The College of Veterinary Medicine invites applicants to apply for the position of Veterinary Assistant, located within the Emergency & Critical Care service of the Small 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.

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 dispersement.

Knowledge, Skill, and Abilities Needed:

• 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.

Minimum Qualifications:

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
• Additional Requirements:
  • 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

Veterinary Assistant 2

• Minimum Education:
  • High school diploma or equivalent
• Additional Requirements:
  • Must be at least 18 years of age
  • Must have a valid driver’s license
  • 6 months of relevant experience working with small animals, including but not limited to dogs, cats, birds, and rodents

Senior Veterinary Assistant 1

• Minimum Education:
  • High school diploma or equivalent
• Additional Requirements:
  • Must be at least 18 years of age
  • Must have a valid driver’s license
  • 2 years of relevant experience working with small animals, including but not limited to dogs, cats, birds, and rodents

Senior Veterinary Assistant 2

• Minimum Education:
  • High school diploma or equivalent
• Additional Requirements:
  • Must be at least 18 years of age
  • Must have a valid driver’s license
  • 4 years of relevant experience working with small animals, including but not limited to dogs, cats, birds, and rodents

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 will be required of this position.

Work Location:

Knoxville, Tennessee On-Site

Compensation and Benefits:

• UT market ranges: MR04-MR05
• Anticipated hiring range: $32,136.00 - $37,213.49
• Find more information on the UT Market Range structure here
• Find more information on UT Benefits here

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.