Large Animal Veterinary Technician I – Livestock

Tufts University; Woodstock (CT); On-site; USD 25,000 - 73,000; Full time

Job summary

Tufts University is seeking a Veterinary Technician to support the busy ambulatory large animal practice. You will assist veterinarians on farm visits, perform diagnostic tests, prepare surgical packs, and help manage client communications and record-keeping.

The role involves teamwork, travel with the TVFS, and learning opportunities in a busy teaching environment.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of veterinary and medical terminology and pharmacology.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Familiarity with horses and livestock handling.
• Two years of experience as veterinary assistant or technician or similar.
• Experience with veterinary practice management software and diagnostic equipment.

Responsibilities

• Provide in-house technical support and prepare surgery packs.
• Complete diagnostic tests and process specimens for shipment.
• Assist with back-up veterinary support for reproductive procedures.
• Maintain inventory of medical supplies and pharmaceuticals on veterinary trucks.
• Coordinate with care teams and document patient care in medical records.
• Guide clients on treatment plans and discharge instructions.

Skills

Veterinary terminology

Communication skills

Livestock handling

Team collaboration

Laboratory support

Education

High School Diploma

Tools

Practice management software

Microsoft Office

Radiograph equipment

Ultrasound equipment

Job description

Overview

The Department of Ambulatory Medicine and Theriogenology is home to Tufts Veterinary Field Service (TVFS), the largest mobile large animal practice in the Northeast providing primary care and emergency/after hours services. The 11 veterinarians in the section make approximately 4,600 farm calls per year, and tend to over 30,000 cows, 2,500 horses, and 2500 sheep/goats/alpacas/llamas.

What You'll Do

Under limited supervision, the veterinary technician provides skilled administrative and technical support for the busy large animal and multi-disciplinary ambulatory practice of eleven veterinarians. The veterinary technician is a crucial team member that supports other technicians and veterinarians in the office and on-farm as required, providing quality veterinary care to a demanding clientele and providing optimum learning experience for professional veterinary students enrolled in a demanding curriculum.

• Technical:
  • Provide in-house technical support including equipment maintenance, preparation of surgery packs, laundry, and haul-in area maintenance.
  • Complete diagnostic testing as ordered by clinicians including bench-top lab tests (CBC, chemistry, McMasters fecal), plate and interpret milk cultures.
  • Prepare samples and complete paperwork for shipment of biological samples as ordered by clinicians.
  • Train as back-up veterinary support for selective assisted reproductive procedures such as cattle embryo transfers and laparoscopic artificial insemination of sheep and goats.
• Maintenance:
  • Assist with inventory of medical supplies and pharmaceuticals on veterinary trucks.
  • Clean and maintain clinical areas, with primary oversight of haul-in procedure space.
  • Facilitate the maintenance of clinical equipment by identifying malfunctioning equipment and assist in scheduling/packing up for service.
  • Process laundry and prepare surgical packs.
• Communication and Document Management:
  • Collaborate with administrative and clinical care team members throughout the hospital to coordinate and prioritize patient care.
  • Provide secondary support to Client Relations staff for taking inbound phone calls/assist with triaging. Cross-train with other office and technical staff to cover busy times of the day, and during scheduled or unscheduled absences.
  • Schedule and complete follow-up calls to clients as directed by clinicians. Schedule return visits when needed/requested.
  • Under direction of clinicians, effectively communicate with clients to explain treatment plans and review discharge instructions including medication administration.
  • Enter medical records and billing for appointments supported, as directed by clinician.
  • Become familiar with USDA regulations for animal transport, including required testing and official identification and provide guidance to clients requesting certificates of veterinary inspection. Collect and enter all details from clients as required for each transport, translate into paper forms or into Global Vet Link online database, check for accuracy, and process certificates (paper or digital) for signing by veterinarians.
• Other:
  • Cross train with other clinic support staff to fill in as needed for staff shortages.
  • Perform other duties as assigned by Practice Administrator and senior technicians.
• Typical 8-hour shift between 8a-5p. Some overtime may apply with advanced notice.

What We're Looking For

Basic Requirements

Knowledge and experience typically acquired by:

• High School Diploma
• 2 years of experience as a veterinary assistant or technician, or similar technician experience.
• Familiarity with veterinary and medical terminology, pharmacology and animal behavior
• Demonstrated experience handling horses and livestock
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with geography of TVFS service area (CT, MA, RI)
• Customer service experience
• Experience using/navigating veterinary practice management software, Microsoft Office suite, and medical diagnostic equipment (radiograph, ultrasound, gastroscope systems).

Pay Range

Minimum $25.20, Midpoint $30.10, Maximum $34.90

Salary is based on related experience, expertise, and internal equity; generally, new hires can expect pay between the minimum and midpoint of the range.