Veterinary Assistant

UM04 University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES); Maryland; On-site; USD 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits (medical, dental, prescription)

Retirement plans

Life and long-term disability insurance

Tuition remission

Paid holidays and leave

Job summary

The University of Maryland Eastern Shore is seeking a Veterinary Technician for their Department of Agriculture, Food, and Resource Sciences. This position involves caring for laboratory animals and assisting the U-Men veterinarian.

Successful candidates will perform various animal-care tasks, maintain facilities, and report on animal health. Required qualifications include a high-school diploma and relevant experience or degree. The anticipated starting date is Spring 2026.

Qualifications

• High-school diploma plus four years of related experience or relevant degree.
• Certification by the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) is preferred.
• Ability to identify sick animals and provide prescribed treatment.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine and specialized animal-care tasks, including feeding and medicating.
• Observe and report animal behavior, collecting samples as necessary.
• Supervise student workers and assist research and veterinary personnel.

Skills

Animal husbandry

Strong communication skills

Technical skills for animal care

Ability to lift over 50 pounds

Education

High-school diploma plus relevant experience or degree

B.S. in animal sciences

Certification by AALAS

Job description

Veterinary Technician – University of Maryland Eastern Shore

The University of Maryland Eastern Shore’s Department of Agriculture, Food, and Resource Sciences seeks a Veterinary Technician to work under the direction of the U‑Men veterinarian to assist with the health and well‑being of all laboratory animals used at UMES. The anticipated starting date for this position is Spring 2026.

Benefits

• Health benefits (medical, prescription, dental, flexible‑spending accounts)
• Retirement plans (State or Optional Retirement Plan with Fidelity or TIAA; Supplemental Retirement Accounts with state match of $600 per year)
• Life and long‑term disability insurance
• Tuition remission
• Employee assistance program
• Paid holidays and paid leave (22 days annual for exempt positions, 15 days sick leave per year, 3 days personal leave per year)

Responsibilities

• Perform routine and specialized animal‑care tasks, including feeding, medicating, cleaning, restraining, and transporting laboratory animals (mice, sheep, goat, swine, fish), while adhering to all local, state, federal, and university regulations and guidelines.
• Maintain and sanitize animal facilities, ensuring adequate inventory of supplies and equipment.
• Observe and report animal behavior and conditions, collecting and preparing samples.
• Execute routine health protocols and, under the veterinarian’s direction, treat animals, strictly following medication withdrawal periods.
• Repair and maintain laboratory equipment (blood machines, centrifuges, etc.) as needed.
• Supervise student workers/volunteers and provide technical assistance to research and veterinary personnel.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.
• Work required on weekends and holidays; may be designated essential personnel during storm or natural disaster events.

Physical Demands

• Extended periods of standing, bending, stooping, and sitting at a desk.
• Lift over 50 pounds and handle animals ranging from 50–200 pounds.
• Operate various office equipment.
• Communicate with a variety of internal and external constituents.

Minimum Qualifications

• Education: High‑school diploma plus one of the following:
  • Four (4) years of animal husbandry, related animal care, or animal research experience.
  • B.S. Degree in animal sciences.
  • Associate of Arts in Veterinary Technology or equivalent college‑level program (LVT).
  • Certification by the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) as a Laboratory Animal Technician (LAT).
• Experience: Four (4) years of experience without a degree or certification.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Knowledge of animal‑technical skills; ability to identify sick animals and provide prescribed medical treatment.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to perform tasks wearing respiratory protection if required.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities.
• Leadership abilities.
• Ability to work with laboratory animal species without jeopardizing their health status.
• Follow oral and written instructions.
• Assist in managing and conducting research projects.
• Collect and process samples and research data.
• Use and troubleshoot equipment.
• Lift over 50 pounds and handle animals ranging from 50–200 pounds.

EEO Statement

UMES is an EEO/AA employer and will not discriminate against any candidate because of race, age, sex, color, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, marital status, genetic information, or political affiliation. Minorities, women, veterans, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.