The College of Veterinary Medicine invites applicants to apply for the position of Veterinary Assistant, located at the Veterinary Research and Education Center (VREC) within the Large Animal Clinical Sciences department. The day-to-day responsibilities of a veterinary assistant are varied and essential to the overall well-being of animals under their care. This position provides quality care for large animals at multiple UTCVM facilities in accordance with USDA, AAALAC, and IACUC regulatory requirements. Duties may include basic animal care such as feeding and watering; assisting veterinarians during medical procedures; keeping records; and performing general farm maintenance such as fencing, mowing, and farm building projects. The veterinary assistant in this role will also assist faculty with research projects and teaching preparation.

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:

Veterinary Assistant 1:

Minimum Education:

• High school diploma or equivalent

Minimum Experience:

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

• Must have a valid driver’s license in order to travel between facilities and to operate equipment.

Progressing Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:

• Basic knowledge of large animal care and handling, including lifting and restraint.

• Basic knowledge of and ability to use common hospital and farm equipment.

• Strong observation skills.

• Ability to multi-task.

• Ability to follow directions and work with a diverse population.

• Ability to work with others in a respectful and cooperative manner.

Veterinary Assistant 2:

Minimum Education:

• High school diploma or equivalent

Minimum Experience:

• 18 months of relevant experience working with large animals, including but not limited to horses, cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, llamas, and alpacas.

• Must have a valid driver’s license in order to travel between facilities and to operate equipment.

Progressing Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:

• Intermediate knowledge of large animal care and handling.

• Intermediate knowledge of and ability to use common hospital and farm equipment.

• Knowledge of common safety practices.

• Knowledge of large animal breeds.

• Knowledge of one’s limitations.

• Strong communication skills.

• Organizational skills.

• Ability to assist with treatment.

Senior Veterinary Assistant 1:

Minimum Education:

• High school diploma or equivalent

Minimum Experience:

• 2 years of relevant experience working with large animals, including but not limited to horses, cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, llamas, and alpacas.

• Must have a valid driver’s license in order to travel between facilities and to operate equipment.

Progressing Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:

• Advanced knowledge of and ability to use common hospital and farm equipment.

• Knowledge of Bio Security procedures and hospital/isolation protocols.

• Ability to monitor animal conditions and behaviors.

• Ability to train and supervise others.

• Ability to work in high stress situations.

Senior Veterinary Assistant 2:

Minimum Education:

• High school diploma or equivalent

Minimum Experience:

• 3 years of relevant experience working with large animals, including but not limited to horses, cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, llamas, and alpacas.

• Must have a valid driver’s license in order to travel between facilities and to operate equipment.

Progressing Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:

• Expert knowledge of and ability to use common hospital and farm equipment.

• Knowledge of USDA, AAALAC, and AVMA regulatory guidelines.

• Ability to identify safety risks when handling large animals.

• Ability to make sound decisions.

• Ability to supervise staff.

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 range: MR05
• Anticipated hiring range: $32,884.80-$38,064
• 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.

• Provides assistance to veterinary nurses, clinicians (veterinarians), and students.
• Performs a variety of animal husbandry functions such as general care, feeding, watering, and exercising, as well as animal handling and restraint.
• Assists with admittance and discharge of patients.
• Records daily observations.
• Assists with the transport of live and deceased animals to appropriate location.
• Cleans and disinfects animal quarters, treatment areas, holding areas, chutes, loading /unloading areas, walls, floors, and other areas as needed.
• Responds to hospital and farm phone calls, texts, or emails, maintaining open communication.
• Performs laundry duties, including picking up and returning laundry to appropriate areas.
• Assists with unpacking/unloading supplies and placing items in appropriate areas.
• Assists with labs when needed.
• Prepares exam areas with proper equipment for appointments.
• Prepares sanitation records.
• Must be willing to ensure USDA, AAALAC and IACUC guidelines are followed and must stay informed by attending training.
• Learns to safely operate equipment needed in assigned areas such as forklift, tractor, skid steer, loader, sprayers, slings, sled, standard cattle chutes, and 360 chutes.
• Assists in the preparation and conduct of research projects and teaching labs under the direction of researchers and instructors.