The College of Veterinary Medicine invites applicants to apply for the position of Veterinary Assistant, located within the Large Animal Clinical Sciences department. The primary purpose of this position is to perform a variety of functions within the Large Animal Teaching Hospital and Veterinary Research & Education Center (VREC) such as general care, feeding, cleaning, restraint. Performs cleaning and sanitizing in all areas (animal stalls, equipment and treatment areas) of the hospital and farm as SOP's describe and according to IACUC, USDA and AALAC protocols. Assists with patient treatment as needed. Works with student assistants, overseeing their work. Maintains accurate animal and sanitation records and records daily observations. Operates equipment. Assists with admittance and discharge of patients. Transports animals as needed, assisting in moving animals to designated areas as needed. Does laundry for Large Animal hospital, folding and putting away items. This position has a rotating shift, to include weekends. 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

• Provides assistance to veterinary technicians, clinicians and students. Feeds patients and offers water. Prepares stalls for new patients and assists with patient treatments. Adds sufficient amount of bedding to occupied stalls. Assists with restraint and transportation of patients for treatments and procedures. Records daily observations. Reports any problems as necessary. Provides proper disposal of dead animals. Must be able to follow instructions and work independently. Assists as needed in all areas of the hospital. Assists in teaching labs in the hospital as needed as duties in hospital permit. Assists clients with the loading and unloading of animals, maintaining equine and farm animal loading area. Prepares specialty stalls (sand-padded) after surgery for recovery.
• Disinfects and maintains all areas of the Large Animal Hospital (including Isolation in accordance to the isolation and biosecurity protocols) by cleaning stalls, sweeping hallways and exam rooms, washing and scrubbing hallways and exam rooms keeps loading area organized and clean. Cleans all equipment. Performs laundry pickup and drop off. Orders and restocks supplies. Removes clutter and debris. Maintains and stocks supplies.
• Trains and instructs new employees and UT student assistants to work safely. Completes daily census. Reports to the proper person if any abnormal concerns regarding patients. Transports live and deceased animals, and assists with after-hours labs.
• Reports any maintenance needs to the manager. Provides general maintenance of gates, chutes and equipment. Stocks hay, straw, bedding in all areas of the hospital (Equine, Farm Animal and Equine Performance and Rehab). Makes sure the forklift is plugged in at night.

Minimum Qualifications:

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

Preferred Qualifications:

• Additional relevant experience is preferred.