Veterinary Technician I - General Surgery

Position Location Fort Collins, CO
Work Location Position is fully in-office/in-person
Research Professional Position No
Posting Number 202402154AP
Position Type Admin Professional/ Research Professional
Classification Title Technical/Support I
Number of Vacancies
Work Hours/Week 40
Proposed Annual Salary Range $38,000 - $45,000
Employee Benefits Colorado State University is not just a workplace; it’s a thriving community that’s transforming lives and improving the human condition through world-class teaching, research, and service. With a robust benefits package, collaborative atmosphere, commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, and focus on work-life balance, CSU is where you can thrive, grow, and make a lasting impact.

• Review our detailed benefits information here.
• Explore the additional perks of working at CSU here.
• For the total value of CSU benefits in addition to wages, use our compensation calculator.

Desired Start Date
Position End Date (if temporary)
To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by 11:59pm (MT) on 12/30/2024
Description of Work Unit General Surgery
Colorado State University Veterinary Health System exists to educate the next generation of veterinarians by providing exceptional veterinary care and service to the community 24/7/365. The General Surgery Unit is structured to manage a wide range of surgical cases, specializing in soft tissue procedures. The unit also handles emergency surgery transfers from within the hospital and the broader veterinary community. As a key consultative service, the team collaborates with all departments across the hospital, providing expertise and support for complex cases. Additionally, as part of an academic institution, the department is deeply committed to teaching and mentoring DVM students and paraprofessional students from CSU and other institutions, ensuring a hands-on learning experience in advanced surgical care.

Veterinary Teaching Hospital
At the CSU Veterinary Teaching Hospital (VTH) we exist to educate the next generation of veterinarians by providing exceptional veterinary care and service to the community every day. This work unit exists to provide administration and direction of the Veterinary Teaching Hospital and provide a support facility for service to the general public and referring veterinarians
Position Summary This position plays a critical role in providing high-quality patient care. Key responsibilities include administering and monitoring sedation, performing patient intake, gathering medical histories, and assisting in preparing patients for surgery. In addition, the technician communicates directly with clients, and collaborates with inter-hospital teams, ensuring seamless patient transfers and coordinated care across departments. Their role is essential for ensuring smooth operations for the General Surgery service and optimal patient outcomes
Required Job Qualifications

• Registered as a Veterinary Technician (RVT) or Provisional Veterinary Technician (PVT) through the Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA), or eligibility to obtain a state of Colorado DORA license by start date.
• Credentialed in the State of Colorado or other eligible state determined by CACVT.
• An associate degree from an accredited college or university in veterinary/animal health technology AND one year of experience in a clinical setting
  • SUBSTITUTIONS: Two years of experience as defined by the department will substitute for each year of required education. A bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree from an accredited college or university in veterinary/animal health technology will substitute for the associate degree and, at the agency’s discretion, the two years of experience.

NOTE: VETERINARY PRACTICE ACT – Effective January 1, 2024, anyone wanting to use the titles Registered Veterinary Technician, Veterinary Technician, RVT, or VT will have to be certified through the Colorado Association of Certified Veterinary Technicians (CACVT) AND registered through the Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA). Please visit the CACVT website for more information: https://www.cacvt.org/registration-faqs.
Preferred Job Qualifications

• 2-3 years of clinical experience
• Experience with IV catheterization, venipuncture, cystocentesis
• Computer skills, scheduling, and answering client questions
• Proper animal restraint including a fear free technique
• Ability to work within a team environment
• Ability to work in a fast paced environment
• Ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• Strong attention to detail

Diversity Statement Reflecting departmental and institutional values, candidates are expected to have the ability to advance the Department’s commitment to diversity and inclusion
Essential Duties

Job Duty Category Patient Care
Duty/Responsibility

• This position is responsible for a wide range of patient care tasks essential for maintaining the health and comfort of animals undergoing treatment.
• Responsibilities include performing minor medical procedures such as venipuncture, IV catheterization, fluid administration, urinary catheterization, and cystocentesis, which are critical for therapeutic management and diagnostic sample collection.
• The technician administers and monitors IV sedation for patients undergoing minor medical and surgical procedures, ensuring patient safety and comfort.
• They closely monitor patients in both the treatment area, assessing vital signs and addressing any changes in condition.
• Additionally, the technician maintains stock and cleanliness in work areas to ensure a well-organized and efficient environment.
• These tasks are essential for delivering comprehensive, timely, and high-quality veterinary care.

Percentage Of Time 80
Job Duty Category Support for General Surgery Consult Line and Email Communications
Duty/Responsibility

• This position assists in handling client and referring veterinarian phone calls by providing information to support patient care decisions.
• When necessary, the technician schedules in-house procedures with other departments and facilitates estimates and consent form signings.
• This ensures that clients are well-informed, and that the treatment plan aligns with the patient’s needs.

Percentage Of Time 10
Job Duty Category Teaching
Duty/Responsibility

• This position is actively involved in the teaching and mentorship of PVM (Professional Veterinary Medicine) students, interns, and hourly assistants.
• They provide hands-on instruction in essential technical skills such as venipuncture, IV catheterization, fluid administration, urinary catheterization, cystocentesis, sedation monitoring, and patient prep for minor surgical procedures.
• The technician ensures that learners gain proficiency in these techniques, guiding them through each step while emphasizing best practices and patient safety.
• Additionally, they foster a supportive learning environment, encouraging questions and reinforcing proper procedures to help students and assistants build confidence and competence in their technical abilities.
• This role is vital in preparing the next generation of veterinary professionals.

Percentage Of Time 10
Application Details

Special Instructions to Applicants To apply, please submit your resume, cover letter, and contact information for three professional references by 11:59 PM on December 30, 2024. CSU is committed to full inclusion of qualified individuals. If you are needing assistance or accommodations with the search process, please reach out to the listed search contact.

References will not be contacted without prior notification to candidates. Please note, applicants may redact information from their application materials that identifies their age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution
Conditions of Employment Pre-employment Criminal Background Check (required for new hires)
Search Contact VTH HR, [email protected]
EEO Statement Colorado State University is committed to providing an environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based on race, age, creed, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, gender, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, or pregnancy in its employment, programs, services and activities, and admissions, and, in certain circumstances, marriage to a co-worker. The University will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. Colorado State University is an equal opportunity and equal access institution and affirmative action employer fully committed to achieving a diverse workforce and complies with all Federal and Colorado State laws, regulations, and executive orders regarding non-discrimination and affirmative action. The Office of Equal Opportunity is located in 101 Student Services.

The Title IX Coordinator is the Director of the Office of Title IX Programs and Gender Equity, 123 Student Services Building, Fort Collins, CO 80523-0160, (970) 491-1715, [email protected].

The Section 504 and ADA Coordinator is the Director of the Office of Equal Opportunity, 101 Student Services Building, Fort Collins, CO 80523-0160, (970) 491-5836, [email protected].

The Coordinator for any other forms of misconduct prohibited by the University’s Policy on Discrimination and Harassment is the Vice President for Equity, Equal Opportunity and Title IX, 101 Student Services Building, Fort Collins, Co. 80523-0160, (970) 491-5836, [email protected].

Any person may report sex discrimination under Title IX to the Office of Civil Rights, Department of Education
Background Check Policy Statement Colorado State University strives to provide a safe study, work, and living environment for its faculty, staff, volunteers and students. To support this environment and comply with applicable laws and regulations, CSU conducts background checks for the finalist before a final offer. The type of background check conducted varies by position and can include, but is not limited to, criminal history, sex offender registry, motor vehicle history, financial history, and/or education verification. Background checks will also be conducted when required by law or contract and when, in the discretion of the University, it is reasonable and prudent to do so.