoscopic equipment.
- Credentialed Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) or actively working toward VTS certification.
- Prior experience working directly with shelter/rescue organizations
Job Duty Category Student Surgical Support and Education Duty/Responsibility
This role plays a key part in the hands-on clinical education of veterinary students. The technician supports students throughout surgical procedures, guiding them through sterile technique, patient preparations, and operating room processes. The technician reinforces teaching goals by providing direct instruction and oversight under DVM supervision.
- Support and guide veterinary students in scrubbing, gowning, gloving, aseptic technique, and patient prep.
- Educate students on proper surgical setup, patient handling, sterile field management, limited surgical techniques/anatomy, and post-op procedures.
- Instruct students on the safe and effective use of advanced surgical equipment, including electrocautery units, vessel sealing devices, and laparoscopic equipment.
- Perform patient positioning and securement based on procedure type and species-specific needs including the ability to safely lift and maneuver patients weighing 50 lbs with appropriate support or equipment.
- Conduct surgical skin prep using appropriate aseptic techniques.
- Open sterile surgical packs and supplies aseptically to maintain surgical field integrity.
This duty encompasses all tasks related to ensuring the surgical suite is clean, organized, and fully equipped to support daily surgical activities. This technician is responsible for preparing and maintaining the surgical suite to ensure patient safety, procedural efficiency, and adherence to hospital protocols.
- Maintain the cleanliness and organization of the surgical and induction suites, including daily, weekly, monthly, and annual cleaning tasks.
- Prepare surgical tables with positioning aids (e.g., waterbeds, fleeces, V-troughs), Mayo stands with necessary packs (spay/neuter, gown, suture), anesthesia stands, and kick buckets.
- Ensure the surgical suite is stocked with all required supplies prior to scheduled procedures.
- Maintain and troubleshoot surgical equipment (e.g., electrocautery, suction, lights, patient warmers) to ensure safe and effective operation.
- Assist with the cleaning and basic maintenance of anesthesia machines and accessories.
- Ensure proper use of cleaning solutions and disinfectants to prevent cross-contamination and maintain aseptic conditions.
This duty includes organizing and managing the daily surgical schedule to ensure smooth operations and efficient case flow. The technician works closely with clinicians and students to manage patient arrivals, preparation, and movement through the hospital process.
- Coordinate the surgical schedule and daily flow of patients in collaboration with DVMs and staff.
- Serve as a liaison between surgery and other areas to ensure efficient case management as needed.
- Ensure each patient is checked in with an open EMR record and that charges are captured appropriately and accurately for each surgical case.
- Ensure timely and clear communication with anesthesia, students, and clinicians regarding patient readiness, status changes, or delays.
This role is responsible for cultivating and managing key relationships with local animal shelters and rescue groups. The technician ensures a consistent, well-coordinated intake of animals for student surgical teaching, balancing the needs of partner organizations with program goals and clinical requirements. These partnerships are essential for advancing both educational outcomes and community impact.
- Serve as the primary liaison between the hospital and participating shelters/rescues
- Manage the weekly intake process, coordinating the arrival and selection of animals for surgical training.
- Verify that incoming patients align with medical and programmatic guidelines.
- Communicate with shelter/rescue staff regarding post-operative care needs, recovery timelines, and any incidental findings noted during the animal’s stay.
- Foster clear, timely communication to support long-term collaboration and mutual success
Application Details
Special Instructions to Applicants
To apply, please upload a cover letter that addresses the required and preferred job qualifications, a resume, CACVT/Other State Vet Tech Certification, and the contact information for three professional references. References will not be contacted without prior notification to candidates.
CSU is committed to full inclusion of qualified individuals. If you are needing assistance or accommodations with the search process, please reach out to the listed search contact.
Please note, applicants may redact information from their application materials that identifies their age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution.
Conditions of Employment Pre-employment Criminal Background Check (required for new hires), Essential Services Designation Search Contact vth_hr@colostate.edu EEO
Colorado State University (CSU) provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
Background Check Policy Statement
Colorado State University strives to provide a safe study, work, and living environment for its faculty, staff, volunteers and students. To support this environment and comply with applicable laws and regulations, CSU conducts background checks for the finalist before a final offer. The type of background check conducted varies by position and can include, but is not limited to, criminal history, sex offender registry, motor vehicle history, financial history, and/or education verification. Background checks will also be conducted when required by law or contract and when, in the discretion of the University, it is reasonable and prudent to do so.
References Requested
References Requested
Minimum Requested 3 Maximum Requested 3
Supplemental Questions
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
Applicant Documents
Required Documents
- Cover Letter
- Resume
- CACVT/Other State Vet Tech Certification
Salary : $50,724 - $58,000
