Veterinary Assistant, Multiple Positions, Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine: UTIA

The College of Veterinary Medicine invites applicants to apply for the position of Veterinary Assistant, located within the Small Animal Clinical Sciences department. 

Three openings are available:

3 New positions in Emergency & Critical Care.

The day-to-day responsibilities of a veterinary assistant are varied and essential to the overall well-being of animals under their care. The primary purpose of this position is to provide quality care for patients and/or research animals by performing a variety of functions including but not limited to feeding, bathing, exercising, record keeping, restraint, and/or equipment operation. Provides cleaning and disinfection, stocks supply, and collects and disperses laundry.

Performs animal restraint on various small animal species for physical exams and medical procedures, such as blood draws, urine collection, blood pressures, and injections. Prepares cages and runs with bedding, water, and other supplies. Feeds diets as prescribed to admitted patients. Creates and/or provides enrichment devices and activities. Exercises patients, using special care. Records daily observations on cage cards. Assists in the admittance and discharge of patients. Performs bathing or grooming as needed.

Cleans and disinfects animal quarters, treatment rooms, and other areas as needed. Unpacks and unloads supplies and places items in appropriate areas. Provides laundry collection and disbursement.

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:

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without need now or in the future for sponsorship for employment-based visa status.

Veterinary Assistant 1:

Minimum Education:

• High School Diploma or Equivalent

Minimum Experience:

• No experience required. 
• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Must have a valid driver's license.

Preferred Experience:

• Experience working with small animals, including but not limited to dogs, cats, birds, and rodents preferred.

Progressing Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Basic knowledge of small animal care, behavior, monitoring, and handling.
• Basic knowledge of and ability to use common hospital equipment. 
• Knowledge of general sanitation and disinfection protocols. 
• Good Computer skills.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills. 
• Strong observation skills. 
• Ability to lift and restrain small animals. 
• Ability to multi-task. 
• Ability to follow directions and work with a diverse population. 
• Ability to adhere to safety and training procedures. 
• Ability to work under stressful or demanding conditions. 

Veterinary Assistant 2:

Minimum Education:

• High School Diploma or Equivalent

Minimum Experience:

• 6 months of relevant experience working with small animals, including but not limited to dogs, cats, birds, and rodents.
• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Must have a valid driver's license.

Progressing Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Intermediate knowledge of small animal care, behavior, monitoring, and handling. 
• Intermediate knowledge of and ability to use common hospital equipment. 
• Knowledge of general sanitation and disinfection protocols. 
• Good Computer skills. 
• Effective verbal and written communication skills. 
• Strong observation skills. 
• Ability to lift and restrain small animals. 
• Ability to multi-task. 
• Ability to follow directions and work with a diverse population. 
• Ability to adhere to safety and training procedures. 
• Ability to work under stressful or demanding conditions. 
• Ability to assist with treatment and sample collection.

Senior Veterinary Assistant 1:

Minimum Education:

• High School Diploma or Equivalent

Minimum Experience:

• 2 years of relevant experience working with small animals including but not limited to dogs, cats, birds, and rodents.
• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Must have a valid driver's license.

Progressing Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Advanced knowledge of small animal care, behavior, monitoring, and handling. 
• Advanced knowledge of and ability to use common hospital equipment. 
• Advanced knowledge of general sanitation and disinfection protocols. 
• Good Computer skills. 
• Effective verbal and written communication skills. 
• Strong observation skills. 
• Ability to lift and restrain small animals. 
• Ability to multi-task. 
• Ability to follow directions and work with a diverse population. 
• Ability to adhere to safety and training procedures. 
• Ability to work under stressful or demanding conditions. 
• Ability to assist with treatment and sample collection. 
• Knowledge of Bio Security procedures and hospital/isolation protocols. 
• Ability to monitor animal conditions and behaviors. 
• Ability to train and supervise others.

Senior Veterinary Assistant 2:

Minimum Education:

• High School Diploma or Equivalent

Minimum Experience:

• 4 years of relevant experience working with small animals including but not limited to dogs, cats, birds, and rodents.
• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Must have a valid driver's license.

Progressing Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Expert knowledge of small animal care, behavior, monitoring, and handling. 
• Expert knowledge of and ability to use common hospital equipment. 
• Advanced knowledge of general sanitation and disinfection protocols. 
• Good Computer skills. 
• Effective verbal and written communication skills. 
• Strong observation skills. 
• Ability to lift and restrain small animals. 
• Ability to multi-task. 
• Ability to follow directions and work with a diverse population. 
• Ability to adhere to safety and training procedures. 
• Ability to work under stressful or demanding conditions. 
• Ability to assist with treatment and sample collection. 
• Knowledge of Bio Security procedures and hospital/isolation protocols. 
• Ability to monitor animal conditions and behaviors. 
• Ability to train and supervise others. 
• Knowledge of USDA, AAALAC, and AVMA regulatory guidelines. 
• Ability to identify safety risks when handling small animals. 
• Ability to make sound decisions. 
• Ability to supervise staff.  
• Delegation and problem-solving skills.

The Veterinary Medical Center is operational 24 hours a day, 7 days per week, and 365 days per year. Occasional weekend, evening, or holiday work may be required of this position. 

Work Location:

Knoxville, Tennessee On-Site

Compensation and Benefits: 

• UT market ranges: MR04-MR05
• Anticipated hiring range: $39,520-$44,928
• Find more information on the UT Market Range structure here
• Find more information on UT Benefits here 

Application Instructions:

To express interest, please submit an application with the noted below attachments. 

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• List of 3 Professional References

About The College

The UT College of Veterinary Medicine (UTCVM), located in Knoxville, was established by an act of the Tennessee Legislature in 1974 and is part of the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture.

UTCVM is one of 33 veterinary colleges in the United States and provides opportunities for Tennessee students while serving pet owners and the livestock industry as well as protecting public health, enhancing medical knowledge and generating economic benefits to the state and nation.