What are the responsibilities and job description for the Veterinary Assistant Supervisor, VREC, Large Animal Clinical Sciences: College of Veterinary Medicine - UTIA position at University of Tennessee - Knoxville?
The College of Veterinary Medicine invites applicants to apply for the position of Veterinary Assistant Supervisor at its Veterinary Research and Education Center (VREC). The primary purpose of this position is to supervise large animal veterinary assistants at the Veterinary Research and Education Center (VREC). Animals at VREC include client-owned, teaching, and research animals. This role is responsible for the recruitment, training, onboarding, development, and discipline of veterinary assistants. The position ensures proper animal care, facility maintenance, and medical support, and communicates relevant information to the medical staff and manager. Additional responsibilities include assisting with agency inspections, coordinating research and teaching animal use, maintaining facility and equipment sanitation, managing inventory and supply orders through the manager, and overseeing staff compliance with OHP and IACUC requirements. The position also manages work schedules for full-time staff and student assistants.
Provides supervision and leadership to assigned staff, including daily work direction, coordination of schedules, and approval of time records. Participates in all aspects of personnel management, including recruitment, onboarding, training, performance evaluation, disciplinary actions, terminations, and professional development; provides recommendations to the Manager as appropriate. Assists in the development, evaluation, and implementation of policies and procedures in accordance with UTCVM and University standards. Ensures adherence to established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and promptly reports deviations or concerns to the Manager. Conducts routine inspections and collaborates with staff to ensure all animals are properly cared for, accounted for, and receive timely veterinary attention as required; communicates findings to the Manager. Coordinates with the Manager to plan and schedule farm projects, field maintenance, and related operational activities. Ensures all employees are informed of appropriate communication channels and escalation protocols for addressing issues or emergencies. Provides guidance and support to employees regarding workers’ compensation procedures and related matters. Performs veterinary assistant duties, as needed, in the absence of farm staff, including animal care, restraint, transportation, sanitation, record-keeping, and assistance with treatments and laboratory procedures. Monitors and evaluates supply levels necessary for farm operations and animal care, and communicates inventory needs to the Manager for procurement.
Maintains current knowledge of Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care (AAALAC) and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) regulations, standards, and compliance requirements. Coordinates site inspections conducted by regulatory and accrediting agencies; escorts agency representatives during inspections and responds to inquiries related to assigned areas of responsibility. Reviews Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) protocols pertaining to research and teaching animals to ensure understanding and compliance. Collaborates with researchers to facilitate the implementation of field research projects and assists in coordinating animal use for both research and instructional activities. Assists with maintaining adequate inventory levels and supplies necessary for animal care, fieldwork, and related operations. Works closely with the VREC Veterinary Nurse and supervising clinicians to monitor and ensure optimal animal health; reports concerns or irregularities to the Manager through established communication channels, including email and phone. Ensures completion and accuracy of all required facility documentation, including daily animal care logs, eyewash station inspection logs, and IACUC records; monitors staff participation and adherence to record-keeping standards.
Supervises and oversees maintenance operations, ensuring proper care and functionality of equipment such as tractors, skid steers, lawnmowers, and weed trimmers, as well as buildings, fencing, and other facility structures. Identifies and coordinates repairs for equipment and structural components, arranging external service when needs exceed internal capabilities. Oversees upkeep of pastures and fencing, ensuring that all areas are maintained in safe and operational condition. Performs routine maintenance activities, including painting livestock corral panels and conducting touch-up work on buildings and related structures. Monitors and maintains inventory of maintenance and operational supplies; coordinates purchasing in collaboration with the Manager. Demonstrates the ability to follow direction, anticipate operational needs, and proactively plan for future maintenance and supply requirements. Works collaboratively with the Manager to ensure that all maintenance activities align with operational goals and standards.
Required Qualifications:
- Education: High school diploma or GED
- Experience: 3 or more years of experience working with large animals in a clinical, teaching, or research environment. Must be able to operate farm machinery and equipment and have the ability to teach others. Must have valid driver's license. Must have knowledge of rules and guidelines for a University, Teaching and Research Facility.
- Knowledge, Skills, Abilities: Knowledge of large animal care, handling, and husbandry, veterinary procedures, and regulatory compliance (AAALAC, USDA, IACUC). Knowledge of facility and equipment maintenance, inventory management, and institutional policies. Skilled in supervising, training, and developing staff, coordinating projects, and ensuring compliance with SOPs and protocols. Strong communication, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities. Ability to plan proactively, manage multiple priorities, perform hands-on veterinary and maintenance tasks, and respond effectively to emergencies.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience: Supervisory training classes. 3 or more years’ experience working with large animals and farm machinery.
Work Location:
- Knoxville, Tennessee
- On-Site
Compensation and Benefits:
- UT market range: 05
Application Instructions:
To express interest, please submit an application with the noted below attachments.
- Resume
- Cover Letter
- List of 3 Professional References
About The College:
The UT College of Veterinary Medicine (UTCVM), located in Knoxville, was established by an act of the Tennessee Legislature in 1974 and is part of the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture .
UTCVM is one of 33 veterinary colleges in the United States and provides opportunities for Tennessee students while serving pet owners and the livestock industry as well as protecting public health, enhancing medical knowledge and generating economic benefits to the state and nation.
