Orthopedic Surgery Veterinary Technician II or III

Colorado State University • Fort Collins, CO

7d • $50,000 - $60,000

About The Position

The Orthopedic Surgery Service seeks an experienced Veterinary Technician II or III to provide technical leadership and support daily clinical and surgical operations. The position coordinates patient care and workflow, supports orthopedic procedures, mentors and guides veterinary technicians and students, and helps ensure the team has the resources and expertise needed to provide high-quality patient care. It connects the veterinary team, technical staff, students, and other hospital services, supporting efficient case flow, staff development, and consistent delivery of specialized orthopedic care.

Veterinary Technician II duties center on independent patient care and technical support within established protocols, orthopedic surgical assistance, perioperative nursing and technical care, equipment and supply preparation, workflow support, collaboration, and mentoring students and less experienced staff. Veterinary Technician III duties include advanced care for complex patients, clinical team leadership, mentoring and supervision where applicable, coordination and improvement of clinical operations, operational planning, oversight of specialized equipment and resources, and support for quality improvement, protocol development, safety, and evidence-based practice.

The CSU Veterinary Health System provides expert veterinary services, supports veterinary education and training, and advances research in partnership with the College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. The position may be hired at the Veterinary Technician II or III level. A signing bonus and/or relocation expenses may be available to eligible successful candidates. Hourly differential pay applies to qualifying scheduled hours: 20% for hours worked Friday at 4 p.m. through Monday at 6 a.m.; 14% for Monday–Thursday hours from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m.; and 7.5% for Monday–Thursday hours from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. The role is designated as an essential service and requires reporting without delay or interruption to provide essential or emergency services. A pre-employment criminal background check is required for new hires.

Requirements

• Veterinary Technician II: Current Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) certification recognized in Colorado, or ability to acquire certification at the time of hire.
• Veterinary Technician II: At least 2 years of working experience in veterinary medicine.
• Veterinary Technician III: Current Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) certification recognized in Colorado, or ability to acquire certification at the time of hire.
• Veterinary Technician III: At least 3 years of working experience in veterinary medicine.
• RVT/VT titles require certification through the Colorado Association of Certified Veterinary Technicians (CACVT) and registration through the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA), effective January 1, 2024.
• Ability to report without delay or interruption to provide essential or emergency services.
• Successful completion of the required pre-employment criminal background check.

Nice To Haves

• Ability to independently prioritize and coordinate patient care and daily workflow in a fast-paced clinical environment.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, including effective collaboration with veterinarians, technicians, students, clients, and other hospital personnel.
• Demonstrated knowledge and proficiency in patient care, anesthesia, surgical preparation, and safe animal handling.

Responsibilities

• Provide patient care and technical support, including clinical procedures, diagnostics, treatments, monitoring, and safe orthopedic care throughout the perioperative period.
• Provide advanced technical expertise and serve as a clinical resource for complex patients, specialized procedures, patient management, and problem solving at the Technician III level.
• Prepare patients, position them, prepare surgical sites, and prepare equipment and instrumentation for orthopedic procedures; provide intraoperative assistance and postoperative care.
• Provide orthopedic patient nursing and technical care, including monitoring, treatments, pain management, mobility support, and recognition and communication of changes in patient status.
• Prepare, maintain, and appropriately use orthopedic equipment, instrumentation, supplies, and clinical spaces.
• Coordinate patient care and daily clinical workflows, maintain accurate documentation, and contribute to problem solving and continuous improvement.
• Collaborate and communicate with veterinarians, technicians, students, clients, and interdisciplinary teams to coordinate patient care.
• Guide, mentor, and instruct students, trainees, and less experienced staff; at the Technician III level, lead team communication and collaboration and supervise assigned personnel when applicable.
• At the Technician III level, coordinate technical assignments and workflow, troubleshoot clinical challenges, ensure resources are available, manage resources, and assist with operational planning and departmental initiatives.
• Maintain technical competencies, support protocol compliance and implementation of best practices, and contribute to quality improvement, safety, and evidence-based practice.
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of patient care, departmental operations, and organizational priorities.

Benefits

• Hourly differential pay for qualifying hours: 20% for hours worked Friday at 4 p.m. through Monday at 6 a.m.; 14% for Monday–Thursday hours from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m.; and 7.5% for Monday–Thursday hours from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m.
• Signing bonus and/or relocation expenses may be available for eligible and successful candidates.
• Colorado State University describes its benefits package as robust and highlights a collaborative atmosphere and focus on work-life balance; specific benefits are not listed in the posting.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed