Veterinary Technician III (Phoenix, AZ)

University Animal Care, with the University of Arizona, seeks a Veterinary Technician III. The incumbent will work under the general direction of the Phoenix Veterinarian, independently provide advanced clinical veterinary technical support for laboratory animal species to ensure the delivery of high-quality veterinary care, animal welfare, and regulatory compliance. The Veterinary Technician III will perform independent clinical assessment, triage, case management, and follow-up of veterinary cases while exercising sound judgment regarding treatment, monitoring, and escalation to the veterinarian. The incumbent will serve as a technical resource for investigators, husbandry staff, and junior personnel by providing training, coordinating clinical activities, and promoting consistent application of UAC Veterinary Services standards. Please note, the work schedule includes participation in the Animal Care holiday rotation schedule, weekends, and may include compensated overtime.

University Animal Care (UAC) manages multiple centralized animal facilities at the University of Arizona and oversees the campus wide animal care and use program. UAC provides assistance to scientists, physicians, staff, and students who have received Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) approval to perform research, testing, or educational studies on animal subjects. UAC ensures humane and appropriate animal care and use by providing for the animals daily needs, veterinary care, and monitoring the use of the animals by principal investigators, technical personnel, and students. UAC is devoted to maintaining a safe environment that minimizes the risk of disease or injury to the animals and the personnel who work with them. UAC maintains accreditation by AAALAC International, the gold standard for animal care and use programs.

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Outstanding U of A benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; U of A/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to U of A recreation and cultural activities; and more!

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Clinical Veterinary Care and Case Management:

• Performs comprehensive clinical assessments of laboratory animals and accurately recognizes normal and abnormal clinical conditions.
• Triages clinical cases, develops initial care plans within established protocols, and determines when consultation or escalation to a veterinarian is required.
• Coordinates clinical case management from initial evaluation through resolution, ensuring timely reassessment, documentation, communication, and follow-up.
• Coordinates activities among veterinarians, researchers, and animal care personnel.
• Administers medications, treatments, anesthesia, and supportive care while evaluating response to treatment and modifying recommendations through consultation with veterinarians.
• Maintains detailed, complete, accurate, and timely medical records using electronic and written systems.
  Communicates clinical information accurately.
• Collects diagnostic samples and performs point-of-care clinical testing to support veterinary diagnosis.
• Identifies emerging clinical trends and proactively communicates concerns affecting animal welfare or research activities.

Program Coordination, Communication and Compliance:

• Coordinates communication among veterinarians, investigators, animal care staff, and research personnel regarding clinical cases and treatment plans.
• Ensures timely communication of clinical findings, recommendations, and case resolution.
• Serves as a technical resource regarding clinical procedures, animal welfare, and veterinary practices.
• Trains research and husbandry personnel in clinical techniques, animal observation, and veterinary procedures.
• Assists veterinarians in maintaining compliance with institutional, regulatory, and accreditation requirements.
• Participates in development and continuous improvement of veterinary procedures, job aids, and clinical workflows.

Advanced Clinical & Surgical Support:

• Assists veterinarians and investigators with anesthesia, surgery, perioperative care, emergency procedures, and intensive clinical support.
• Monitors anesthesia and patient recovery while recognizing complications requiring intervention.
• Performs emergency stabilization measures within scope of practice until veterinary intervention is available.
• Assists with necropsy and diagnostic procedures.
• May train and mentor staff in veterinary procedures and animal welfare practices.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to independently assess laboratory animal health and recognize abnormal clinical conditions.
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple concurrent clinical cases while ensuring timely follow-up.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and determine when veterinary consultation or escalation is required.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while maintaining a high standard of clinical care.
• Knowledge of laboratory animal medicine, anesthesia, analgesia, surgery, and clinical nursing principles.
• Ability to lift up to 50lbs several times throughout the day and work in an environment that requires continuous bending, stooping, twisting, and turning.

This job posting reflects the general nature and level of work expected of the selected candidate(s). It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The institution reserves the right to amend or update this description as organizational priorities and institutional needs evolve.

• High school diploma or high school diploma equivalency is required.
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience, or equivalent combination of education and work experience

• Arizona Veterinary Medical Association certification as a Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT) and 2 years of experience.
• American Association for Laboratory Animal Science certification as a Laboratory Animal Technician (LAT) and 3 years of experience as a veterinary technician.
• Academy of Surgical Research certification (SRT, SRA, SRS).
• Experience caring for a variety of large and small animal models.
• Clinical, surgical, anesthesia, and/or intensive care experience.