Overview
The technicians at the Large Animal Hospital at Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University are highly skilled in handling a wide variety of species. We have over a dozen specialists with extensive experience in large animal Internal Medicine, Surgery, and Sports Medicine; and with this knowledge, the staff can provide our new hires with the training, the tools, and support that they will need to be successful in this environment.
While horses make up the majority of our caseload, our team also works with alpacas, goats, pigs, and other large animals, offering a diverse and enriching clinical experience. Technicians collaborate closely with residents, interns, and faculty clinicians to provide high-quality, compassionate, and timely care to hospitalized patients, as well as urgent support for incoming emergencies. As part of a renowned teaching hospital, our technicians also play a vital role in educating future veterinary professionals while working with cutting-edge diagnostic and therapeutic tools.
Why this role is special:
- Exposure to a wide range of large animal species beyond horses
- Hands-on involvement in both routine and emergency care
- Integral role in a collaborative teaching environment
- Access to advanced medical technologies and procedures
- Supportive team culture with mentorship from over a dozen specialists
Highlights of our benefits:
- Competitive compensation with shift differentials ($2–$4/hour for off-hours) and holiday premium pay
- A 35-hour work week with generous paid holidays (13+ annually)
- Comprehensive health benefits and continuing education opportunities
If you're looking for a new challenge and a rewarding experience in the large animal veterinary field, we encourage you to explore the opportunities available with us.
This position qualifies for a $2,000 sign on bonus following successful completion of 6 months of employment for newly hired employees.
What You'll Do
A Vet Tech in the Hospital for Large Animals is responsible for providing high quality nursing care and treatment to all Internal Medicine, General Diagnostics and Surgery Service, and Sports Medicine Service patients as directed by clinicians/residents or supervising technicians.
The Float Technician will provide variable coverage to the hospital during planned vacation time, medical leaves, and may be asked to expand coverage to other departments within the Hospital for Large Animals. The Float Technician may be required to work outside of the set schedule, not to exceed a 35 -hour workweek, for periods of time to accommodate the hospital’s needs.
Essential Functions as a Veterinary Technician in the Large Animal Hospital will be:
- Overall observation of all LA patients.
- Perform treatments.
- Assure general comfort and safety of animals and be alert to any unforeseen circumstances. Competently administer Rx as ordered.
- Provide instruction/assistance to fourth-year students, new hires, and visiting interns, i.e., catheterizations, venipuncture, rough/sterile preps, proper restraint techniques, reflux horses.
- Assist with discharge/admission of patients, grooming, leg wraps, on-loading and off-loading animals.
- Follow protocols as set forth by all departments within the HLA and FHSA.
- Provide emergency and routine technical assistance for all clinic admissions.
- Set up colic cart, catheterizations, prepare for abdominocentesis, rectal examination, reflux, assist with proper restraint techniques.
- Set up and use of Endoscopy equipment, Radiology equipment and various other monitoring and diagnostic devices.
- Restocking and cleaning of treatment areas (i.e., inpatient and outpatient treatment rooms, neonatal ward, isolation).
- Order supplies from Central Sterile as needed to assure adequate supplies are available at all times in the treatment areas.
- Maintain cleanliness and order in treatment areas as well hospital wards.
- Follow Biosecurity protocols.
- Assist in keeping isolation stalls neat and orderly.
- Additional tasks deemed necessary per Supervisor or Hospital Administration
Float position. Wednesday - Thursday 3pm-12am & Friday - Saturday 7pm-4am
What We're Looking For
Basic Requirements:
- Large Animal Handling Skills Required; safely restrain large animals.
- Assess the attitude and responsiveness of horses & farm animals.
- At least one year of related experience in veterinary medicine.
- High School Diploma/GED is required.
- Computer proficiency/Electronic Medical Records
- Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. with or without accommodation.
Preferred Qualifications:
- CVT or greater or eligible to sit for VTNE.
- Demonstrated leadership skills and resourcefulness.
- Excellent interpersonal skills in relation to co-workers, clinicians, students, staff and clients.
- Degree from Accredited Veterinary Technology, Veterinary Science Animal Science
- Vocational/Technical training or Associate/Bachelor’s Degree with 2+ years’ experience preferred.
- Computer skills & EMR exposure
Pay Range
Minimum $22.50, Midpoint $26.80, Maximum $31.10
Salary is based on related experience, expertise, and internal equity; generally, new hires can expect pay between the minimum and midpoint of the range.
