Veterinary Technician I - Large Animal Hospital

Tufts University • Grafton, MA

9d • Onsite

About The Position

The Veterinary Technician I works in the Large Animal Hospital at Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University, which provides medical and surgical care to inpatient, outpatient, and emergency large-animal patients, including horses, alpacas, goats, sheep, and pigs. The position provides nursing care and treatment to patients in Internal Medicine, General Diagnostics and Surgery, and Sports Medicine, as directed by clinicians, residents, or supervising technicians. The role also supports veterinary teams and students in this teaching hospital by providing technical assistance, instruction, and guidance during student rotations.

The position is based on a 35-hour, four-day workweek. The specified schedule is Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Saturday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., with one on-call shift on Thursdays from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. after training. This is an essential position, and the employee must report as scheduled during emergency closings and University holidays. Scheduled hours outside normal business hours may receive shift differentials of $2–$4 per hour, and University-designated holidays receive premium pay. The University observes at least 13 holidays per year. The listed pay range is $23.00 minimum, $27.35 midpoint, and $31.70 maximum; compensation may depend on related experience, expertise, credentials, and internal equity. The employer offers health benefits and continuing education opportunities.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• At least one year of related experience.
• Large-animal and equine handling skills.
• Computer proficiency and experience with electronic medical records.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds, with or without accommodation.

Nice To Haves

• Vocational or technical training, or an associate or bachelor's degree.
• A degree from an accredited veterinary technology, veterinary science, or animal science program.
• Two or more years of experience.
• Computer skills and electronic medical record exposure.
• Eligibility as a veterinary technician.

Responsibilities

• Provide nursing care and treatment to Internal Medicine, General Diagnostics and Surgery, and Sports Medicine patients as directed by clinicians, residents, or supervising technicians.
• Assist technicians with daily patient management, including inpatient care and treatment and technical support for clinicians and students.
• Guide and instruct students on rotation, new hires, and visiting interns in procedures and techniques such as catheterization, venipuncture, rough and sterile preparation, restraint, and refluxing horses.
• Observe Large Animal Hospital patients and perform treatments; ensure animal comfort and safety and watch for unforeseen circumstances.
• Administer prescribed medications as ordered.
• Assist with patient admissions and discharges, grooming, leg wraps, and loading and unloading animals.
• Provide routine and emergency technical assistance for clinic admissions.
• Prepare for emergency and routine procedures, including setting up the colic cart, catheterization, abdominocentesis, rectal examinations, and refluxing; assist with appropriate restraint techniques.
• Set up and use endoscopy, radiology, monitoring, and diagnostic equipment.
• Restock and clean inpatient and outpatient treatment rooms, the neonatal ward, isolation areas, hospital wards, and other treatment areas.
• Order supplies from Central Sterile as needed to maintain adequate supplies in treatment areas.
• Follow hospital and departmental protocols, including biosecurity protocols, and maintain neat and orderly isolation stalls.
• Perform additional tasks as assigned by the supervisor or hospital administration.
• Report to work as scheduled during emergency closings and University holidays because the position is considered essential.

Benefits

• Health benefits.
• Continuing education opportunities.
• Shift differentials of $2–$4 per hour for scheduled hours outside normal business hours.
• Premium pay for work on University-designated holidays.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED