Are you a Vet Technician ready to grow your career, working alongside the best in diagnosis and treatment, as well as research and education?  Are you compassionate with the commitment to learn in a comprehensive environment?  If you are saying yes, take your step forward and join us at Iowa State University’s Lloyd Veterinary Medical Center . As a Veterinary Technician in our Equine Intensive Care Unit, you will play a crucial role in delivering high-quality care to horses. This position will assist with the examination, treatment, and monitoring of equine patients, including handling and restraining horses safely and effectively. You will work closely with our board-certified specialists and veterinary students to ensure that each patient receives the best possible care. This position offers an exciting opportunity to be at the forefront of equine medicine, working in a state-of-the-art facility.

We are offering a 4-day work week position with rotating hours between 8:00 p.m.- 6:30 a.m. Full Benefit package that includes medical, dental, and vision and a generous retirement program. https://hr.iastate.edu/employee-benefits

To qualify, you must have an Associate’s Degree from an accredited institution; you will have 12 months from the date of hire to obtain your veterinary technician certification, registration, or license.          

 Our on-the-job training empowers veterinary technicians of all experience levels to reach their full potential, with opportunities to earn specialty licenses. Within our Equine Intensive Care Unit, technicians can advance through levels I-III, each step bringing new skills, responsibilities, and professional growth. This structured pathway offers enhanced training, leadership roles, and a meaningful impact on patient care and team dynamics. Whether you're just beginning or advancing your career, our level system supports continuous development and success in veterinary medicine. Additionally, technicians play a key role in educating 4th-year veterinary students, guided by our expert clinicians..  

The LVMC provides specialized care and comprehensive medical and surgical services for companion and large animals throughout Iowa and surrounding states. Our clinicians, residents and interns, technicians, staff, and senior veterinary students work in teams to provide 24-hour, state-of-the-art care to animal patients.  We take great pride in shaping the future of veterinary professional practice, education, research, and service, as well as our people, clients, and patients.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Assists with basic nursing care on American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status classification level I and II patients, which are considered healthy or with mild systemic disease. Nursing care to include but not limited to: monitoring body functions (temperature, respiration, heartbeat, amount and frequency of food consumptions, defecation, urination etc.) and noting abnormalities; placing and maintaining intravenous catheters; administering fluids and medications orally, parenterally, and enterally; and performing other basic treatments.
• Collects and processes samples for research, diagnostic, and clinical purposes.
• Assists with basic preparatory procedures on various animal species and assists staff members in surgical, medical, or laboratory procedure preparation, including instrument and supply set up.
• Administers anesthesia and monitors patient response through the recovery period for ASA I-II patients.
• Maintains orderly and sanitary work areas for clinical, teaching, and research facilities.
• Stocks and organizes patient exam rooms, treatment areas, holding areas and operating rooms.
• May assist with entering hospital costs and medical records into the computer to create accurate records for billing accounts.
• Assists with set up, inventory, maintenance, security, and repairs for equipment and instruments used in surgical procedures, emergencies and/or lab sessions.
• Utilizes ultrasound machines and x-rays, assist with MRI, or other related imaging equipment for patient diagnostics.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of animal health and welfare - animal isolation, sample collection, medical treatment, nursing and monitoring, pre & post-surgical requirements including room and supply preparation.
• Knowledge of pharmacology - dosage, calculations, and usage.
• Knowledge of animal husbandry - animal feeding, watering, grooming, handling, safe transporting, and environmental requirements.
• Knowledge of record maintenance - collecting and recording data.
• Knowledge of trimming, clipping, or grooming animals.
• Knowledge of teaching and/or demonstration of safe animal handling.
• Knowledge of regulatory requirements (Animal Welfare Act, Public Health Service, etc.).
• Ability to handle, restrain, move, load, and unload animals.
• Ability to administer medication - topical, injectable, oral, and rectal.
• Ability to check and interpret vital signs.
• Ability to lift, carry, push, or pull up to 70 pounds.
• Ability to instruct and demonstrate veterinary techniques in handling, grooming, and nursing animals.
• Ability to interact in a professional capacity.
• Ability to multi-task and work cooperatively with others.
• Ability to prioritize daily tasks.
• Ability to work in high stress environments.
• Knowledge of computers, computerized medical record systems, and word processing software, such as Microsoft Word and Excel.

Why You’ll Love Living in Ames

Ames, Iowa, offers an outstanding quality of life. Known for its welcoming community, Ames is home to a vibrant blend of cultural, athletic, and social events, thanks in part to Iowa State University. Whether you're attending concerts, art exhibitions, or theater performances, there's always something happening.The city also hosts a wide variety of athletic events, from Cyclone football and basketball games to other university sports that bring the community together. Plus, Ames frequently offers festivals, farmers’ markets, and university-sponsored lectures and events, ensuring there’s something for everyone.In addition to the exciting local atmosphere, Ames provides an affordable cost of living and excellent schools, making it a great place to live and thrive. Plus, with Des Moines just 30 minutes away, you’ll have easy access to everything a larger city has to offer without sacrificing the charm and convenience of a smaller town.

Associate or Bachelor’s degree in a veterinary technology program accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) or the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA), and • Registered, licensed, or certified as a veterinary technician within one year of the start date.