Technician, Float in Saskatoon

Primary Purpose: As Float Technician, you will help to ensure that an optimum level of patient care is maintained 24 hours/day, 7 days/week. This position functions as a flexible clinical resource mainly supporting the Large Animal services, anesthesia, sedation procedures, surgery, MRI, theriogenology, teaching laboratories, and other areas as assigned. The position provides cross-service coverage to support patient care, operational efficiency, and instructional activities throughout the Veterinary Medical Centre.

Nature of Work: Reporting to the Manager Health Services, this position functions on a rotational basis providing coverage during the day, evening, weekend, and Statutory Holidays between the areas of Large Animal, Sedation, critical care, surgery, specialties, and other areas assigned. Animal handling and manipulations are a constant part of the position. This position works in an animal facility with small (canine, feline, avian, and some exotics) and large animals (bovine, equine, caprine, ovine, porcine) which exposes employees to animal dander, waste, and unpredictability; and requires a substantial amount of lifting, moving, and cleaning of equipment/work area. Subject to some unpleasant odours, dress code, and traffic pattern restrictions.

Typical Duties / Accountabilities:

• Provides technical support for Large Animal standing sedation procedures; assists with Large Animal surgery, MRI sedation cases, theriogenology, medicine, critical care, and specialty services;
• Supports induction, maintenance, monitoring, and recovery of patients undergoing sedation and anesthesia as instructed by licensed veterinarians;
• Assists with patient preparation, monitoring, and post-procedural care;
• Monitors performance of aseptic technique and arranges operating room and procedure environments to support optimum patient care;
• Assists in diagnostic imaging and ultrasound procedures;
• Handles and restrains small and large animal patients;
• Maintains health records;
• Provides vacation, leave, and staffing relief across assigned services;
• Assists with the supervision and instruction of undergraduate veterinary and veterinary technology students during clinical and laboratory activities;
• Maintains equipment, supplies, and facilities;
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Education: Graduate of a recognized two year veterinary technology program; registered or eligible for registration with Saskatchewan Association of Veterinary Technologists (SAVT); and a member or eligible for membership with the Saskatchewan Veterinary Medical Association (SVMA).

Experience: At least two years of experience in a veterinary clinic, veterinary teaching hospital, or related veterinary environment supporting large animal medicine, surgery, anesthesia, sedation, and/or patient care services. Experience working with large animal species is preferred. Willing to train and mentor those who qualify.

Skills: Demonstrated technical skills in large animal handling and restraint, anesthesia and sedation support, surgical assistance, patient monitoring, and veterinary nursing care; ability to adapt effectively to changing assignments and priorities across multiple clinical services; effective interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal; ability to work independently and collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams; ability to support teaching and learning activities involving veterinary and veterinary technology students; demonstrated organizational, problem-solving, and time management skills; commitment to high standards of patient care, workplace safety, and professionalism; and the ability to perform moderate physical labor and tolerate exposure to a wide variety of animal species.

While applicants who meet the qualifications of a CUPE 1975 Phase 5 listed above will be given priority, we may also consider applicants who are not fully qualified but show an interest in learning and developing their skills. Successful applicants who do not meet our full qualifications may be offered the position at a lower classification (CUPE 1975 Phase 4 or CUPE 1975 Phase 3) and therefore a lower pay rate. We will provide training, support, and an opportunity to move to the fully qualified level.

Department: Veterinary Medical Centre

Status: Term 1 year with the possibility of extension or becoming permanent

Employment Group: CUPE 1975

Shift: Hours will vary including days, evenings, nights, weekends, and STAT holidays. Hours are subject to change. You will work 40 hours per week in order to bank time to earn one day off at the end of every four week period.

Full Time Equivalent (FTE): 1.0

Salary: The salary range, based on 1.0 FTE, is $30.25 - 38.38 per hour. The starting salary will be commensurate with education and experience.

The University of Saskatchewan provides an accessible and inclusive workplace. Should you require support through any stage of the recruitment process, please contact us for assistance.