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Veterinary Technician Duties/ Responsibilities

Veterinary technician duties - 45%

  • Laboratory tests and procedures: perform manual avian complete blood cell counts, in-house blood lead testing, in-house fecal evaluations, in-house culture and sensitivity testing; coordinate sample submission to external labs; and enter diagnostic results into a digital medical record system.
  • Anesthesia and Surgery: set-up for surgical and anesthetic procedures, pre-medicate and induce general anesthesia in raptor patients, monitor general anesthesia, address anesthetic-related complications, place intravenous and intraosseous catheters, assist with sterile surgical procedures, recover patients from general anesthesia, enter anesthetic records into a digital medical record system, and assist with cleaning, restocking, and sterile instrument preparation.

Clinic support tasks and general patient care - 40%

  • Assist with care of wild raptor patients undergoing medical treatment, which may include but is not limited to: basic patient restraint, bloodwork, radiographs, medication administration and treatments, feeding, cleaning, and completing all related medical records and paperwork.
  • Assist with clinic maintenance tasks, such as but not limited to: cleaning instruments, wrapping packs, autoclaving, restocking the treatment room space, compounding medications, inventory, and receiving.

Teaching, training, and public communication - 10%

  • Assist with hands-on training of visiting students and professionals
  • Strong communication skills and ability to represent the organization professionally with the general public, visiting students and professionals, and TRC volunteers.
  • Interface with the public, answering questions about injured birds, and assist in arranging transport for injured patients as needed.

Other duties as assigned (5%)

Veterinary Technician Qualifications

Minimum:

  • BA/BS degree or a combination of related education and work experience to equal at least four years
  • Graduate of an Animal Health Technician Program or equivalent training, or actively pursuing training for this career path
  • Ability to work effectively both in a team environment and independently
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to effectively communicate with diverse groups, including volunteers and the general public
  • Strong observational skills
  • Demonstrated ability to work independently and effectively with others
  • Physical abilities: must be able to lift and move awkward objects up to 50 pounds regularly, walk ½ mile, and stand for prolonged periods of time
  • Basic competency in the Microsoft suite: Word, Excel, Gmail, Google Office Suite

Preferred:

  • Certified or eligible for certification as a licensed veterinary technician in Minnesota.
  • Experience with avian hematology and manual complete blood cell counts
  • Basic raptor knowledge
  • Experience working with raptors or other wildlife in a rehabilitation setting
  • Experience working with volunteers
  • Problem-solving skills and strong interpersonal skills
  • Knowledge of veterinary medicine terminology
  • Knowledge of proper restraint and handling of large and small animals
  • Flexibility to meet patient care needs.
  • Flexibility in schedule that includes an ability to work during all seasons, weekends, evenings, and holidays, and the ability to fill some shifts on short notice.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities/Selection Criteria:

  • Ability to project a positive attitude towards co-workers, supervisor, volunteers, and the public
  • Ability to provide excellent customer service – in person, online and on the telephone
  • Ability to communicate respectfully and clearly in verbal and written communication
  • Ability to use time efficiently and take initiative to respond to departmental needs
  • Ability to work as a team member in a highly dynamic, busy environment
  • Ability to adapt to a changing work environment and work effectively in an emergency room-type environment

How to apply

Applications must be submitted online. To submit an application, click here.

Search for the job by its title or Job ID #372012. At the bottom of the posting, click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a required cover letter and resume. Applications will be reviewed until a candidate has been selected 

Additional documents may be attached after the application is completed by accessing your "My Activities" page and uploading documents there.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail [email protected] or call (612) 624-UOHR (8647).

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

  • Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
  • Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
  • Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
  • Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
  • University HSA contributions
  • Disability and employer-paid life insurance
  • Employee wellbeing program
  • Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
  • Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
  • Financial counseling services
  • Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
  • Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

Diversity
The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu.

Background Check Information
Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

About the U of M
The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.