Veterinary Care Generalist - Small Animal Surgery
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Veterinary Care Generalist - Small Animal Surgery
Veterinary Teaching Hospital
Job Summary
The Veterinary Care Generalist will be responsible for providing standard paramedical technical support and nursing care in a courteous and professional manner for the Small Animal Surgery service at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital. In addition, this position may be asked to assist in other areas of the hospital based on operational need. Due to the teaching nature of the hospital, this position may also supervise and instruct professional students and veterinary technician students in diagnostic and therapeutic techniques and procedures.Duties & Responsibilities
Learn to prepare patients for surgery:
- Assist with restraint and transport of patient into surgery
- Position patient on surgical table according to standard operating procedures or specific veterinarian instruction (Learn all surgical positions and associated terminologies)
- Prepare patient for surgery (e.g., scrub surgical site for aseptic surgery, insert IV catheter, etc.)
- Clip patient according to standard procedure or specific clinician instructions regarding surgery site
- Administer medications, fluids, etc. under the direction of the veterinarian
Learn to prepare surgical suite, instruments and equipment for aseptic surgery:
- Open and handle sterile surgical instruments onto an aseptic field according to aseptic technique.
- Operate, clean and perform routine maintenance on surgical equipment according to aseptic technique
- Sterilize and wrap surgical instruments using different sterilization techniques, such as gas, autoclave, and plasma
Learn to provide standard paramedical technical and nursing assistance during surgical procedures:
- Provide surgeon with surgical instruments by name and function
- Respond to requests by clinicians for paramedical technical assistance
- Learn to utilize and monitor highly specialized surgical instruments and equipment
- Provide intro-operative radiographic procedures as necessary
Learn to provide post-surgery duties:
- Assist with transport of patient from surgical suite
- Monitor patient, record vitals and recognize, report and learn appropriate response to emergency conditions
- Apply bandages and administer medications and fluids as by veterinarian
- Dispose of sharps properly and collect opened instruments for sterilization
- Clean surgical suite and equipment according to aseptic technique
- Assist veterinary staff and students assigned to the section with their treatments of surgical patients
Other service duties:
- Prepare tissue and other specimen for submission for analysis
- Assist with maintaining surgical and drug supplies
- Enter procedures and charges into the Health Information System
- Assist with maintaining surgical log
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Additional Physical Demands
An environment of stress may be anticipated. 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 assistant may be lifting a 40lb. dog on and off an examination table. The handling of any animal presents some element of risk orinjury. 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 is necessary. 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. 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.
Minimum Qualifications
Successful completion or current enrollment in the final semester of a veterinary technology program accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Familiar with federal regulations and university and hospital polices regarding the use and handling of controlled substances.
- Skill in the operation of surgical, laboratory and diagnostic equipment.
- Able to adapt to new technologies, procedures and equipment.
- Demonstrate adherence to strict protocols.
- Able to instruct veterinary medical/technician students in patient care protocol and procedures and in the use of equipment or instrumentation.
- Able to recognize abnormalities in vital signs of patients, assess charges observed, and take necessary action in the absence of a
- veterinarian.
- 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 data.
- Able to explain terminology used in veterinary medicine.
- Knowledge related to the care and handling of anesthetic waste gases will be taught.
- Able to multi-task, pay close attention to details and work calmly and professionally under pressure.
- Strong interpersonal skills.
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. The collective bargaining agreement sets a wage of $45,318 annually/$23.24 per hour. 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 https://www.sucss.illinois.gov/pages/classspec/default.aspx.
Application Procedures & Deadline Information
Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on February 15, 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 Jacob Bough at jbough@illinois.ed. 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 accommodation portal, or by contacting the Office for Access & Equity at 217-333-0885, option #1, or accessibility@illinois.edu.
Requisition ID: 1034579
Job Category: Technical
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu