Registered Veterinary Technician 1 - Primary Care

Colorado State University; United States; On-site; USD 44,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Colorado State University is seeking a Veterinary Technician to support clinical operations and surgical training within the Small Animal Primary Care service. The role involves assisting with medical, dental, and surgical procedures, patient preparation, diagnostics, and post-procedural care while supporting student learning and high-volume procedures.

The position emphasizes anesthetic monitoring, safe, evidence-based practices, and collaboration within a team to ensure efficient workflow and

Qualifications

• Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) Certification recognized by the State of Colorado.
• At least one year of experience assisting in the direct care of animal patients.
• Proficient with dentistry, anesthesia, and patient restraint.

Responsibilities

• Clinical and Procedural Support: prepare patients, set up equipment, assist clinicians and students, and provide post-procedure care.
• Medical, Diagnostic, and Dental Care: facilitate patient intake, diagnostics, treatments, documentation, and dental procedures including radiographs and prophylaxis.
• Surgical Assistance and Workflow Efficiency: assist with sterile prep, patient positioning, equipment management, and room turnover.

Skills

RVT Certification

Animal patient care

Dentistry

Anesthesia

Patient restraint

Job description

Position Summary

Job Description Position Summary: The position supports clinical operations, teaching activities, and surgical training within the Small Animal Primary Care service. It assists with medical, dental, and surgical procedures through patient preparation, diagnostics, dentistry, and post-procedural care while ensuring accurate documentation and efficient workflow. The role contributes to student learning and surgical training by supporting high-volume procedures, providing anesthetic monitoring, and reinforcing safe, evidence-based practices. Additionally, it supports clinical coordination by preparing equipment, anticipating team needs, and promoting a collaborative environment that advances patient care and clinical education. Full Consideration Date - Please apply by Monday, July 20, 2026, 11:59pm (MT). This position will be open until filled.

Description of the Work Unit

Description of the Work Unit: At the CSU Veterinary Health System, animals and the people who care for them are at the heart of everything we do. Every decision we make reflects our commitment to those who trust us with their animals’ health. That focus inspires us to deliver expert veterinary services, support veterinary education and training, and advance groundbreaking research. We show up every day with passion, eagerness to collaborate, and a drive to redefine what's possible. Our deep partnership with the College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences amplifies our impact, enabling us to boldly innovate and share knowledge widely.

Essential Job Duties

Clinical and Procedural Support: Assists with medical, dental, and surgical procedures by preparing patients, setting up equipment and instruments, supporting clinicians and students during procedures, and providing post-procedure care to ensure safe, efficient operations.

Medical, Diagnostic, and Dental Care: Supports appointments by facilitating patient intake, diagnostics, treatments, and documentation, while performing dental procedures (radiographs, prophylaxis, charting, and oral health assessment) and reinforcing proper techniques with students.

Surgical Assistance and Workflow Efficiency: Supports surgical services through sterile preparation, patient positioning, equipment management, and procedure room turnover, contributing to organized workflow and continuity of care.

Surgical Training Support: Supports student surgical training at Northern Colorado Humane Society by assisting with high-volume spay/neuter procedures, providing anesthetic monitoring, and preparing surgical equipment and supplies to ensure patient safety and efficient procedural workflow.

Instructional and Clinical Support: Guides veterinary students, interns, and trainees in technical skills through hands‑on instruction during clinical cases, while modeling low‑stress handling, efficient workflow, and effective client communication to support a collaborative, spectrum‑of‑care approach.

Support daily operations of the Primary Care service by organizing supplies and equipment, assisting with workflow coordination during busy clinics or procedure days, and helping maintain efficient patient flow.

Collaborate with veterinary team members and technician trainees, including Front Range Community College interns, to support clinical operations and educational objectives.

Perform other related duties as assigned to support the clinical, teaching, and operational needs of the Primary Care service.

Conditions of Employment

Pre‑employment Criminal Background Check (required for new hires).

Essential Services Designation: Required to report without delay or interruption to provide essential or emergency services to ensure health, safety and welfare.

Supervision None

Minimum Qualifications

• Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) Certification recognized by the State of Colorado and through the Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA).
• At least one year of experience assisting in the direct care of animal patients.
• Proficient with dentistry, anesthesia, and patient restraint.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in a teaching or mentorship role.
• Strong communication and organizational skills.
• Demonstrated interest in practicing a spectrum of care.
• Ability to work independently while supporting a team‑based clinical environment.

Salary Range

$44,000 - $48,000

Employee Benefits

Colorado State University is not just a workplace; it’s a thriving community that’s transforming lives and improving the human condition through world‑class teaching, research, and service. With a robust benefits package, collaborative atmosphere, and focus on work‑life balance, CSU is where you can thrive, grow, and make a lasting impact. Review our detailed benefits information here. Explore the additional perks of working at CSU here. For the total value of CSU benefits in addition to wages, use our compensation calculator. Lastly, click here for more information about why Fort Collins is consistently ranked in the top cities to live in! Prospective Employees, click here to learn more about CSU's perks and purpose. Current employees will need to apply for jobs in Workday.

Background Check Policy Statement

Colorado State University strives to provide a safe study, work, and living environment for its faculty, staff, volunteers and students. To support this environment and comply with applicable laws and regulations, CSU conducts background checks for the finalist before a final offer. The type of background check conducted varies by position and can include, but is not limited to, criminal history, sex offender registry, motor vehicle history, financial history, and/or education verification. Background checks will also be conducted when required by law or contract and when, in the discretion of the University, it is reasonable and prudent to do so.

EEO

Colorado State University (CSU) provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. Inspired by its land‑grant heritage, Colorado State University is committed to excellence and engagement, setting the standard for public research universities in teaching, research, service and extension for the benefit of the citizens of Colorado, the United States, and the world.