Registered Veterinary Technician, Large Animal

University of Saskatchewan; Saskatoon; On-site; CAD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading veterinary institution is seeking enthusiastic Registered Veterinary Technicians to join their animal health team at the Veterinary Medical Centre. This role involves assisting with various procedures for large animals and providing compassionate care. Successful candidates will have strong technical skills, effective communication abilities, and the capacity to work both independently and collaboratively. The position offers an inclusive environment and competitive hourly rates ranging from CAD $23.35 to $30.61.

Benefits

Access to advanced technologies

Opportunities for job advancement

Excellent health benefits

Qualifications

• Registered or eligible for registration with the Saskatchewan Association of Veterinary Technologists (SAVT).
• Preference will be given to candidates certified in equine or internal medicine.
• Must hold a valid Saskatchewan driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Assist with diagnostic and therapeutic procedures in the Large Animal Clinic.
• Maintain equipment and supplies; handle and restrain animals.
• Provide technical assistance to interns and students.

Skills

Strong technical skills

Effective communication

Ability to work independently

Animal handling skills

Proactive problem-solving

Organizational skills

Education

Two-year veterinary technology program

Job description

Overview

Registered Veterinary Technician, Large Animal

We are seeking enthusiastic, registered veterinary technologists (RVTs) to join our animal health team at the Veterinary Medical Centre. Our centre offers a wide range of primary and referral services and is Western Canada’s teaching hospital with international accreditation.

Why work with us? We offer access to advanced technologies, a progressive supportive work environment, opportunities for job advancement and continuing education, a team approach to patient care and client services, and excellent health benefits.

Primary Purpose

The primary purpose of this position is to contribute to the efficient operation of the Large Animal Hospital by providing technical assistance to clinicians and undergraduate students.

Nature of Work

Reporting to the Manager Operations, the technician provides compassionate, quality patient care consistent with the philosophy and objectives of the VMC. Animal handling and manipulations are a routine part of the job. The position is located in an animal facility housing large animals, exposing the employee to animal dander, waste, feed, and unpredictability. It requires substantial lifting, moving, kneeling, jogging, and cleaning of equipment/workspaces. Duties may involve unpleasant odors, specific dress code and traffic pattern restrictions. The role is physical and may require running alongside horses, handling stallions, and continuous kneeling, crouching, and climbing. Work may occur inside or outside year-round in varying climates and terrains.

Typical Duties/Accountabilities

• Assist with diagnostic and therapeutic procedures (including special imaging) on animals in the Large Animal Clinic and Field Service, under the direction of senior technicians and clinicians; participate in daily patient care.
• Assist with demonstration/instruction of basic skills to undergraduate and veterinary technology program students; provide technical assistance to interns, residents, and undergraduates in daily duties.
• Maintain equipment and supplies; handle and restrain animals; sedation; assist with surgical, medical, and radiology procedures; maintain medical records; implement clinician orders; maintain the facility.
• Orient and stay current with workplace safety and security procedures/policies.
• When caseload fluctuates, assist within the VMC as an RVT with other duties as assigned. During periods of low activity or high demand, may be assigned to other areas within the Veterinary Medical Centre.
• Competently perform basic and introductory duties independently; advanced skills/duties cover core services in LA therio, medicine, surgery, field service, equine, bovine, and LA medical imaging.

Qualifications

Education: A graduate of a recognized two-year veterinary technology program; registered or eligible for registration with the Saskatchewan Association of Veterinary Technologists (SAVT). Preference will be given to candidates certified with the Academy of Equine Veterinary Nursing (AEVN) or the Academy of Internal Medicine for Veterinary Technicians (AIMVT). Must hold and maintain a valid Saskatchewan driver’s license with good standing.

Experience: A minimum of three years of direct experience in a hospital setting working with large animals (e.g., equine, bovine, caprine, ovine, porcine, and some exotics). Demonstrated experience directing and evaluating the work of others.

Skills: Strong technical and critical thinking skills; effective interpersonal and written communication; ability to adapt to a dynamic environment with a professional and positive demeanor; strong handling and safety skills for large animals; ability to work independently and as part of a team; ability to evaluate others’ work; proactive problem-solving; sound decision-making within hospital policy; strong organizational and time-management abilities; ability to perform heavy physical labor with animals and equipment. Radiography and special imaging (MRI, CT, scintigraphy) experience is an asset.

Note: Applicants meeting CUPE 1975 Phase 5 qualifications will be prioritized, but candidates with interest in learning may be considered for lower classifications with training and potential advancement.

Salary/Classification Details CUPE 1975 Phase 4 RVT: CAD $23.35 - $30.61 per hour; Phase 3 RVT: CAD $21.55 - $25.13 per hour. Department: Veterinary Medical Centre. Status: Term up to 18 months with potential for extension or permanency. Employment Group: CUPE 1975. Shift: Days, evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays. FTE: 1.0. Salary range for 1.0 FTE: CAD $28.72 - $37.60 per hour; starting salary commensurate with education and experience.

Other Requirements The successful applicant will be required to provide verification as listed: Criminal Record Check, Driver’s License and Abstract Check. Education/Credential Verification: Not Applicable; Vulnerable Sector Check: Not Applicable.

Equity and Inclusion The University is committed to employment equity, diversity, and inclusion. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority per immigration requirements. Accommodations are available upon request. Indigenous membership/citizenship verification policies apply as described. The University of Saskatchewan acknowledges Treaty 6 Territory and the Homeland of the Métis; we value Indigenous perspectives in our community.