Large Animal Technician, Veterinary Medical Centre

Primary Purpose: To contribute to the efficient operation of the Large Animal Hospital by providing technical assistance to clinicians and undergraduate students. Nature of Work: Reporting to the Manager Health Services, you will provide compassionate, quality patient care consistent with the general philosophy and objectives of the Veterinary Medical Centre. Animal handling and manipulation are a constant part of this position. You will be working in a facility housing large animals which expose the employee to animal dander, waste, feed, and unpredictability. It requires a substantial amount of lifting, moving, kneeling, jogging, and cleaning of equipment and workspaces. Subject to unpleasant odours, dress code, and traffic pattern restrictions. Note: This position is extremely physical in nature and requires the ability to run alongside horses, handle stallions, and be capable of continuous kneeling, crouching, and climbing. You will be required to work both inside and outside at all times of the year in unpredictable climate conditions and terrains. Typical Duties or Accountabilities: Under the direction of senior technicians and clinicians, assist with diagnostic and therapeutic procedures (including special imaging on animals presented to or in the care of the Large Animal Clinic and field Service and participates in daily patient care; assist with the demonstration/instruction of basic skills to undergraduate and veterinary technology program students; provides technical assistance to interns, residents and undergraduates in daily duties. The technician oversees the maintenance of equipment/supplies, handling and restraining of animals, sedation, aiding with surgical, medical and radiology procedures, maintenance of medical records, implementation of orders issued by clinicians and maintenance of the facility. You will orient and remain current with respect to workplace safety and security procedures/policies. When caseload fluctuates withing the Large Animal Clinic, this position is expected to provide aid within the VMC as an RVT with other duties as assigned. Education: A graduate of a recognized two-year veterinary technology program. Registered or eligible for registration with the Saskatchewan Association of Veterinary Technologist. (SAVT) Preference will be given to candidates certified with the Academy of Equine Veterinary Nursing (AEVN) or the Academy of Internal Medicine for Veterinary Technicians (AIMVT). Experience: A minimum of three years of direct experience in a hospital setting working with large animals, i.e. equine, bovine, caprine, ovine, porcine, and some exotics. Skills: Proved strong technical and critical thinking skills. Effective interpersonal and communication skills, both oral and written. The ability to adapt to and work in a dynamic work environment maintaining a professional and positive demeanor, strong handling and safety skills for working with large animals with the ability to recognize potentially dangerous situations and take appropriate action; ability to effectively work independently as well as part of a team; ability to evaluate the work of others, ability to anticipate potential needs/problems. the ability to make sound decisions based on objective judgment within the framework of hospital policy; proved effective organizational and time management skills, and the ability to perform heavy physical labour with restrain/care of animals and equipment. Radiography and special imaging (MRI, CT, scintigraphy) experience is considered an asset.