Veterinary Technician II - Emergency and Critical Care-5

Colorado State University; United States; On-site; USD 50,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

The CSU Veterinary Teaching Hospital (VTH) is seeking a veterinary technician to provide comprehensive critical care nursing for small animals and exotics in emergency and intensive 24-hour care. This role supports student education, interns, residents, and staff while delivering high‑quality patient care.

Applicants should have an accredited veterinary technician credential with 2+ years of experience; VT or PVT registration with DORA and a strong commitment to teamwork and compassionate

Qualifications

• Graduate of accredited veterinary technician program with >2 years’ experience.
• Registered VT or Provisional VT through DORA.
• 3+ years of veterinary medicine experience acceptable if not graduated from program.

Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive critical care nursing for small animals and exotics, including triage, assessment, stabilization, treatment, monitoring, restraint, and ongoing evaluation.
• Perform advanced procedures such as venous, arterial, and urinary catheterization; fluid and drug administration; blood sampling and analysis; diagnostic monitoring; emergency anesthesia; thoracocentesis; CPR initiation and direction.
• Assess response to therapy, adjust treatment plans per approved protocols and SOPs.
• Collaborate with students, interns, residents, faculty, referring veterinarians, and clients to support diagnosis and care.
• Provide clinical instruction, mentoring, and feedback to students and staff; assist with orientation and training.
• Communicate with clients and veterinarians to obtain history, provide updates, and coordinate care.
• Organize, prioritize, and direct unit activities; ensure documentation and adherence to hospital policies.

Skills

Emergency/critical care experience

Education

Accredited veterinary technician program

VT or PVT registration with DORA

Job description

Job Description Position Summary

The CSU VTH exists to provide exceptional veterinary care and service to the community while educating the next generation of veterinarians at a tertiary level teaching hospital. Critical Care Services provides medical care for small animals and exotics on an emergency basis and intensive 24-hour care to patients who are admitted for extended treatment. We simultaneously provide clinical instruction to professional veterinary medical students, interns, residents, veterinary technicians, graduate veterinarians, and others; conduct and support clinical research; and provide referral outreach to clients and referring veterinarians.

For full consideration, please apply by 11:59 PM (MT) on September 27, 2026. This position will remain open until filled.

Essential Job Duties

• Provide comprehensive critical care nursing for small animal and exotic patients, including triage, assessment, stabilization, treatment, monitoring, restraint, and ongoing evaluation of patient status.
• Perform advanced clinical and technical procedures such as venous, arterial, and urinary catheterization; fluid and drug administration; blood sampling and analysis; diagnostic monitoring; emergency anesthesia; thoracocentesis; pericardiocentesis; positive pressure ventilation; and initiation and direction of CPR.
• Assess patient response to therapy, identify clinically significant changes, and recommend or implement appropriate adjustments to treatment plans using approved protocols and SOPs.
• Collaborate with students, interns, residents, faculty clinicians, referring veterinarians, and clients to support diagnosis, treatment planning, and delivery of optimal patient care.
• Provide clinical instruction, mentoring, and feedback to students, trainees, and staff; assist with orientation and training of new personnel; and model high-quality veterinary nursing care.
• Communicate effectively with clients and referring or primary veterinarians to obtain history, provide medical updates, guide decision making, and facilitate coordinated care.
• Organize, prioritize, and direct unit activities during assigned shifts, ensuring timely completion and documentation of treatments and adherence to hospital policies and procedures.

Supervision

No formal supervisory authority.

Conditions of Employment

• Pre-employment Criminal Background Check (required for new hires)
• Essential Services Designation
• Shift Work
• On-call Status
• Use, Handling, or Exposure to hazardous materials

Minimum Qualifications

• Graduate of accredited veterinary technician program with greater than 2 years’ experience in veterinary medicine.
• Registered as a Veterinary Technician (VT) or Provisional Veterinary Technician (PVT) through the Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA).

SUBSTITUTIONS

Candidates can qualify without graduation from a veterinary technician program if they demonstrate 3+ years of veterinary medicine experience.

NOTE

VETERINARY PRACTICE ACT – Effective January 1, 2024, anyone wanting to use the titles Registered Veterinary Technician, Veterinary Technician, RVT, or VT will have to be certified through the Colorado Association of Certified Veterinary Technicians (CACVT) AND registered through the Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA). Please visit the CACVT website for more information: https://www.cacvt.org/registration-faqs.

Preferred Qualifications

• Two+ years of experience in an emergency and/or critical care position.
• Demonstrated experience providing customer service in a fast-paced environment (e.g.: high traffic, stressful, or rapid problem solving).
• A strong desire to learn and advance medical and technical knowledge base.
• Ability to proactively teach and encourage in a supportive manner.
• Ability to be compassionate and empathetic to clients in emotional situations.
• Demonstrated experience working with a team and managing conflict.
• Strong attention to detail and analytical skills.
• Ability to problem-solve and critically think through situations/scenarios.
• Prioritization and organizational skills.

Salary Range

$50,000 - $56,000

Required Application Documents

• Cover Letter
• License
• Resume/CV

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.

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.