Veterinary Technician

About the Job This position provides veterinary technician services at The Raptor Center (TRC)'s veterinary hospital. The primary responsibilities include supporting diagnostic procedures and providing anesthesia assistance during medical and surgical procedures, along with performing a variety of veterinary medical support services and patient care duties. Incumbents are expected to develop proficiency in TRC clinic protocols and required tasks and, following training, to independently and completely carry out assigned responsibilities without close supervision. This position requires flexible scheduling, including working weekends, holidays, and outside normal business hours. The essential functions of the job include tasks that support the overall daily functions of TRC's clinic by providing a continuum of veterinary and animal care support, including when a senior certified veterinary technician (CVT) is not on duty. This role requires exceptional communication and organizational skills to successfully work with multiple staff members, students, and volunteers. Primary 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. Interface with the public, returning phone calls and answering questions about injured birds, and assist in arranging transport for injured patients as needed. Volunteer training and engagement - 5% Assist with training and supervision of volunteers in the various aspects of their clinical work Daily volunteer interaction and stewardship Assist the clinic manager in providing volunteer training and volunteer engagement opportunities, such as patient updates and continuing education opportunities including but not limited to training, workshops, and patient update stories Teaching and outreach - 5% Assist with hands-on training of visiting students and professionals May have the opportunity to contribute to the development and implementation of TRC's clinical training offerings, and externally facing conference presentations Represent TRC in a professional manner consistent with TRC clinic's identified mission and goals Other duties as assigned - 5% Location and Work environment In-person at The Raptor Center Clinic Work Schedule This is a full-time position averaging 40 hours per week. Shifts vary throughout the year based on daylight hours. Standard scheduling consists of five 8-hour shifts per week, with start and end times scheduled within the window of 7:30 AM to 7:00 PM. In some circumstances, schedules may be adjusted to four 10-hour shifts to meet operational needs. Overtime must be approved in advance by a supervisor. Regular work days will include weekdays and weekends, with days off generally falling midweek (most commonly Tuesday/Wednesday or Wednesday/Thursday). Staff schedules may be adjusted, with advance notice, to provide coverage during vacations. Due to the high volume of patient care during the summer months, vacation time in July and August is limited for this position. Qualifications All required qualifications must be included in the application materials Required Qualifications Graduate of an Animal Health Technician Program or equivalent training. 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 Comfort in speaking in front of audiences Physical abilities: must be able to meet the essential physical requirements of the job as listed below. Basic competency in the Microsoft suite: Word, Excel, Gmail, Google Office Suite 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, including speaking, listening, writing, and responding. 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 Problem-solving skills and strong interpersonal skills 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. Preferred Qualifications 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 Knowledge of veterinary medicine terminology Knowledge of proper restraint and handling of large and small animals About the Department Established in 1974 as part of the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine, The Raptor Center (TRC) rehabilitates over 1000 sick and injured raptors annually while helping to identify and conduct research on emerging environmental issues related to raptor populations and the health of ecosystems. TRC is an internationally renowned education facility that trains veterinary students and veterinarians from around the world to become future leaders in raptor medicine and conservation. In addition, The Raptor Center has a substantial education and outreach program to educate and inspire the public. Through the use of raptor ambassador birds, TRC's education team reaches over 100,000 people annually through a variety of programming at on and off-site venues and through virtual technology. All of this work is done with the assistance of over 300 volunteers. Pay and Benefits Pay Range: $23.32 (step 1) - $25.74 (step 6) depending on education/qualifications/experience Time Appointment: 100% Appointment Position Type: Civil-Service & Non-Faculty Labor Represented Staff Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility. 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 How To Apply Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please 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 cover letter and resume. Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section. To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647. 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 Employment Requirements 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) 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. At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).