Surgical Technician, Veterinary Medical Centre

Primary Purpose: This position is designed to provide technical assistance in the Small and Large Animal Surgery Service.

Nature of Work: Reporting to Health Services Manager, the technician provides compassionate, quality patient care in the operating room (OR) 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 with small (canine, feline, avian and some exotics) and large animals (bovine, equine, caprine, ovine, llamas, porcine) which exposes the employee to animal dander, waste, feed and unpredictability.  It requires a substantial amount of lifting, moving and cleaning of equipment/workspaces.   Subject to some unpleasant odors, dress code, and traffic pattern restrictions.

Typical Duties:  Provides patient care consistent with hospital policy and procedure; assists with instruction and demonstration of technical skills to undergraduate vet students and vet technology program students in labs and lectures; monitors clinicians, residents, interns and support staff with respect to OR aseptic technique; in consultation with the Nursing Care Manager, updates lab directions/instructions and manuals as necessary; and maintenance of equipment, facilities, and supplies. The technician will be required to cover for the Surgery Nurse position and float to other areas of the hospital when the surgery service demands are down.

Qualifications

Education: Graduate of a recognized two-year veterinary technology program and registered or eligible for registration with the Saskatchewan Veterinary Medical Association (SVMA) and the Association of Veterinary Technologists (SAVT).  

Experience: A minimum three years of direct surgery experience with a thorough working knowledge of OR aseptic technique.  Experience in both large and small animal surgery required ie. exotics, canine, feline, equine, bovine, caprine, ovine, porcine, and some exotics (Llamas, ostrich, deer and elk). Demonstrated experience with directing and evaluating the work of others.

While applicants who meet the qualifications of a CUPE 1975 Phase 5 listed above will be given priority, we may also consider applicants who are not fully qualified but show an interest in learning and developing their skills.  Successful applicants who do not meet our full qualifications may be offered the position at a lower classification (CUPE 1975 Phase 4 or CUPE 1975 Phase 3) and therefore a lower pay rate.   We will provide training, support, and an opportunity to move to the fully qualified level. 

Skills: Proficient technical skills demonstrated 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; demonstrated effective organizational and time management skills; 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 accordingly; 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 labour with restraint/care of animals and equipment. 

A CUPE 1975 Phase 4 RVT will be under the supervision of a senior RVT, possess the education qualifications listed above, have 2 – 3 years direct experience in a veterinary practice or other veterinary college, and be able to competently perform basic and introductory duties independently. The salary range is CAD $ $30.61 per hour.

A CUPE 1975 Phase 3 RVT will be under the direct supervision of a senior RVT, possess the education qualifications listed above, have less than 2 years direct experience in a veterinary practice or other veterinary college (new grads welcome), and be able to perform basic skills and duties that were achieved as a result of graduating from a recognized Veterinary Technology Program.  The salary range is CAD $ $25.13 per hour.

Department: Veterinary Medical Centre
Status: Permanent
Employment Group: CUPE Restricted

Shift: Hours of work my vary and are expected to be between Monday to Friday falling within the core hospital hours of 7:00am – 7:00pm. Working 40 hours per week to bank time to earn one day off at the end of every four-week period. Hours may be subject to change.

Full Time Equivalent (FTE): 1.0

Salary: The salary range, based on 1.0 FTE, is $ per hour. The starting salary will be commensurate with education and experience.

Salary Family (if applicable): Applied Scientific Services

Salary Phase/Band: Phase 5

Posted Date: 12/24/2025

Closing Date: 2/10/2026 at 6:00 pm CST
Number of Openings: 1
Work Location: On Campus

The successful applicant will be required to provide the following current verification(s) where 'Yes' is indicated below. Further information is available at:

Criminal Record Check: Yes
Driver's License and Abstract Check: Not Applicable
Education/Credential Verification: Not Applicable
Vulnerable Sector Check: Not Applicable

The University of Saskatchewan aspires to be what the world needs and embraces equity, diversity and inclusion as foundational to excellence and innovation. We actively seek to create a welcoming environment where all individuals feel empowered to thrive, contribute, and grow. Applications from equity-deserving groups are encouraged as part of our ongoing efforts to reflect the diversity of the communities we serve: EDI Framework for Action.
We continue to grow our partnerships with Indigenous communities across the province, nationally, and internationally and value the unique perspective that Indigenous employees provide to strengthen these relationships. Verification of Indigenous Membership/Citizenship at the University of Saskatchewan is led and determined by the deybwewin | taapwaywin | tapwewin: Indigenous Truth policy and the Standing Committee in accordance with the processes developed to enact the policy. Successful candidates that assert Indigenous membership/citizenship will be asked to complete the verification process of Indigenous membership/citizenship with documentation.
The University of Saskatchewan provides an accessible and inclusive workplace. Should you require support through any stage of the recruitment process, please contact Human Resources for assistance.