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Posting Detail Information

Working TitleVeterinary Technician II - Orthopedic Surgery

Position LocationFort Collins, CO

Work LocationPosition is fully in-office/in-person

Research Professional PositionNo

Posting Number202501399AP

Position TypeAdmin Professional/ Research Professional

Classification TitleTechnical/Support II

Number of Vacancies

Work Hours/Week40

Proposed Annual Salary Range$45,096 – $50,000

Employee Benefits

Colorado State University is not just a workplace; it’s a thriving community that’s transforming lives and improving the human condition through world-class teaching, research, and service. With a robust benefits package, collaborative atmosphere, and focus on work-life balance, CSU is where you can thrive, grow, and make a lasting impact.

+ Review our detailed benefits information here. (https://hr.colostate.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/25/2021/01/benefits-summary-afap.pdf)

+ Explore the additional perks of working at CSU here.

+ For the total value of CSU benefits in addition to wages, use our compensation calculator (https://hr.colostate.edu/total-compensation-calculator/) .

+ Lastly, click here for more information about why Fort Collins is consistently ranked in the top cities to live in (https://hr.colostate.edu/prospective-employees/our-community/) !

Desired Start Date

Position End Date (if temporary)

To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by 11:59pm (MT) on10/14/2025

Description of Work Unit

Veterinary Health System

The Veterinary Health System transforms our service units into a comprehensive veterinary medical center governed by responsible management that supports our units’ individual missions. Capitalizing on Colorado State University’s top ranking in veterinary medicine, and building on our tradition of providing high-quality compassionate care and achieving outstanding clinical outcomes, the Veterinary Health System broadens our expertise and skill to deliver the highest levels of customer service, employee satisfaction, and advancements in medicine through clinical service, research, and innovation.

Small Animal Orthopedic Surgery Unit

The Small Animal Orthopedic (SA Ortho) service section a the CSU VTH has two general goals: to provide exceptional education to our students, interns and residents and to provide exceptional care to our clients and their animals suffering from orthopedic problems. This work unit provides diagnosis and treatment of small animals with problems such as lameness, fractures, joint problems etc. on a daily basis.

We have expanded and separated SA Ortho over the last few years to include 3 clinical services- two for orthopedic surgery (OS) and orthopedic medicine and mobility ( OMM ), and a physical therapy and rehabilitation service.

Why work at Colorado State University?

CSU was recently ranked first among Colorado-based educational employers and fifth among all in-state employers in Forbes magazine’s “America’s Best Employers by State!”

We are looking to add individuals to our team who have the following characteristics:

+ Confidence – they expect success in what they do

+ Compassion – they have genuine care and concern for others

+ Empowerment – they use their knowledge and skills to adjust, change, and improve daily tasks/work for themselves and others

+ Integrity – they are honest, and others trust them

+ Responsibility – they take ownership of decisions and actions

Our Investment in You

Colorado State University ( CSU ) is committed to providing employees with a strong and competitive benefits and well-being package that supports you, your health, and your family.

These CSU resources help with many aspects of your life – financial, physical, emotional, family, workplace wellness. These resources are part of our investment in you.

Employees are benefits eligible when working a minimum of 20 hours per week;benefits outlined below reflect full-time status of 40 hours per week; some benefits would be prorated for part-time status.

+ Paid time off to include 24 vacation days, 15 sick days, 11 paid holidays annually

+ Comprehensive benefits programs and services including Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Disability, Parental Leave, work/life resources, and more

+ Robust Employee Assistance Program ( EAP ) for your overall well-being

+ FREE college credit courses (up to 9-semester credits per year) through the Employee Study Privilege program

+ Tuition Scholarships up to 50% for eligible family members

+ FREE employee growth opportunity through CSU training and development opportunities

+ After-school programs and summer camps for kids

+ Community Discounts

+ FREE MAX transit use with CSU identification

For more detail about these and other Health and Welfare benefits and Commitment to Campus programs, visit our CSU Well-Being Hub athttps://hr.colostate.edu/well-being-hub/and our Benefits programs for Administrative Professional employees:https://hr.colostate.edu/current-employees/benefits/afap/.

Retirement Programs

While employees of CSU do not contribute to Social Security, the University and the state of Colorado offer competitive retirement plans. As a condition of employment and required by Colorado law, employees are required to participate in either the University’s Defined Contribution Plan ( DCP ) or the Public Employee’s Retirement Plan ( PERA ) of Colorado. Each plan offers a generous employer match between 10% – 21%. For more information, visit:https://hr.colostate.edu/current-employees/benefits/afap/retirement/.

Tobacco and Smoke-Free

Colorado State University is a tobacco and smoke-free campus. For the health of our university community, the use of smoking, vaping or tobacco products is prohibited on CSU grounds or in buildings.

Position Summary

Love working hands-on with patients and being part of life-changing care?

Our Orthopedic Surgery team is looking for a Veterinary Technician who’s excited to support everything from prepping patients for surgery to teaching students the ropes. If you’re passionate about teamwork, thrive in a fast-paced clinical setting, and want to make a difference in the lives of animals and their people, we’d love to have you join us!

The Veterinary Technician II in Orthopedic Surgery plays a vital role in supporting the daily operations of the orthopedic service by providing skilled technical care to patients and ensuring seamless coordination among clinicians, clients, students, and referring veterinarians. This position is responsible for performing essential clinical tasks such as blood collection, patient sedation and anesthesia, surgical preparation, intraoperative support, and post-operative care. Additionally, the technician facilitates outpatient recheck appointments, manages communication and logistics for patient visits, and contributes to the educational mission of the hospital by instructing junior and senior veterinary students in key orthopedic procedures such as bandage application and care.

Required Job Qualifications

Veterinary Technician II

+ Registered as a Veterinary Technician ( RVT ) or Provisional Veterinary Technician ( PVT ) through the Department of Regulatory Agencies ( DORA ) by the time of hire.

+ Certified in the State of Colorado or other eligible state determined by CACVT .

+ Minimum 2 years of experience in a veterinary setting with demonstrated proficiency in animal handling, client communication, and basic lab techniques.

NOTE :

VETERINARY PRACTICE ACT – Effective January 1, 2024, anyone wanting to use the titles Registered Veterinary Technician, Veterinary Technician, RVT , or VT will have to be certified through the Colorado Association of Certified Veterinary Technicians ( CACVT ) AND registered through the Department of Regulatory Agencies ( DORA ). Please visit the CACVT website for more information:https://www.cacvt.org/registration-faqs

Preferred Job Qualifications

+ Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Veterinary Technology or equivalent program.

+ Experience communicating directly with clients, referring veterinarians, and interdepartmental teams.

+ Comfortable instructing and mentoring students, interns, or junior staff in clinical techniques and workflows.

+ Strong organizational, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.

Essential Duties

Job Duty CategoryClinical Operations and Patient Care

Duty/Responsibility

+ The technician facilitates safe and efficient patient handling, assists with blood draws, monitors patients during appointments, and administers sedation for minor procedures such as radiographs.

+ They coordinate and support requests for laboratory work, anesthesia, surgery, and imaging, ensuring that all procedures are performed with attention to patient comfort and safety.

+ The technician also oversees daily surgery schedules, prepares patients for surgery through proper clipping, prepping, and draping, and scrubs in for routine procedures such as TPLOs, and FHOs.

+ With continued development, they assist in advanced orthopedic surgeries, including total joint replacements.

+ Through collaboration with students and staff, this role helps ensure timely completion of all scheduled cases and aims to minimize after-hours procedures by promoting efficient surgical flow and high standards of care.

Percentage Of Time50%

Job Duty CategoryClient Education and Communication

Duty/Responsibility

+ The technician manages the orthopedics phone consult line and email inbox, ensuring that every inquiry is addressed the same or next business day.

+ They coordinate with the orthopedic service coordinator to schedule, adjust, and confirm appointments, and proactively contact clients before appointments to provide key information (such as bringing radiographs or fasting instructions), assess surgical intent, and support a consistent surgical schedule.

+ Following appointments, the technician ensures clients receive appropriate follow-up and discharge summaries within 48 hours.

+ They also organize and distribute educational materials to help clients feel informed and supported.

+ For rDVMs, the technician guarantees timely responses, confirms referring veterinarian details on each case, and ensures referral letters are distributed promptly.

+ Through clear communication, thoughtful coordination, and supervision of students and residents, this position upholds exceptional standards of service and maintains efficient case flow across the orthopedic service.

Percentage Of Time20%

Job Duty CategoryTeaching

Duty/Responsibility

+ This position plays a key role in the hands-on clinical education of veterinary students, interns, and residents by providing direct instruction during daily procedures and specialized labs.

+ The technician actively teaches skills such as bandaging, casting, splinting, patient restraint, and sterilization techniques, ensuring learners develop both confidence and competence in essential clinical tasks.

+ They assist with facilitating labs, such as the junior bandaging lab, and assist in planning and organizing learning opportunities for students from both CSU and partnering institutions like Front Range Community College.

+ These teaching responsibilities are carried out with the goal of fostering a positive, practical learning environment and helping shape the next generation of veterinary professionals.

Percentage Of Time20%

Job Duty CategoryWorkflow and Team Collaboration

Duty/Responsibility

+ This position supports the overall efficiency of the orthopedic service by organizing and maintaining clinical spaces such as the orthopedic cabinet and rounds room, ensuring they are fully stocked and ready for use.

+ The technician orders special equipment and instrumentation as needed, contributing to smooth and uninterrupted clinical operations.

+ They also provide critical support for faculty-led research, including assistance with data collection and cadaver surgeries.

+ These responsibilities are completed with a focus on maintaining a well-organized, client-centered service that promotes timely patient care and fosters effective collaboration across the veterinary healthcare team.

Percentage Of Time10%

Application Details

Special Instructions to Applicants

To apply, please upload a cover letter that addresses the required and preferred job qualifications, a resume, CACVT , and the contact information for three professional references. References will not be contacted without prior notification to candidates.

This position will remain open until filled. For full consideration, please apply by 10/14/2025, 11:59pm (MT).

CSU is committed to full inclusion of qualified individuals. If you are needing assistance or accommodations with the search process, please reach out to the listed search contact.

Please note, applicants may redact information from their application materials that identifies their age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution.

Conditions of EmploymentPre-employment Criminal Background Check (required for new hires), Essential Services Designation - Required to report without delay or interruption to provide essential or emergency services to ensure health, safety, and welfare.

Search [email protected]

EEO

Colorado State University ( CSU ) provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

Background Check Policy Statement

Colorado State University strives to provide a safe study, work, and living environment for its faculty, staff, volunteers and students. To support this environment and comply with applicable laws and regulations, CSU conducts background checks for the finalist before a final offer. The type of background check conducted varies by position and can include, but is not limited to, criminal history, sex offender registry, motor vehicle history, financial history, and/or education verification. Background checks will also be conducted when required by law or contract and when, in the discretion of the University, it is reasonable and prudent to do so.

References Requested

References Requested

Minimum Requested3

Maximum Requested3

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

+ Cover Letter

+ Resume

+ CACVT/Other State Vet Tech Certification

Optional Documents