#CA-PS
Want to be part of the most innovative veterinary team in the country? We are looking for a Large Animal Surgery (O.R.) Technician to work alongside our world leading faculty clinicians and technicians, helping them teach the next generation of veterinarians while also serving the animals and pet owners of our community.
As part of the top ranked UC Davis Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital team, our technicians are provided with the following benefits:
PERSONAL LEAVE
Vacation - earn (3) three weeks per year!
14 paid Holidays annually
Sick Leave - eligible to earn up to 8 hours per month (no maximum)
COMPENSATION
Competitive pay
Shift Differentials
CE & Other BENEFITS
$650 Continuing Education annual allowance
40 hours Paid CE annually (pro-rated based on appointment %)
$100 monthly stipend for RVTs
Wellness and on-site Employee Assistance Program
Scrubs provided and laundered at no cost to the employee
Under general supervision of the Large Animal Surgery Supervisor and Large Animal Clinic (LA) Clinic Manager(s), responsible for aseptic preparation of patients for various surgical procedures and operating room set up and breakdown. Provides support for multiple Large Animal elective and emergency services (Equine & Livestock). Responsible for set up, induction of patient, transport, operation support, recovery and clean up. Handle & restrain patients including but not limited to; equines, llamas & alpacas and livestock. Maintain supplies & equipment, restock, clean & disinfect work areas & equipment. Instruct students & technicians.
Apply By Date
12/30/2025 at 11:59pm
RECRUITMENT PERIOD ONE MONTH: Applicants will be screened after two weeks; and then on a weekly basis. The position can be filled prior to the removal date.
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications - For full consideration, applicants are encouraged to upload license and/or certification if required of the position
- Must obtain Veterinary Assistant Controlled Substance Permit (VACSP) within 3 months of hire
- No minimum education requirement.
- Prior experience working in a veterinary hospital setting in a surgical environment and experience with aseptic technique and surgical instruments.
- Experience handling, restraining & working with horses, cattle, sheep, goats and porcine species (sick and healthy) to ensure safety & effectiveness.
- Knowledge of equine anatomy and basic physiology to identify abnormal physical signs and appearances
- Excellent interpersonal and oral communication skills to clearly and effectively interact with individuals of varying ages, cultural backgrounds, and perspectives to secure and/or provide information to clarify situations, resolve problems, make referrals, as it pertains to standard operating room policies and procedures.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience using Veterinary Medical & Administrative Computer System (VMACS).
- Experience with routine basic equine and livestock handling as it pertains to induction and recovery for routine/ emergency cases.
- Experience with common large animal surgical procedures, instruments used for various procedures, patient preparation and equipment.
- Experience driving forklifts.
Key Responsibilities
- 80% - Surgical Operating Room Functions
- 20% - Facility/ Equipment Maintenance and IDC Surveillance
Department Overview
The VMTH is a unit that provides clinical material for teaching programs throughout the School of Veterinary Medicine. Its primary objectives are to train students and graduate students, to serve as a referral center for practicing veterinarians, to collect clinical information, and to provide veterinary services to the public.
POSITION INFORMATION
Benefits
Outstanding benefits and perks are among the many rewards of working for the University of California. UC Davis offers a full range of benefits, resources and programs to help you bring your best self to work, as well as to help you and your family achieve your health, wellness, financial and career goals. Learn more about the benefits below and eligibility rules by visiting either our handy Benefits Summary for UC Davis Health Employees or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Employees and our Benefits Page.
If you are represented by a union, benefits are negotiated between the University of California (UC) and your union and finalized in a contract. Read your bargaining unit's employment contract, stay abreast of current negotiations and learn about collective bargaining at UC: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/labor/bargaining-units/index.html
- High quality and low-cost medical plans to choose from to fit your family's needs
- UC pays for Dental and Vision insurance premiums for you and your family
- Extensive leave benefits including Pregnancy and Parental Leave, Family & Medical Leave
- Paid Holidays annually as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
- Paid Time Off/Vacation/Sick Time as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
- Continuing Education (CE) allowance and Education Reimbursement Program as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
- Access to free professional development courses and learning opportunities for personal and professional growth
- WorkLife and Wellness programs and resources
- On-site Employee Assistance Program including access to free mental health services
- Supplemental insurance offered including additional life, short/long term disability, pet insurance and legal coverage
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSFL) Qualified Employer & Student Loan Repayment Assistance Program for qualified roles
- Retirement benefit options for eligible roles including Pension and other Retirement Saving Plans. More information on our retirement benefits can be found here
Physical Demands
- Standing - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
- Walking - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
- Sitting - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Lifting/Carrying 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Lifting/Carrying 26-50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Lifting/Carrying over 50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Pushing/Pulling 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Pushing/Pulling 26-50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Pushing/Pulling over 50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Bending/Stooping - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
- Squatting/Kneeling - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
- Twisting - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
- Climbing (e.g., stairs or ladders) - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Reaching overhead - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Keyboard use/repetitive motion - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
Environmental Demands
- Chemicals, dust, gases, or fumes - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
- Loud noise levels - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Marked changes in humidity or temperature - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
- Microwave/Radiation - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Operating motor vehicles and/or equipment - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Extreme Temperatures - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Uneven Surfaces or Elevations - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
Mental Demands
- Sustained attention and concentration - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
- Complex problem solving/reasoning - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
- Ability to organize & prioritize - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
- Communication skills - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
- Numerical skills - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
- Constant Interaction - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
- Customer/Patient Contact - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
- Multiple Concurrent Tasks - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
Work Environment
UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco free campus effective January 1, 2014. Smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e-cigarettes) will be strictly prohibited on any UC Davis owned or leased property, indoors and outdoors, including parking lots and residential space.
May work variable shifts including swings, nights, weekend, holidays and time on call. May be required to wear protective clothing for extended periods of time including: boots, gowns, lab coats, coveralls, gloves, masks, face shields, goggles, sleeves and head covers. Requires working with or around areas with sick animals, hazardous materials, &/or infectious diseases including zoonotic diseases, cleaning chemicals, gaseous anesthetics, radioactive patients & distraught clients. The work environment requires you to be exposed to outdoor elements including but not limited to cold, heat, smoke, rain, etc. Work in crowded areas where strong odors are present, where exposure to bodily fluids & waste from domestic farm animals will occur. This position is subject to Medical Surveillance procedures and review in accordance with Federal and State Laws and Regulations and University Policy. Flexibility to work with new diagnostic and therapeutic procedures and/or modalities
Special Requirements - Please contact your recruiter with questions regarding which activities apply by position
- This is a critical position, as defined by UC Policy and local procedures, and as such, employment is contingent upon clearing a criminal background check(s) and may include drug screening, medical evaluation clearance and functional capacity assessment
- This is a position with direct access to or responsibility for controlled substances, high risk hazardous chemicals, biological or radioactive/nuclear materials
Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.
A Culture of Opportunity and Belonging
At UC Davis, we're committed to solving life's most urgent challenges and building a healthier, more resilient world. We believe in growing through every challenge, continually striving to improve, and welcoming new perspectives that strengthen our community. We recognize that a vibrant and innovative organization values both individual strengths and shared purpose. The best ideas often emerge when people with different experiences come together.
As you consider joining UC Davis, we invite you to explore our Principles of Community, our Clinical Strategic Plan and strategic vision for research and education. We believe you belong here. The University of California, Davis is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status.
To view the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination
Because we want you to feel seen and valued, our recruitment process at UC Davis supports openness and authenticity. Research shows that some individuals hesitate to apply unless they meet every qualification. You may be an excellent fit for this role-or the next one. We encourage you to apply even if your experience doesn't match every listed requirement. #YouBelongHere
To learn more about our background check program, please visit: https://hr.ucdavis.edu/departments/recruitment/ucd/selection/background-checks