Veterinary Technician: Small Animal Operating Room (SAOR)

Universities of Wisconsin • Madison, WI

8d • Onsite

About The Position

UW Veterinary Care (UWVC), the veterinary teaching hospital at UW-Madison, is hiring a Certified Veterinary Technician for its Small Animal Operating Room (SAOR). The role supports surgical services and safe, high-quality patient care across a variety of surgical specialties. Duties include surgical patient preparation, perioperative care, maintaining aseptic technique, and serving as the circulating nurse during procedures. The position uses advanced surgical equipment and instrumentation in a fast-paced academic teaching environment, working closely with faculty clinicians, house officers, veterinary students, and hospital staff. Candidates should demonstrate attention to detail, adaptability, effective communication, teamwork, and a commitment to continuous learning.

The position is 90–100% FTE (36–40 hours per week). The anticipated schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with on-call hours required based on hospital needs. The schedule may change according to departmental needs. The role is posted at Veterinary Technician levels 1, 2, and 3, with level and pay based on experience and qualifications. The starting hourly rate is $21.00 and is negotiable based on experience and qualifications.

Applicants must be a Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT) and have a high school diploma. An associate degree is preferred. The position requires the ability to lift at least 50 pounds independently and the physical and manual dexterity to perform specialized technical tasks. Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States by the effective date of appointment. A criminal background check may be required.

Requirements

• Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT) required.
• High school diploma required.
• Level 1: Entry-level new CVT graduate with minimal experience.
• Level 2: Generally, more than 2 years of veterinary technician experience; years of experience may be substituted for specialization.
• Level 3: Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS), or a highly qualified and specialized candidate; prior experience at another university hospital may qualify.
• Ability to lift a minimum of 50 pounds independently.
• Physical and manual dexterity to perform specialized technical tasks.
• Ability to work the anticipated Monday–Friday schedule and provide on-call coverage based on hospital needs.
• Eligibility to work in the United States on or before the effective date of appointment.

Nice To Haves

• Associate degree preferred.
• 1–2 years of experience in veterinary surgical preparation, including knowledge of aseptic techniques and assisting during surgical procedures.
• Experience working in veterinary surgery or a specialty surgical practice.
• Knowledge of surgical instrumentation, operating room procedures, and workflows.
• Experience with surgical patient preparation, circulating nurse responsibilities, and perioperative patient care.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities and work effectively in a fast-paced surgical environment.

Responsibilities

• Monitor animal health status and records, notify the veterinarian when status changes, and ensure care plans are completed and recorded in the medical record.
• Prepare, complete, and document basic technical animal-care procedures, assessments, and medication administration according to established care plans and medical necessity.
• Serve as a point of contact for animal owners and stakeholders by providing information and answering questions.
• Document and disseminate results to appropriate entities.
• Complete routine laboratory tests and collect specimens according to established medical orders and care plans.
• Assist with complex animal-care procedures and related activities.
• Maintain and update records related to medical procedures and billing.
• Track supply inventory levels and place replenishment orders.
• Prepare surgical patients, provide perioperative patient care, maintain aseptic technique, and serve as the circulating nurse during surgical procedures.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance through the UW–Madison employee benefits program.
• Paid leave, including vacation, sick time, and personal holidays.
• Participation in the Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS).
• Annual shoe allowance and hospital-provided uniform apparel.
• Financial support for continuing education and pursuit of Veterinary Technician Specialty (VTS in ECC) certification.
• Professional development opportunities.

What This Job Offers

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