Veterinary Assistant - Intermediate Care Ward

Veterinary Assistant - Intermediate Care Ward

Veterinary Teaching Hospital

Job Summary

Under the direct supervision of veterinarians and veterinary technicians, the Veterinary Assistant is responsible for providing patient care and service support in a courteous and professional manner for the Intermediate Care Ward (IMC) and Small Animal Isolation Ward (ISO) at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital and may be asked to support other areas of the hospital based on operational need.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Provide basic patient care in a professional and courteous manner under the supervision of a veterinarian or veterinary technician.
• Work as a team with veterinary technicians, students, interns, residents, and faculty to provide care for patients which may include, but is not limited to, post-surgical, chronic conditions, and isolation, which may include methicillin resistant organisms and zoonotic diseases.
• Provide food, water, and exercise as directed by either written hospital orders or given verbally by veterinarian or veterinary technician. • Use problem solving skills to assist with patient care in non-emergent situations.
• Directly monitor patient status, under veterinary supervision, including those hospitalized and recovering from anesthesia.
• Recognize and report physical abnormalities such as, but not limited to, respiratory difficulty and distress, change in mentation, abnormal physical exam findings, and signs of shock.
• Recognize and report pulmonary or cardiopulmonary arrest.
• Restrain patients using appropriate restraint techniques.
• Facilitate patient transport between clinical areas.
• Provide support to veterinary technicians using basic monitoring equipment such as indirect blood pressure (doppler and oscillometric), electrocardiogram (ECG), pulse oximetry, and continuous temperature monitoring.
• Complete and review patient monitoring and treatments as directed on the patient's care plan, such as a patient care flow sheet or patient record. Report abnormal findings when something is not within the set call parameters.
• Report issues and assist veterinary technicians with the set up and maintenance of indwelling urinary catheters, Jackson-Pratt grenade style drains, intravenous catheters, feeding tubes, nasal oxygen, nebulization, fluid and syringe pumps.
• Assist veterinary technicians with the set up of IV fluids, continuous rate infusions (CRI's) and other medications as directed by the veterinarian.
• Provide support to veterinary technicians in set-up and administration of enteral feedings through nasogastric (NG), nasoesophageal (NE), esophagostromy (E-tube), gastrostomy (G-tube), percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG), or jejunostomy (J-tube), as directed by the veterinarian.
• Assist with set up for patient treatments and procedures under the direct or written orders of the veterinarian.
• Facilities maintenance.
  • Maintain the cleanliness of animal and work areas, instruments and equipment based on set infection control protocols and hospital standards, as well as complete daily, weekly, and monthly cleaning assignments.
  • Stock and maintain clinical supplies and maintain inventory records.
  • Assist with documenting and troubleshooting issues with equipment.
  • Maintain patient logs.
• Clinical service and facilities support. • Record treatments, procedures, supplies and thorough notes on the patient's medical record. • Record and enter charges. • Perform electronic submission of samples to clinical pathology and the diagnostic laboratory. • Facilitate processing of laboratory samples such as venous and arterial blood gases, packed cell volume (PCV)/total solids (TS), blood glucose (BG), lactate, ketostick, etc.
• Other duties as assigned

Additional Physical Demands

The work schedule for this position may include evenings, nights, weekends, and/or holidays, depending on shift(s) available.

Persons allergic to animal dander, dust, pollen, hay, etc. may experience discomfort in this position. Work involving animals with various disease states may expose the individual to viral, bacterial, and fungal agents known to be transmissible to man. Exposure to chemicals and anesthetic waste gases may be potentially hazardous if mishandled or misused. An environment of stress may be anticipated and the person in this position must be capable of reliably functioning in such an area. The amount of physical exertion will vary with assignments. For example, the position may be engaged in lifting a 40lb. dog on and off an examination table. The handling of any animal presents some element of risk or injury. Some strength and considerable caution are required when working with animals during diagnostic or surgical procedures. An ability to work in the presence of animal waste and fluids. To some degree, unpleasantness may be experienced under such conditions. This position entails operating equipment, administering medications, and restraining animals of various species for examination. Exposure to anesthetic agents may present a potential hazard. Syringes, needles, and medications are potentially dangerous and must be used with care.

Minimum Qualifications

1. High school diploma or equivalent.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of general care and handling of companion species of animals (dogs, cats, birds, exotics).
• Working knowledge of infection control protocols and hospital standards.
• Working knowledge of medical and veterinary terminology.
• Knowledge of operating computers and hospital information systems.
• Skill in the operation of surgical, laboratory, and diagnostic equipment.
• Able to adapt to new technologies, procedures, and equipment.
• Demonstrated adherence to strict protocols.
• Able to recognize abnormalities in vital signs of patients and report to veterinary staff.
• Able to operate on the clinical floor and anticipate needs and directions of staff and students regarding patients and methods of care.
• Able to observe, record, compile, and assimilate date.
• Able to explain terminology used in veterinary medicine.
• Knowledge related to the care and handling of anesthetic waste gas and federal regulations and university and hospital policies regarding the use and handling of controlled substances will be taught.
• Able to multi-task, pay close attention to details, and work calmly and professionally under pressure.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Courteous and polite.

Appointment Information

This is a 100% full-time Civil Service 4079 - Veterinary Assistant position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible. The collective bargaining agreement sets a wage of $18.97. Final salary offered will be determined by a thorough assessment of available market data, internal salary equity, candidate experience and qualifications, collective bargaining agreements, and budget constraints. Sponsorship for work authorization is not available for this position.

For more information on Civil Service classifications, please visit the SUCSS web site at .

Application Procedures & Deadline Information

Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on October 1 2025. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. In order to be considered as a transfer candidate, you must apply for this position. Applications not submitted through will not be considered. If required by the position, transcripts or other documentation of credentials are to be provided no later than the first day of employment. For further information about this specific position, please contact Jacob Bough at [email protected]. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify .

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodations portal , or by contacting the Accessibility & Accommodations Division of the Office for Access and Equity at 217-333-0885, or by emailing [email protected] .

Requisition ID : 1032727
Job Category : Technical
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