Veterinary Technician Assistant: Special Species

UWMSN University of Wisconsin Madison; United States; On-site; USD 22,000 - 31,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive wages

Paid time off

Continuing education support

Referral bonuses

Shoe allowance

Hospital-branded clothing

Job summary

The Veterinary Technician Assistant at UW Veterinary Care (UWVC) in Madison supports clinicians, veterinary technicians, students, and staff in delivering high-quality care for exotic species such as rabbits, rodents, birds, reptiles, and more. This on-site role provides hands-on technical and patient care in a teaching hospital environment.

You will assist with handling, exam preparation, equipment setup, and procedures, while maintaining clean spaces, stocking supplies, and supporting

Qualifications

• Physical capability: lift 50 lbs, stand for extended periods.
• Clear communication and accurate medical records essential.
• Collaborative teamwork in a hospital setting required.
• Dexterity for specialized technical tasks and routine clinical support.

Responsibilities

• Assist clinicians and nurses with patient preparation, exams, procedures, and surgical cases.
• Prepare equipment, instructions, and materials for examinations and procedures.
• Restrain and handle exotic mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and small mammals.
• Maintain and stock service areas, surgical suites, and equipment.

Skills

Physical capability

Communication

Teamwork

Manual dexterity

Education

High School Diploma

AVA certification interest

Job description

Current Employees: If you are currently employed at any of the Universities of Wisconsin, log in to Workday to apply through the internal application process.

Job Category: University Staff

Employment Type: Regular

Job Profile: Veterinary Technician Assistant

Job Summary:

The Veterinary Technician Assistant plays a vital role in supporting clinicians, veterinary technicians, students, and other hospital staff in providing high-quality routine and specialized care for exotic and special species patients. Patients may include, but are not limited to, rabbits, rodents, reptiles, birds, and other exotic or non-traditional companion animals. This position provides hands‑on technical and patient care support to the Special Species service at UW Veterinary Care (UWVC).

Responsibilities may include assisting with patient handling and restraint, preparing patients and treatment areas for examinations and procedures, maintaining clean and organized clinical spaces, stocking supplies and equipment, assisting with diagnostic and treatment procedures within the scope of the position, and supporting the day-to-day workflow of the service.

Tasks Include:

• Assist clinicians and veterinary nurses with patient preparation, physical exams, procedures, and surgical cases.
• Prepare equipment, instructions, and other needs for examination, procedures, and surgical cases.
• Restrain and demonstrate proper handling of exotic mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and small animal patients.
• Maintain, clean, sanitize, and stock all service‑specific treatment areas, surgical suites, and specialized equipment.
• Facilitate smooth patient admissions and discharges, ensuring clear communication and accurate prep.

The selected candidate will have the opportunity to expand their knowledge and skills while working with a diverse and unique patient population in an innovative veterinary teaching hospital. Because UWVC is a teaching hospital, this position works alongside veterinary specialists, residents, interns, veterinary technicians, veterinary students, and other members of the hospital team. The role requires a willingness to learn, strong communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work collaboratively both within the Special Species service and with other services throughout the hospital. If you enjoy learning, teaching, and working in a collaborative environment, this could be the perfect role for you!

Join the UW–Madison School of Veterinary Medicine and UW Veterinary Care and be part of a team working at the forefront of veterinary medicine. This position offers the opportunity to contribute to exceptional patient care while supporting the education and training of future veterinary professionals. Make a real difference in the lives of patients and their owners while developing your skills in a dynamic and rewarding clinical environment.

The anticipated schedule for this vacancy is Monday through Friday, within the 7:30AM–6:00PM window. Shifts will generally be 8–10 hours in length, based on the hired FTE (80%–100%). Specific shift schedules will be determined by operational coverage needs while taking individual preferences into consideration whenever possible. On‑call as needed to support hospital operations.

Key Job Responsibilities:

• Documents and disseminates results to the appropriate entities (5%).
• Inventories and organizes supplies (15%).
• Cleans and maintains organization of animal holding spaces, work areas and equipment (15%).
• Maintains organization of and updates records related to medical procedures and billing (10%).
• Assists with and executes the preparation, completion, and documentation of basic technical animal care procedures, assessments, and medication administration according to established care plans and medical necessity (25%).
• Serves as a point of contact for animal owners and stakeholders providing information and answering questions (10%).
• Other duties as assigned (10%).
• Assists with routine laboratory tests and specimen collection according to established medical orders and care plans (10%).

Special Species Compensation:

The starting hourly rate for the position is $19.00 (but is negotiable based on experience and qualifications). UW Veterinary Care offers competitive wages, outstanding employee benefits https://hr.wisc.edu/benefits/new-employee-benefits-enrollment/benefits-for-employees-covered-by-the-wrs/ ample paid time off https://hr.wisc.edu/benefits/leave/paid-leave/, financial support for continuing education and pursuing specialty certification, referral bonuses, an annual shoe allowance, and a yearly provision of hospital‑branded clothing.

Required Qualifications:

• Physical Capability: Ability to lift a minimum of 50 lbs. independently and stand for extended periods.
• Technical Skills: Physical and manual dexterity required to perform specialized technical tasks and routine clinical support.
• Communication & Workplace Conduct: Strong interpersonal skills for clear client communication, collaborative teamwork, and accurate medical record‑keeping and documentation.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Veterinary Hospital Experience: 1+ years of hands‑on experience in a veterinary clinic or hospital environment.
• Exotic & Wildlife Experience: Prior experience handling or caring for exotic pets (birds, reptiles, small mammals) or wildlife species in a clinical, sanctuary, or rehabilitation setting.
• Specialized Focus: A demonstrated interest in exotic animal medicine, wildlife conservation, or specialized patient care.
• Education: Required: High School Diploma. Preferred: Current or interest in Approved Veterinary Assistant (AVA) certification.

Contact Information:

• Tammi Walsh Veterinary Technician Supervisor [e-mail]
• Anne Kaldunski HR Coordinator [e-mail]

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We value the contributions of each person and respect the profound ways their identity, culture, background, experience, status, abilities, and opinion enrich the university community.

We commit ourselves to the pursuit of excellence in teaching, research, outreach, and diversity as inextricably linked goals.

The University of Wisconsin-Madison fulfills its public mission by creating a welcoming and inclusive community for people from every background - people who as students, faculty, and staff serve Wisconsin and the world.

The University of Wisconsin-Madison is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, including but not limited to, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, or status as a protected veteran and other bases as defined by federal regulations and UW System policies.

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See Wis. Stat. sec. 19.36(7).

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