Veterinary Assistant, Veterinary Research & Education Center; VREC), Large Animal Clinical Scie

Job Description

The College of Veterinary Medicine invites applicants to apply for the position of Veterinary Assistant at the Veterinary Research and Education Center within the Large Animal Clinical Sciences department. This role provides quality care for large animals at multiple UTCVM facilities in accordance with USDA, AAALAC, and IACUC regulatory requirements. Duties include basic animal care, assisting veterinarians during procedures, keeping records, and general farm maintenance.

The assistant also supports faculty with research projects and teaching preparation.

• Provides assistance to veterinary nurses, clinicians, and students.
• Performs animal husbandry functions such as general care, feeding, watering, exercising, handling, and restraint.
• Assists with admittance and discharge of patients.
• Records daily observations.
• Assists with transport of live and deceased animals.
• 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.
• Ensures USDA, AAALAC, and IACUC guidelines are followed and stays informed by attending training.
• Learns to safely operate equipment 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.

Depending on experience and qualifications of the successful candidate, the individual will be hired at one of the following levels:
Veterinary Assistant 1, Veterinary Assistant 2, Senior Veterinary Assistant 1, or Senior Veterinary Assistant 2.

• Minimum Education:
  
  High school diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum Experience:
  
  1 year of relevant experience working with large animals (horses, cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, llamas, alpacas).
• Must have a valid driver’s license.

• 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.

• Minimum Experience:
  
  18 months of relevant experience working with large animals.
• Must have a valid driver’s license.

• 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.

• Minimum Experience:
  
  2 years of relevant experience working with large animals.
• Must have a valid driver’s license.

• 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.

• Minimum Experience:
  
  3 years of relevant experience working with large animals.
• Must have a valid driver’s license.

• 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.

• Knoxville, Tennessee
• On‑Site

• 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

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• List of 3 Professional References