Veterinary Assistant - LAC After Hours

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign; Urbana (IL); On-site; USD 22,000 - 31,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign’s Veterinary Teaching Hospital seeks a Veterinary Assistant for the Large Animal Clinic. You will provide basic patient care under supervision, assist with treatments, maintain records, and support clinicians in a fast-paced, after-hours setting.

Responsibilities include restraint, line setups, IV fluids, medication administration, and inventory tasks. A 100% full-time Civil Service 4079 position with an hourly wage of $18.97.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of general care and handling of large animal species (equine, bovine, ovine, caprine, porcine, camelids, and cervids).
• 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.

Responsibilities

• Provide basic patient care in a professional and courteous manner under the supervision of a veterinarian or veterinary technician.
• Work as a team with veterinary technicians, students, interns, residents and faculty to provide care for patients.
• Use problem solving skills to assist with patient care in emergent and non-emergent situations.
• Directly monitor patient status, under veterinary supervision, including those hospitalized and recovering from anesthesia.
• Restrain patients using appropriate restraint techniques.
• Operate hydraulic, manual chutes and gate systems to facilitate safe movement when unloading, loading, and moving animals within the ward.
• Assist in walk-by observations and administer treatments as directed on the patient’s care plan under the supervision of the veterinarian and/or veterinary technician.
• Report issues and assist veterinary technicians, veterinarians, and veterinary students with the set up and maintenance of intravenous catheters, feeding tubes, nasal oxygen, and fluid pumps.
• Assist with set up for patient treatments and procedures under the direct or written orders of the veterinarian.

Skills

Animal care

Infection control

Veterinary terminology

Hospital IT systems

Medical equipment operation

Multitasking

Interpersonal skills

Professional demeanor

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Veterinary Teaching Hospital

Duties & Responsibilities

Provide basic patient care in a professional and courteous manner under the supervision of a veterinarian or veterinary technician:

• Work as a team with veterinary technicians, students, interns, residents and faculty to provide care for patients which may include, but is not limited to post-surgical, chronic conditions, and isolation, which may include zoonotic diseases.
• Use problem solving skills to assist with patient care in emergent and 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.
• Recognize and report pulmonary or cardiopulmonary arrest.
• Operate hydraulic, manual chutes and gate systems to facilitate safe movement when unloading, loading, and moving animals within the ward.
• Assist in walk-by observations and administer treatments as directed on the patient’s care plan under the supervision of the veterinarian and/or veterinary technician. Report abnormal findings when something is not within the set call parameters.
• Report issues and assist veterinary technicians, veterinarians, and veterinary students with the set up and maintenance of intravenous catheters, feeding tubes, nasal oxygen, and fluid pumps.
• Assist with set up of IV fluids, and other medications as directed by the veterinarian.
• Provide support to veterinary technicians and veterinarians in the administration of oral fluids via stomach tubing, nasoesophageal feedings, and bottle feedings.
• Assist with set up for patient treatments and procedures under the direct or written orders of the veterinarian.

Veterinary Teaching Hospital

Job Summary

Under the direct supervision of veterinarians and veterinary technicians, the Veterinary Assistant will be responsible for providing patient care and service support in a courteous and professional manner for the Large Animal Clinic after-hours services at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital. Responsibilities will include providing basic animal patient care (restraint, chute work, feeding, etc.); maintaining accurate medical records; stocking supplies; supply inventory; cleaning and sterilizing instruments, cleaning facilities, and entering charges into EMR as directed.

Duties & Responsibilities

Provide basic patient care in a professional and courteous manner under the supervision of a veterinarian or veterinary technician:

• Work as a team with veterinary technicians, students, interns, residents and faculty to provide care for patients which may include, but is not limited to post-surgical, chronic conditions, and isolation, which may include zoonotic diseases.
• Use problem solving skills to assist with patient care in emergent and 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.
• Recognize and report pulmonary or cardiopulmonary arrest.
• Restrain patients using appropriate restraint techniques.
• Operate hydraulic, manual chutes and gate systems to facilitate safe movement when unloading, loading, and moving animals within the ward.
• Assist in walk-by observations and administer treatments as directed on the patient’s care plan under the supervision of the veterinarian and/or veterinary technician. Report abnormal findings when something is not within the set call parameters.
• Report issues and assist veterinary technicians, veterinarians, and veterinary students with the set up and maintenance of intravenous catheters, feeding tubes, nasal oxygen, and fluid pumps.
• Assist with set up of IV fluids, and other medications as directed by the veterinarian.
• Provide support to veterinary technicians and veterinarians in the administration of oral fluids via stomach tubing, nasoesophageal feedings, and bottle feedings.
• Assist with set up for patient treatments and procedures under the direct or written orders of the veterinarian.

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.
• Bed and clean patient stalls as needed.
• Clean, sterilize, and package instruments. Operate instrument sterilizers as necessary.
• Stock and maintain clinical supplies and maintain inventory records.
• Assist with documenting and troubleshooting issues with equipment.
• Maintain patient logs and inpatient daily charges.

Clinical service and facilities support:

• Record treatments, procedures, supplies, and thorough notes on patient’s medical record.
• Record and enter charges for supplies and procedures into the Electronic Medical Record (EMR).
• Register and discharge patients, including taking payment.
• Perform electronic submission of samples to clinical pathology and the diagnostic laboratory.
• Facilitate processing of laboratory samples such as venous and arterial blood gases, packed cell volume (PCV)/total solids (TS), blood glucose (BG), lactate, ketostick etc.

Other duties as assigned:

Work Schedule

The work schedule for this position will be Monday through Thursday overnights with hours To Be Determined.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

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. For example, the assistant may be lifting a 40lb. goat on and off an examination table. 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 and fluids, syringes, needles, and medications 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

High school diploma or equivalent.

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• Knowledge of general care and handling of large animal species (equine, bovine, ovine, caprine, porcine, camelids, and cervids).
• 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 budgeted hourly wage for the position is $18.97. 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. This position is not eligible for any type of sponsorship for work authorization.

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

Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on August, 27 2026.

At the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign — the state’s flagship public university and one of the world’s leading research institutions — every staff member helps shape what’s next. Founded in 1867, Illinois is home to a vibrant community of 59,000 students from all 50 states and 129 countries, supported by 15 colleges and instructional units, more than 20 research institutes, and one of the most comprehensive student service ecosystems in the nation. Whether you’re empowering first-generation students, fueling breakthrough innovation, or strengthening communities across Illinois and beyond, your work here has a far-reaching and deeply meaningful impact. The university offers a highly competitive benefits package designed to support your well-being, growth, and financial security. Join a top 10 public university that has launched over 330 startups and continues to redefine excellence — where the Illinois Value Proposition ensures that your contributions are recognized, your potential is nurtured, and your career can thrive.

Champaign-Urbana

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position; however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.

This position is intended to be eligible for benefits . This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.

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 accommodation portal , or by contacting the Office for Access & Equity at 217-333-0885, option #1, or [e-mail] .