Veterinary Assistant - Equine Theriogenology/LAC Float

Laseagrant; Urbana (IL); On-site; Full time

Job summary

A leading university veterinary teaching hospital is seeking a Veterinary Assistant for their Equine Theriogenology service. This position entails patient care, assisting veterinarians, maintaining facilities, and supporting clinical services. Ideal candidates should have a high school diploma and strong animal handling skills. The opportunity features a supportive work environment with potential for growth and serves crucial needs in animal healthcare.

Benefits

Competitive benefits portfolio

Opportunities for professional development

Qualifications

• Knowledge of veterinary terminology and hospital standards.
• Ability to multi-task and work under pressure.
• Willingness to work in animal care environments.

Responsibilities

• Provide basic care and assistance to animals under veterinary supervision.
• Maintain cleanliness of work areas and assist in clinical procedures.
• Record treatments and monitor patient conditions.

Skills

Knowledge of general care and handling of horses

Working knowledge infection control protocols

Ability to recognize abnormalities in patient vital signs

Strong interpersonal skills

Ability to operate on the clinical floor

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Veterinary Assistant - Equine Theriogenology/LAC Float

Veterinary Assistant - Equine Theriogenology/LAC Float

Veterinary Teaching Hospital

Job Summary

Under the direct supervision of veterinarians, the Veterinary Assistant will be responsible for providing patient care and service support in a courteous and professional manner for the Equine Theriogenology service and other Large Animal Clinic services at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital when not assigned to Equine Theriogenology at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital. Responsibilities include providing basic animal patient care (restraint, transport, feeding, exercising and basic nursing care), maintaining accurate medical records, stocking supplies, supply inventory, cleaning and sterilizing instruments and cleaning facilities.

Veterinary Assistant - Equine Theriogenology/LAC Float

Veterinary Teaching Hospital

Job Summary

Under the direct supervision of veterinarians, the Veterinary Assistant will be responsible for providing patient care and service support in a courteous and professional manner for the Equine Theriogenology service and other Large Animal Clinic services at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital when not assigned to Equine Theriogenology at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital. Responsibilities include providing basic animal patient care (restraint, transport, feeding, exercising and basic nursing care), maintaining accurate medical records, stocking supplies, supply inventory, cleaning and sterilizing instruments and cleaning facilities.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Provide basic patient care in a professional and courteous manner under the supervision of a veterinarian.
  • Work as a team with veterinary technicians, students, interns, residents and faculty to provide basic nursing care and animal husbandry including grooming, walking and feeding horses.
  • Use problem solving skills to assist with patient care in non-emergent situations.
  • Directly monitor patient status, under veterinary supervision, including those hospitalized and recovering from anesthesia.
  • Recognize and report physical abnormalities such as, but not limited to; respiratory difficulty and distress, change in mentation, abnormal physical exam findings, dystocia and signs of shock.
  • Restrain patients using appropriate restraint techniques keeping safety in mind.
  • Assist in walk-by observations and treatments as directed on the patient’s care plan, such as a patient care flow sheet or patient record. Report abnormal findings when something is not within the set call parameters.
  • Assist with set up for patient treatments and procedures under the direct or written orders of the veterinarian.
  • Assist veterinarians in the collection, handling, and freezing of semen, artificial insemination and embryo transfer.
  • Schedule appointments and communicate with owners as directed by faculty
• Facilities Maintenance
  • Maintain the cleanliness of animal and work areas, instruments and equipment based on set infection control protocols and hospital standards, as well as complete daily, weekly and monthly cleaning assignments.
  • Set up and take down for exams and procedures.
  • Set up, assist and take down for teaching laboratories and professional development courses.
  • Stock and maintain clinical supplies and maintain inventory records.
  • Assist with documenting and troubleshooting issues with equipment.
  • Assist with maintaining ambulatory vehicles.
• Clinical service and facilities support• Record treatments, procedures, supplies, and thorough notes on patient’s medical record.• Maintain patient logs.• Record and enter charges for supplies and procedures into the Electronic Medical Record (EMR).• Perform electronic submission of samples to clinical pathology and the diagnostic laboratory.• Facilitate processing of laboratory samples.• Drive ambulatory vehicle as needed.
• To perform other duties as assigned

Additional Physical Demands

An environment of stress may be anticipated. The person in this position must be capable of reliably functioning in such an area. The amount of physical exertion will vary with assignments. The handling of any animal presents some element of risk or injury. Some strength and considerable caution are required when working with animals during diagnostic or surgical procedures. To some degree, unpleasantness may be experienced under such conditions. This position entails operating equipment, administering medications, and restraining animals of various species for examination. Exposure to anesthetic agents may present a potential hazard. An ability to work in the presence of animal waste, fluids, syringes, needles, and medications that are potentially dangerous and must be used with care. Persons allergic to animal dander, dust, pollen, hay, etc., may experience discomfort in this position. Work involving animals with various disease states may expose the individual to viral, bacterial, and fungal agents known to be transmissible to man. Exposure to chemicals and anesthetic waste gases may be potentially hazardous if mishandled or misused.

Minimum Qualifications

1. High school diploma or equivalent.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of general care and handling of horses.
• Working knowledge infection control protocols and hospital standards.
• Working knowledge of medical and veterinary terminology.
• Knowledge of operating computers and hospital information systems.
• Skill in the operation of surgical, laboratory and diagnostic equipment.
• Able to adapt to new technologies, procedures and equipment.
• Demonstrate adherence to strict protocols.
• Able to recognize abnormalities in vital signs of patients and report to veterinary staff.
• Able to operate on the clinical floor and anticipate needs and directions of staff and students regarding patients and methods of care.
• Able to observe, record, compile and assimilate data.
• Able to explain terminology used in veterinary medicine.
• Knowledge related to the care and handling of anesthetic waste gas and federal regulations and university and hospital polices regarding the use and handling of controlled substances will be taught.
• Able to multi-task, pay close attention to details and work calmly and professionally under pressure.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Courteous and polite.

Appointment Information

This is a 100% full-time Civil Service 4079 - Veterinary Assistant position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible. The collective bargaining agreement sets a wage of $16.60. Final salary offered will be determined by a thorough assessment of available market data, internal salary equity, candidate experience and qualifications, collective bargaining agreements, and budget constraints. Sponsorship for work authorization is not available for this position.

For more information on Civil Service classifications, please visit the SUCSS web site at https://www.sucss.illinois.gov/pages/classspec/default.aspx .

Application Procedures & Deadline Information

Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on July 10, 2025. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. In order to be considered as a transfer candidate, you must apply for this position. Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered. If required by the position, transcripts or other documentation of credentials are to be provided no later than the first day of employment. For further information about this specific position, please contact [e-mail]. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.

The University of Illinois offers a very competitive benefits portfolio, depending on the position. Click for a complete list of Employee Benefits .

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify .

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodations portal , or by contacting the Accessibility & Accommodations Division of the Office for Access and Equity at 217-333-0885, or by emailing [e-mail] .

Requisition ID: 1031413
Job Category: Technical
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu

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