Veterinary Care Generalist - Animal Care Program
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Veterinary Care Generalist - Animal Care Program
Animal Care Program
Job Summary
Under the direction of the Animal Care Program (ACP) assigned supervisor, this position will provide standard paramedical support, and nursing care for research and teaching animals in ACP operated animal facilities and University of Illinois agricultural animal facilities. This position will also support the pharmacy operations, health surveillance, training, and sanitation monitoring programs for ACP facilities. Assist principal investigators with research protocols and veterinarians and farm staff with health monitoring and technical procedures at the animal units; provide general support to help the agricultural facilities maintain compliance with the Ag Guide, University policies, and current standards of care.Laboratory Animal Care
Provide standard paramedical support for laboratory animal species housed in the Animal Care Program operated facilities, including but not limited to:
- assisting ACP Veterinary staff in performing initial and recheck health assessments
- handling and restraining animals as directed
- collecting biological samples such as: blood, fecal and urine samples for laboratory analysis
- administering medications and treatments as directed by the ACP veterinarians
- performing effective and humane euthanasia per species specific guidelines
- observing animals for overt signs of disease an effective evaluation of health status
- assist with preparing, monitoring, and assisting with, surgical prep and postoperative care to a variety of animal species for surgical procedures
- performing procedures (such as dentals) under the direct supervision of ACP veterinary staff
- assists in the rodent health surveillance and sanitation monitoring programs, including proper collection and processing of samples, maintaining appropriate records
- assist with providing training for research staff, students, and staff employees
- appropriate administration and record-keeping for controlled substances.
- Provide backup paramedical support as needed to the ACP Ag Office for agricultural species housed in university operated facilities
- Performs other related duties as assigned. May be required to work holidays and possible rotating weekend on-call assignments
Physical Demands
Working Conditions
Additional Physical Demands
Laboratory Animal Environment: The work environment naturally includes animal odors, which should not be unpleasant with proper sanitation. There is an inherent risk to the Veterinary Technician of animal bites and scratches, miscellaneous injuries which may be incurred by potential disease vectors such as a broken water bottle or cage wire, allergies to bedding dust or animal dander, contraction of zoonosis, and caustic detergent spills. Proper training, care and protective attire should minimize these risks and a current tetanus vaccination is strongly recommended per campus Occupational Health and Safety guidelines for staff working in these types of environments. Position involves handling occasional aggressive or frightened animals; this is within the scope of experience gained during a Veterinary Technology practicum or internship. Lifting of small stacks of caging and feed bags up-to 50 pounds may be necessary. Due to the daily requirements and technical specialization of the job, dependability and low absenteeism are essential and this position may be required to work holidays and some occasional weekends.Agricultural Environment: Working with large animals will always present some element of risk or injury. A willingness to learn safe handling skills for different species is imperative. Physical ability to restrain large animals and lift up-to 50 pounds is needed. Showering in and out of bio-secure areas is expected. Exposure to loud noises, animal dander, dust, pollen, and hay, etc. can be expected.
Travel Requirements
10% Travel across different campus location may be required.Minimum Qualifications
1. Successful completion or current enrollment in the final semester of a veterinary technology program accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).
2. Possession of certification as a Veterinary Technician by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) within the 6 months of hire, which must be maintained for the duration of employment.
Preferred Qualifications
1. Current certification as a licensed Veterinary Technician in the State of Illinois.
2. Maintains a valid driver’s license in the State of Illinois
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
1.Willingness and ability to work with laboratory and agricultural animal species, especially swine. 2. Ability to work effectively with others. 3. Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions or materials. 4. Ability to maintain records. 5. Ability to apply arithmetic skills. 6. Ability to detect marked signs of illness. 7. Ability to provide care for animals, including safe handling, feeding, and restraining of animals. 8.Possession of certification as a Veterinary Technician by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) within the 6 months of hire, which must be maintained for the duration of employment.
Appointment Information
This is a 100% full-time Civil Service Veterinary Care Generalist position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after 3/30/2026. Salary is commensurate with experience. This civil service non-exempt position receives 12 paid holidays a year, 12 cumulative sick days per year, and 12 cumulative vacation days at minimum per year (vacation accrual rate based on service years completed). Starting salary $45,318.00 annual/ $23.24 hourly. This position is on-site at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus.
For more information on Civil Service classifications, please visit the SUCSS web site at https://www.sucss.illinois.gov/pages/classspec/default.aspx.
Application Procedures & Deadline Information
Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on Friday, February, 27th, 2026. 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 https://jobs.illinois.edu 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 Mary Delaney, med4@illinois.edu. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.
At the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign — the state’s flagship public university and one of the world’s leading research institutions — every staff member helps shape what’s next. Founded in 1867, Illinois is home to a vibrant community of 59,000 students from all 50 states and 129 countries, supported by 15 colleges and instructional units, more than 20 research institutes, and one of the most comprehensive student service ecosystems in the nation. Whether you’re empowering first-generation students, fueling breakthrough innovation, or strengthening communities across Illinois and beyond, your work here has a far-reaching and deeply meaningful impact. The university offers a highly competitive benefits package designed to support your well-being, growth, and financial security. Join a top 10 public university that has launched over 330 startups and continues to redefine excellence — where the Illinois Value Proposition ensures that your contributions are recognized, your potential is nurtured, and your career can thrive.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position; however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.
This position is intended to be eligible for benefits. This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.
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 accessibility@illinois.edu.
Requisition ID: 1034606
Job Category: Technical
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu