Technician - Large Animal

**Technician - Large Animal**:
We are seeking enthusiastic, registered veterinary technologists (RVTs) who would like to join our amazing animal health team The WCVM Veterinary Medical Centre has served as Western Canada’s only veterinary teaching hospital for more than five decades. Our internationally accredited Centre offers a wide range of primary and referral services to all western Canadian animal owners and veterinarians.

Why work with us? We offer access to advanced technologies and equipment; progressive supportive work environment; opportunities for job advancement and continuing education; team approach to patient care and client services; and excellent health benefits

**Primary Purpose**: As an Large Animal Technician you will ensure that an optimum level of patient care is maintained 24 hrs/day, 7 days/week. The primary purpose of this position is 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 - Critical Care, Large Animal & Radiology, the technician provides compassionate, quality patient care consistent with the general philosophy and objectives of the VMC. Animal handling and manipulations are a constant part of the position. This position works in an animal facility housing large animals which exposes the employee to animal dander, waste, feed, and unpredictability. It requires a substantial amount of lifting, moving, kneeling, jogging and cleaning of equipment/workspaces. Subject to some unpleasant odors, dress code, and traffic pattern restrictions. Note: This position is extremely physical in nature and requires the ability to run alongside of horses, handle stallions, 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 climates and terrains.

**Typical Duties/Accountabilities**:Responsibilities include: 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; and provides technical assistance to interns, residents and undergraduates in daily duties. The technician is responsible for the maintenance of equipment/supplies, handling and restraining of animals, sedation, assisting with surgical, medical and radiology procedures, maintenance of medical records, implementation of orders issued by clinicians, and maintenance of the facility. Incumbent will orient and remain current with respect to workplace safety and security procedures/policies. When case load fluctuates within the Large Animal Clinic, this position is expected to assist within the VMC as a RVT with other duties as assigned. The incumbent will competently perform basic and introductory duties independently.

Technicians at this level will perform advanced skills/duties of all core services including LA Therio, medicine, surgery, field service, equine, bovine, and LA medical imaging as defined by the VMC. Skills and duties and required safety at this level are above average in complexity and require sound knowledge of Large Animal services. The incumbent is able to adapt their skill set to problem solve situations, which are often time sensitive, and trouble shoot challenging or unique situations through discussions with senior technicians and other qualified personnel. Incumbent will orient and remain current with respect to workplace safety and security procedures/policies.

**Qualifications**

**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. Demonstrated experience with directing and evaluating the work of others.

**Skills**: Demonstrated strong technical and critical thinking skills in the various fields mentioned above, effective interpersonal and communication skills, both oral and written; 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 and deal with them; ability to make sound decisions based on objective judgment within the framework of hospital policy; demonstrated effective organizational and time management skills; and ability to perform heavy physical labor with restraint/care of animals and equipment. Radiography and special imaging (MRI,