Veterinary Assistant

Veterinary Technician – University of Maryland Eastern Shore

The University of Maryland Eastern Shore’s Department of Agriculture, Food, and Resource Sciences seeks a Veterinary Technician to work under the direction of the U‑Men veterinarian to assist with the health and well‑being of all laboratory animals used  anticipated starting date for this position is Spring 2026.

• Health benefits (medical, prescription, dental, flexible‑spending accounts)
• Retirement plans (State or Optional Retirement Plan with Fidelity or TIAA; Supplemental Retirement Accounts with state match of $600 per year)
• Life and long‑term disability insurance
• Tuition remission
• Employee assistance program
• Paid holidays and paid leave (22 days annual for exempt positions, 15 days sick leave per year, 3 days personal leave per year)

• Perform routine and specialized animal‑care tasks, including feeding, medicating, cleaning, restraining, and transporting laboratory animals (mice, sheep, goat, swine, fish), while adhering to all local, state, federal, and university regulations and guidelines.
• Maintain and sanitize animal facilities, ensuring adequate inventory of supplies and equipment.
• Observe and report animal behavior and conditions, collecting and preparing samples.
• Execute routine health protocols and, under the veterinarian’s direction, treat animals, strictly following medication withdrawal periods.
• Repair and maintain laboratory equipment (blood machines, centrifuges, etc.) as needed.
• Supervise student workers/volunteers and provide technical assistance to research and veterinary personnel.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.
• Work required on weekends and holidays; may be designated essential personnel during storm or natural disaster events.

• Extended periods of standing, bending, stooping, and sitting at a desk.
• Lift over 50 pounds and handle animals ranging from 50–200 pounds.
• Operate various office equipment.
• Communicate with a variety of internal and external constituents.

• Education: High‑school diploma plus one of the following:
  • Four (4) years of animal husbandry, related animal care, or animal research experience.
  • B.S. Degree in animal sciences.
  • Associate of Arts in Veterinary Technology or equivalent college‑level program (LVT).
  • Certification by the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) as a Laboratory Animal Technician (LAT).
• Experience: Four (4) years of experience without a degree or certification.

• Knowledge of animal‑technical skills; ability to identify sick animals and provide prescribed medical treatment.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to perform tasks wearing respiratory protection if required.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities.
• Leadership abilities.
• Ability to work with laboratory animal species without jeopardizing their health status.
• Follow oral and written instructions.
• Assist in managing and conducting research projects.
• Collect and process samples and research data.
• Use and troubleshoot equipment.
• Lift over 50 pounds and handle animals ranging from 50–200 pounds.

UMES is an EEO/AA employer and will not discriminate against any candidate because of race, age, sex, color, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, marital status, genetic information, or political affiliation. Minorities, women, veterans, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.