Animal Care Tech Spec/Anest

University of Minnesota; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 41,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Minnesota seeks a Licensed Veterinary Technician to provide high-quality ICU support, patient care, and teaching across wellness, diagnostics, and treatments. The role requires collaboration with students, residents, and staff in a fast-paced academic clinical setting.

Daytime LVT coverage in Small Animal ICU, with responsibilities in documentation, procedures, and client education. Must be licensed in Minnesota and have AVMA-accredited training, plus strong communication skills.

Qualifications

• Licensed Veterinary Technician in Minnesota with 5+ years of experience.
• Graduate of AVMA-accredited veterinary technology program or equivalent.
• Demonstrated problem-solving, organizational, and time-management skills.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and customer service skills.

Responsibilities

• Direct patient care, technical support, and teaching in ICU (70%).
• Document patient observations and vital signs in medical records.
• Collect and process diagnostic samples and administer treatments.
• Support clinical operations and inventory management.
• Clinical communication and teamwork with faculty, students, residents, and staff.

Skills

LVT license MN

Five+ years veterinary experience

Interpersonal & communication

Safe restraint of small animals

EMR/computer proficiency

Education

AVMA-accredited veterinary technology program

Tools

EMR systems experience

Job description

Under the direction of a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, this position contributes to the health and well‑being of patients by delivering outstanding, high-quality veterinary technician services that meet the standards of the Board of Veterinary Medicine as well as VMC standards and protocols. This role supports the ICU by providing comprehensive veterinary technical support across wellness, diagnostics, treatment, and client education in a fast‑paced academic clinical environment. This role also supports student, resident, intern, and staff education, clinical research activities, and efficient hospital operations while maintaining high standards of patient care and customer service. This role is responsible for daytime LVT coverage in the Small Animal ICU.

Location and Work Environment

This work is performed at the University of Minnesota, College of Veterinary Medicine in the fast‑paced Lewis Small Animal Hospital. Work is performed 100% in‑person in the clinical hospital setting. The work environment includes exposure to loud noise, varying light levels, temperature changes, exposure to allergens including animal dander, dust, mold, and hay, as well as exposure to animal bodily fluids and waste.

Work Schedule

• Sunday- Thursday 6 AM- 2:30 PM
• Consecutive Sundays and overtime are conditions of this work
• ON call shift required (approximately 15 eight hour shifts per year
• 2-3 holiday shifts per fiscal year are required

Primary Responsibilities

70% Direct Patient Care, Technical Support, & Teaching

• Point Person on hospitalized patients
• Document patient observations, vital signs, and physical assessment information.

Participate in CPR and Recover Initiative skills labs

Document communication/calls to DVM

• Collect and process diagnostic samples including blood, urine, and other specimens for laboratory testing.
• Place and maintain intravenous catheters, nasoesophageal tubes,and administer medications, fluids, blood transfusions and treatments as prescribed.
• Perform nursing care including, and not limited to, wound care, catheter management, nebulization, oxygen delivery, maintain various types of drains, and monitoring patient trends.
• Perform advanced LVT skills such as Female Urinary Catheter placement, Central Lines and Sampling Line placement under DVM direction
• Assist with sedation, and recovery monitoring utilizing appropriate monitoring equipment, techniques and documentation.
• Perform radiographic positioning and image acquisition according to hospital protocols.
• Prepare patients and equipment for procedures.
• Utilize Fear Free handling techniques and appropriate restraint methods to promote patient safety and well‑being.
• Seek assistance when patient needs, workload demands, or clinical situations exceed individual knowledge, skill level, or capacity.
• Accept feedback, guidance, and assistance from colleagues in a professional and collaborative manner.

Ask for help when needed and willingly provide assistance to others to support patient care and team success.

Maintain Medical Records and Clinical Documentation

• Accurately document patient care, treatments, diagnostics, and communications in the medical record.

Maintain appropriate charging and billing documentation for services provided.

Ensure timely and accurate completion of required clinical records.

Support Clinical Operations

Monitor, maintain, and troubleshoot clinical equipment to ensure operational readiness.

Maintain inventory levels, stock supplies, and communicate supply needs.

• Adhere to VMC policies, infection control and safety standards, and regulatory requirements.

Provide guidance and oversight to Veterinary Assistants to safely support patient care.

30% Clinical Communication & ICU Business Needs

• Collaborate and promote constructive relationships with faculty, technicians, students, interns, residents, and hospital staff to coordinate patient care.
• Demonstrate professionalism, respect, inclusivity, and accountability in all interactions with clients, students, colleagues, and patients.
• Contribute to a culture of teamwork, psychological safety, and mutual respect.
• Utilize established communication tools and TeamSTEPPS principles to promote effective information sharing and teamwork.

Answer telephone calls and respond to inquiries in a timely and professional manner.

• Be the coworker you want to work with by fostering a positive and collaborative work environment.
• Accurate capture of charges in computer software system according to established policies
• Record detailed patient care notes within medical record
• Attend and participate in team meetings
• Maintain a clean, organized and stocked work area
• Stay current on updated policies/SOPs
• Participate in annual required training (i.e. Annual Health and Safety Training.)
• Inventory and ordering of supplie with an understanding of financial implications

Qualifications

All required qualifications must be documented on application materials.

Required Qualifications:

• Licensed Veterinary Technician in the state of Minnesota plus five or more years of veterinary medical technical experience plus demonstrated clinical experience in more than one service area and/or specialty credential.
• Graduate of an accredited American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) veterinary technology program or equivalent education.
• Demonstrated problem-solving, organizational, and time-management skills.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and customer service skills
• Demonstrated professionalism, reliability, and ethical conduct
• Knowledge of veterinary medical terminology and clinical veterinary practices
• Ability to safely restrain and handle small animals
• Proficiency with computer software, medical records, and common business applications.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a fast paced veterinary teaching hospital

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working in a fast‑paced clinical environment
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team
• Experience with electronic medical records and hospital information systems
• Ability to support multiple clinical service areas and adapt to changing patient care priorities
• Exhibits a teaching mentality and positive attitude
• Commitment to fostering a collaborative, respectful, and team oriented work environment
• Experience training, mentoring, or supporting the development of students, new employees, or colleagues
• Demonstrated adaptability, flexibility, and ability to manage competing priorities

Physical Requirements

• Lifting: Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs with assistance

• Pushing/pulling: Ability to move heavy equipment or machinery

• Standing/walking: Ability to remain on your feet for the duration of a 8 hour shift

• Bending/stooping: frequently reaching toward the floor or working at low levels

• Fine motor skills: picking up small components, typing or using precision tools

• Reach: the ability to extend arms overhead or horizontally retrieve items

• Visual acuity: close range vision for computer work

• Auditory awareness: ability to hear warning signals, alarms or communicate in loud environments

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $30.45-$33.58/hour depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Civil‑Service & Non‑Faculty Labor Represented Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree‑seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low‑cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

Diversity

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Employment Requirements

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

About University of Minnesota

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world‑renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023, 2025, 2026), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work‑life flexibility.

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