Veterinary Assistant, Large Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine - UTIA

The College of Veterinary Medicine invites applicants to apply for the position of Veterinary Assistant, located within the Large Animal Clinical Sciences department. The day-to-day responsibilities of a veterinary assistant are varied and essential to the overall well-being of animals under their care.

Three positions are available:
1 in Equine Medicine
1 Rotating among various services
1 in Equine Performance & Rehabilitation

The primary purpose of this position is to provide quality care for patients and/or research animals by performing a variety of functions including but not limited to feeding, bathing, exercising, record keeping, restraint, and/or equipment operation. Provides cleaning and disinfection, stocks supply, and collects and disperses laundry.

• Performs animal restraint on various large animal species for physical exams and medical procedures, such as blood draws, urine collection, blood pressures, and injections. 
• Prepares animal quarters with bedding, water, and other supplies.
• Feeds diets as prescribed to admitted patients. 
• Exercises patients, using special care. 
• Records daily observations such as livestock inventory and ration allotments. 
• Assists in the admittance and discharge of patients. 
• Assists with transport of animals, both live and deceased.
• Learns to operate equipment such as forklift, tractor, skid steer loader sprayers, treadmill, hot walker, float tank, slings, sled cattle chutes, both standard and 360.
• Cleans and disinfects animal quarters, treatment rooms, and other areas as needed. 
• Unpacks and unloads supplies and places items in appropriate areas. 
• Provides laundry collection and dispersement.

Depending on experience and qualifications of successful candidate, individual will be hired in as a Veterinary Assistant 1, Veterinary Assistant 2, Senior Veterinary Assistant 1, or Senior Veterinary Assistant 2:

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without need now or in the future for sponsorship for employment-based visa status.

Veterinary Assistant 1:

Minimum Education:

• High school diploma or equivalent

Minimum Experience:

• 1 year of relevant experience working with large animals, including but not limited to horses, cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, llamas, and alpacas.

• Must have a valid driver’s license in order to travel between facilities and to operate equipment.

Progressing Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:

• Basic knowledge of large animal care and handling, including lifting and restraint.
• Basic knowledge of and ability to use common hospital and farm equipment.
• Strong observation skills. 
• Ability to multi-task. 
• Ability to follow directions and work with a diverse population.
• Ability to work with others in a respectful and cooperative manner.

Veterinary Assistant 2:

Minimum Education:

• High school diploma or equivalent

Minimum Experience:

• 18 months of relevant experience working with large animals, including but not limited to horses, cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, llamas, and alpacas.

• Must have a valid driver’s license in order to travel between facilities and to operate equipment.

Progressing Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:

• Intermediate knowledge of large animal care and handling.
• Intermediate knowledge of and ability to use common hospital and farm equipment.
• Knowledge of common safety practices.
• Knowledge of large animal breeds. 
• Knowledge of one’s limitations. 
• Strong communication skills. 
• Organizational skills. 
• Ability to assist with treatment. 

Senior Veterinary Assistant 1:

Minimum Education:

• High school diploma or equivalent

Minimum Experience:

• 2 years of relevant experience working with large animals, including but not limited to horses, cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, llamas, and alpacas.

• Must have a valid driver’s license in order to travel between facilities and to operate equipment.

Progressing Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:

• Advanced knowledge of and ability to use common hospital and farm equipment.
• Knowledge of Bio Security procedures and hospital/isolation protocols. 
• Ability to monitor animal conditions and behaviors.
• Ability to train and supervise others. 
• Ability to work in high stress situations. 

Senior Veterinary Assistant 2:

Minimum Education:

• High school diploma or equivalent

Minimum Experience:

• 3 years of relevant experience working with large animals, including but not limited to horses, cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, llamas, and alpacas.

• Must have a valid driver’s license in order to travel between facilities and to operate equipment.

Progressing Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:

• Expert knowledge of and ability to use common hospital and farm equipment.
• Knowledge of USDA, AAALAC, and AVMA regulatory guidelines.
• Ability to identify safety risks when handling large animals.
• Ability to make sound decisions.
• Ability to supervise staff. 

The Veterinary Medical Center is operational 24 hours a day, 7 days per week, and 365 days per year. Occasional weekend, evening, or holiday work may be required of this position. 

Work Location:

Knoxville, Tennessee      On-Site

Compensation and Benefits: 

• UT market ranges: MR05
• Anticipated hiring range: $32,884.80-$38,064.00
• Find more information on the UT Market Range structure here
• Find more information on UT Benefits here 

Application Instructions:

To express interest, please submit an application with the noted below attachments. 

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• List of 3 Professional References

About The College

The UT College of Veterinary Medicine (UTCVM), located in Knoxville, was established by an act of the Tennessee Legislature in 1974 and is part of the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture.

UTCVM is one of 33 veterinary colleges in the United States and provides opportunities for Tennessee students while serving pet owners and the livestock industry as well as protecting public health, enhancing medical knowledge and generating economic benefits to the state and nation.