Veterinary Care Generalist/Veterinary Technician I - 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 pharmacy operations, health surveillance, training, and sanitation monitoring programs for ACP facilities. Assist principal investigators with research protocolsand veterinarians and farm staff with health monitoring and technical procedures at the animal units providegeneral support to help the agricultural facilitiesmaintain 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:
  
  a. assisting ACP Veterinary staff in performing initial and recheck health assessments.
  
  b. handling and restraining animals as directed.
  
  c. collecting biological samples such as: blood, fecal and urine samples for laboratory analysis
  
  d. administering medications and treatments as directed by the ACP veterinarians.
  
  e. performing effective and humane euthanasia per species specific guidelines
  
  f. observing animals for overt signs of disease an effective evaluation of health status
  
  g. assist with preparing, monitoring, and assisting with, surgical prep and postoperative care to a variety of animal species for surgical procedures.
  
  h. performing procedures (such as dentals) under the direct supervision of ACP veterinary staff
  
  i. assists in the rodent health surveillance and sanitation monitoring programs, including proper collection and processing of samples, maintaining appropriate records.
  
  j. assist with providing training for research staff, students, and staff employees.
  
  k. appropriate administration and record-keeping for controlled substances.
  
  l. 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.

Minimum Qualifications

Successful completion or current enrollment in the final semester of a veterinary technology program accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association(AVMA).

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.

____________________________________________________________________________________________

Veterinary Technician I

Job Summary

Under the
direction of the Animal Care Program (ACP) assigned supervisor, Attending
Veterinarian/Director of the Animal Care Program, and/or the Associate
Director, this position will provide skilled paramedical support, and nursing
care for research and teaching animals in ACP operated animal facilities. This
position provides support for pharmacy operations and biosecurity measures such
as health surveillance and sanitation monitoring. Additionally, this position serves to provide
support to principal investigators and lab staff in the areas of protocol
compliance and technical procedural support within the ACP animal units.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Laboratory
  Animal Care
  Provide skilled paramedical support and nursing care for laboratory animal species housed
  in the Animal Care Program operated facilities, including but not limited
  to:
  
  a. assisting ACP Veterinary staff in providing skilled paramedical support and rechecking health assessments for laboratory research animals.
  b. handling and restraining animals as directed.
  c. collecting biological samples from research animals such as blood, fecal and urine samples for laboratory analysis
  d. administering medications and treatments as directed by the ACP veterinarians.
  e. performing effective and humane euthanasia per species specific guidelines
  f. observing animals for overt signs of disease and effective evaluation of health status
  g. provides training for research staff, students, and ACP staff in euthanasia techniques, animal handling & restraint, blood collection, and injection techniques
  h. surgical assistance by way of preparation, anesthetic monitoring, recovery and postoperative care to a variety of animal species.
  i. performing procedures (such as dentals) under the direct supervision of ACP veterinary staff
  j. assists in the rodent health surveillance and sanitation monitoring programs, including proper collection and processing of samples, maintaining appropriate records.
  k. assists in departmental Standard Operating Procedure review/updating
  l. Provides initial health checks for USDA covered species within 48 hrs. of arrival
  m. appropriate administration and record-keeping for controlled substances.
  n. Supports pharmacy operations by maintaining inventory, filling prescriptions as directed by a veterinarian and record keeping.
• Performs
  other related duties as assigned. May be required to work holidays and
  possible rotating weekend on-call assignments.

Minimum Qualifications

1. Successful completion of a veterinary technology program accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).
2. Current certification as a Veterinary Technician by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR).
3. One (1) year (12 months) of paramedical veterinary experience comparable to that performed at the Veterinary Care Generalist level of this series or in other positions of comparable responsibility.

Preferred

1. 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.

Physical Demands
Walking : Frequently
Stairs : Occasionally
Sitting : Occasionally
Lifting/Carrying : Frequently
Pushing/Pulling : Occasionally
Balancing : Occasionally
Bending/Stooping : Occasionally
Kneeling : Occasionally
Squatting/Crouching : Occasionally

Working Conditions
Extreme cold : Occasionally
Extreme heat : Occasionally
Humidity : Occasionally
Wet : Frequently
Noise : Frequently
Hazards : Frequently
Fumes/Particles/Allergens : Frequently
Toxic, Caustic Chemicals : Occasionally
Temperature Changes : Occasionally
Inclement Weather : Occasionally

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.

This is a 100% full-time Civil Service 4080 - Veterinary Care Generalist / Veterinary Technician I position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after 6/8/2026. 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). This position is on-site at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus. This position is not eligible for any type of sponsorship for work authorization.

• The budgeted salary range for the Veterinary Care Generalist position is: $45,318.00 annual/ $23.24 hourly
• The budgeted salary range for the Veterinary Technician I position is: $49,861.50 annual/ $25.57 hourly

For more information on Civil Service classifications, please visit the SUCSS web site at https://www.sucss.illinois.gov/pages/classspec/default.aspx.

Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on Wednesday, May 13th, 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.

Champaign-Urbana

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: 1035804

Job Category: Technical

Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu