Lead Veterinary Technician, Small Animal (cross-posted with Veterinary Technician – 60020 and Sr. Veterinary Technician – 60031)

Job Description

The College of Veterinary Medicine at MU is dedicated to educating and training outstanding clinicians and scientists, generating new knowledge, engaging stakeholders, and promoting and protecting the health and welfare of animals and people.

Veterinarians throughout the Midwest refer animal clients to the Veterinary Health Center for specialized diagnoses and treatment. The center boasts sophisticated therapeutic equipment, advanced imaging techniques, and groundbreaking equine lameness diagnostic equipment.

The Veterinary Health Center is seeking Lead Registered Veterinary Technicians for multiple small animal service lines. These technicians collaborate with top clinicians, registered veterinary technicians, and veterinary assistants to provide care that impacts the quality of life for patients and their owners.

Primary Responsibilities

• Conduct initial exams of animals, including taking vital signs, drawing blood, collecting specimens, and gathering medical histories.
• Calm and soothe patients; safely restrain, transport, and handle patients; and prepare patients for treatments and procedures.
• Provide emergency first aid; monitor critical patients; participate in and assist with procedures and treatments; administer medication as prescribed by a veterinarian.
• Prepare equipment for surgical procedures; clean and organize treatment and examination rooms.
• Educate clients and owners on treatment plans, behavior changes, feeding, exercise, and overall wellness for their animals; update patient medical records.
• Participate in teaching veterinary students and assist with research activities.
• Other duties as assigned. Duties will vary across service lines.

Shift

Shifts can vary depending on the service line. Most service lines operate Monday - Friday 8am - 5pm; though our Small Animal Emergency and Critical Care service operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Minimum Qualifications

• Graduation from an AVMA accredited Veterinary Technology Program.
• Licensure as a Registered Veterinary Technician in the State of Missouri, or eligibility to obtain Missouri Licensure within 6 months after start date.
• Must have 8 years of experience as a Registered Veterinary Technician in a general practice or 5 years of experience in a specialty referral center or veterinary teaching hospital as well as 3 years of experience demonstrating skills for scheduling, mentoring, evaluation, etc.
• A BS degree in Veterinary Technology could substitute for 2 years administrative experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic, and collaborative environment.
• Continuous learning and professional growth and development mindset.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to interact effectively with internal and external stakeholders, constituents, and clients.
• Keen understanding of animal behavior and strong clinical skills to properly evaluate a patient’s condition.
• Detailed-oriented and well organized to take medical histories, carry out instructions, document patient statistics and update records.
• Enjoy working with animals and have the ability to comfort, handle, and restrain large and small pets.

Anticipated Hiring Range

Salary Range: hiring range begins at $25.00 per hour.

Benefits

• This position is eligible for University benefits, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, paid time off, short- and long-term disability, paid parental leave, paid caregiver leave, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Community Information

Columbia offers small-town friendliness with big city features and a high quality of life for people of all ages and interests. Founded on education and known as an ideal college town, its location also makes it an attractive spot for businesses and travelers. Located on Interstate 70 and U.S. Highway 63, Columbia is right in the middle of the state and the nation. Just a couple hours' drive from St. Louis and Kansas City, Columbia is Boone County’s largest population center offering big-city culture, activities, and resources with a low cost of living. Columbia is home to a variety of restaurants and entertainment venues and hosts more than a dozen festivals each year.

Benefit Eligibility

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, paid time off, short- and long-term disability, paid parental leave, paid caregiver leave, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/totalrewards/benefits.

Sponsorship Information

Employment visa sponsorship is not available for this position.