Technician, Float, Veterinary Medical Centre

University of Saskatchewan; Saskatoon; On-site; CAD 42,000 - 53,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Saskatchewan's Veterinary Medical Centre seeks a Float Technician to ensure 24/7 patient care across Large Animal services, anesthesia, surgery, MRI, theriogenology, and teaching labs. This term position provides cross-service coverage and supports teaching and clinical activities on campus.

The role requires strong animal handling and monitoring skills, adaptability to shift rotations, and a commitment to high standards of patient care and professional conduct.

Qualifications

• Graduate of a recognized two year veterinary technology program; registered or eligible for registration with Saskatchewan Association of Veterinary Technologists (SAVT); and a member or eligible for membership with the Saskatchewan Veterinary Medical Association (SVMA).
• At least two years of experience in a veterinary clinic, veterinary teaching hospital, or related veterinary environment supporting large animal medicine, surgery, anesthesia, and/or patient care services. Experience working with large animal species is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical support for Large Animal standing sedation procedures and assist with surgery, MRI sedation cases, theriogenology, medicine, critical care, and specialty services.
• Support induction, maintenance, monitoring, and recovery of patients undergoing sedation and anesthesia as instructed by licensed veterinarians.
• Assist with patient preparation, monitoring, and post-procedural care; maintain health records; and manage equipment and supplies.
• Assist in supervision and instruction of undergraduate veterinary and veterinary technology students during clinical and laboratory activities.

Skills

Large animal handling

Anesthesia support

Surgical assistance

Patient monitoring

Communication skills

Teamwork

Teaching/mentoring

Time management

Education

Two-year veterinary technology program

Tools

Ultrasound equipment

Job description

Technician, Float, Veterinary Medical Centre

Primary Purpose: As Float Technician, you will help to ensure that an optimum level of patient care is maintained 24 hours/day, 7 days/week. This position functions as a flexible clinical resource mainly supporting the Large Animal services, anesthesia, sedation procedures, surgery, MRI, theriogenology, teaching laboratories, and other areas as assigned. The position provides cross-service coverage to support patient care, operational efficiency, and instructional activities throughout the Veterinary Medical Centre.

Nature of Work

Reporting to the Manager Health Services, this position functions on a rotational basis providing coverage during the day, evening, weekend, and Statutory Holidays between the areas of Large Animal, Sedation, critical care, surgery, specialties, and other areas assigned. Animal handling and manipulations are a constant part of the position. This position works in an animal facility with small (canine, feline, avian, and some exotics) and large animals (bovine, equine, caprine, ovine, porcine) which exposes employees to animal dander, waste, and unpredictability; and requires a substantial amount of lifting, moving, and cleaning of equipment/work area. Subject to some unpleasant odours, dress code, and traffic pattern restrictions.

Typical Duties / Accountabilities

Provides technical support for Large Animal standing sedation procedures; assists with Large Animal surgery, MRI sedation cases, theriogenology, medicine, critical care, and specialty services; supports induction, maintenance, monitoring, and recovery of patients undergoing sedation and anesthesia as instructed by licensed veterinarians; assists with patient preparation, monitoring, and post-procedural care; monitors performance of aseptic technique and arranges operating room and procedure environments to support optimum patient care; assists in diagnostic imaging and ultrasound procedures; handles and restrains small and large animal patients; maintains health records; provides vacation, leave, and staffing relief across assigned services; assists with the supervision and instruction of undergraduate veterinary and veterinary technology students during clinical and laboratory activities; maintains equipment, supplies, and facilities; and performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education

Graduate of a recognized two year veterinary technology program; registered or eligible for registration with Saskatchewan Association of Veterinary Technologists (SAVT); and a member or eligible for membership with the Saskatchewan Veterinary Medical Association (SVMA).

Experience

At least two years of experience in a veterinary clinic, veterinary teaching hospital, or related veterinary environment supporting large animal medicine, surgery, anesthesia, sedation, and/or patient care services. Experience working with large animal species is preferred. Willing to train and mentor those who qualify.

Skills

Demonstrated technical skills in large animal handling and restraint, anesthesia and sedation support, surgical assistance, patient monitoring, and veterinary nursing care; ability to adapt effectively to changing assignments and priorities across multiple clinical services; effective interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal; ability to work independently and collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams; ability to support teaching and learning activities involving veterinary and veterinary technology students; demonstrated organizational, problem-solving, and time management skills; commitment to high standards of patient care, workplace safety, and professionalism; and the ability to perform moderate physical labor and tolerate exposure to a wide variety of animal species. While applicants who meet the qualifications of a CUPE 1975 Phase 5 listed above will be given priority, we may also consider applicants who are not fully qualified but show an interest in learning and developing their skills. Successful applicants who do not meet our full qualifications may be offered the position at a lower classification (CUPE 1975 Phase 4 or CUPE 1975 Phase 3) and therefore a lower pay rate. We will provide training, support, and an opportunity to move to the fully qualified level.

CUPE 1975 Phase 4 RVT

A CUPE 1975 Phase 4 RVT will be under the supervision of a senior RVT, possess the education qualifications listed above, have 2 – 3 years direct experience in a veterinary practice or other veterinary college, and be able to competently perform basic and introductory duties independently. The salary range is CAD $23.35 - $30.61 per hour.

CUPE 1975 Phase 3 RVT

A CUPE 1975 Phase 3 RVT will be under the direct supervision of a senior RVT, possess the education qualifications listed above, have less than 2 years direct experience in a veterinary practice or other veterinary college (new grads welcome!), and be able to perform basic skills and duties that were achieved as a result of graduating from a recognized Veterinary Technology Program. The salary range is CAD $21.55 - $25.13 per hour.

Department: Veterinary Medical Centre

Status: Term 1 year with the possibility of extension or becoming permanent

Employment Group: CUPE 1975

Shift: Hours will vary including days, evenings, nights, weekends, and STAT holidays. Hours are subject to change. You will work 40 hours per week in order to bank time to earn one day off at the end of every four week period.

Full Time Equivalent (FTE): 1.0

Salary: The salary range, based on 1.0 FTE, is $30.25 - 38.38 per hour. The starting salary will be commensurate with education and experience.

Salary Family (if applicable): Applied Scientific Services

Salary Phase/Band: Phase 5

Posted Date: 10/21/2026

Closing Date: 11/24/2026 at 6:00 pm CST

Number of Openings: 1

Work Location: On Campus

Verification Required

The successful applicant will be required to provide the following current verification(s) where 'Yes' is indicated below. Further information is available at: https://careers.usask.ca/tips-for-applying.php

Verification Checks

Criminal Record Check: Yes

Driver's License and Abstract Check: Not Applicable

Education/Credential Verification: Not Applicable

Vulnerable Sector Check: Not Applicable

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

The University of Saskatchewan aspires to be what the world needs and embraces equity, diversity and inclusion as foundational to excellence and innovation. We actively seek to create a welcoming environment where all individuals feel empowered to thrive, contribute, and grow. Applications from equity-deserving groups are encouraged as part of our ongoing efforts to reflect the diversity of the communities we serve: EDI Framework for Action.

We continue to grow our partnerships with Indigenous communities across the province, nationally, and internationally and value the unique perspective that Indigenous employees provide to strengthen these relationships. Verification of Indigenous Membership/Citizenship at the University of Saskatchewan is led and determined by the deybwewin | taapwaywin | tapwewin: Indigenous Truth policy and the Standing Committee in accordance with the processes developed to enact the policy. Successful candidates that assert Indigenous membership/citizenship will be asked to complete the verification process of Indigenous membership/citizenship with documentation.

The University of Saskatchewan provides an accessible and inclusive workplace. Should you require support through any stage of the recruitment process, please contact us for assistance.