Veterinary Technician I/II (CARE)
About the Role:
UF Small Animal Hospital’s ECC team is looking forEmergency and Critical Care Veterinary Service Techniciansto support our board-certified criticalists. This role is focused on assisting specialists rather than managing ICU patients in the wards. You’ll be the right hand of our experts, ensuring every patient receives seamless, high-quality care.
As our service continues to grow, offering more advanced treatments, we are excited to offer two full-time (40 hours per week) opportunities following a compressed schedule of four 10-hour shifts, Wednesday through Saturday. Shifts available are either 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM or 2:00 PM to 12:00 AM.
Key Responsibilities:
- Attend service rounds at 7am to ensure a solid plan is made for the day
- Assist ECC specialists with patient examinations and procedures, including anesthesia, wound care, and diagnostic sample collection.
- Prepare and administer medications under veterinary guidance.
- Perform patient discharges and client follow-ups, relay diagnostic results and care instructions.
- Handle medical charges and documentation.
- Teach and mentor veterinary students during clinical rotations.
- Implement and maintain ECC policies, ensuring safety and quality standards are met.
- Communicate effectively with house officers, students, and clients.
Why UF?
We believe in inspiring action through purpose. Your work directly enables specialists to save lives, advance veterinary medicine, and mentor the next generation. At UF, technicians are valued collaborators, not just assistants. Enjoy a workplace where your contributions matter, and your growth is supported every step of the way.
Our department isVECCS-accredited,and our hospital holdsAAHA accreditation, reflecting our unwavering commitment to excellence in patient care. Our technicians aren’t just supporting care — they’re shaping it. You’ll be part of a teaching hospital that empowers staff to mentor students, support residents, and pursue credentials like CVT, VTS and more. Your expertise, insight, and curiosity are not only welcomed, but they are also encouraged.
Outside the hospital, Gainesville and the surrounding areas offer the perfect balance of adventure and relaxation. Swim in natural springs, explore beautiful parks and lakes, enjoy a vibrant local food scene, or take short trips to Florida’s award-winning beaches and cultural attractions. Life in Florida means year-round sunshine, mild winters, and an active lifestyle.
At UF, we celebrate our staff. From curated activities for National Veterinary Technician Week to staff sporting events, mentorship programs, and a supportive culture that values your professional and personal growth, you’ll find a career that challenges you, inspires you, and rewards you.
Benefits & Perks:
- 15 days PTO
- Competitive salary, plus weekend and evening shift differential pay
- Annual raise eligibility (staff performance dependent)
- Mentorship, VTS support, and research opportunities
- Paid CE, licensing fees, retention bonuses, and relocation assistance
- Uniform allowances
- Health plans available
- Pet health discounts
- Discounts for many restaurants, retail, theme parks and more with gatorperks
- Employee recognition programs
- Opportunity to teach and shape the future of veterinary medicine
Available Shifts:
- Sunday – Wednesday 7am – 5pm
Non-credentialed Technician: $20-27/hr
Credentialed Technician: $23-32/hr
Position eligible for additional 10% to 20% shift differentials
Veterinary Technician I: High school diploma or equivalent and one year of relevant experience
Veterinary Technician II: Credentialed veterinary technician
- 2+ years of experience in ECC or emergency medicine
- Credentialed veterinary technician (or currently enrolled in an AVMA-accredited veterinary technology program and/or eligible to sit for the VTNE)
- Knowledge of veterinary nursing, anesthesia, diagnostics, and medical terminology
In order to be considered, you must upload your cover letter and resume.
This is a CARE position offering limited benefits, including health insurance and paid time off. When appropriate certifications are achieved, promotional opportunities to a level II title may be available. This position will also become eligible for transition into a TEAMS (staff) salary plan.
Application must be submitted by 11:55 p.m. (ET) of the posting end date.
This position is eligible for veteran’s preference. If you are claiming veteran’s preference, please upload a copy of your DD 214 Member Copy 4 with your application for consideration. See our Veteran's Preference Page for more specific information.
Freqently Asked Questions
This technician role involves assisting specialists during patient exams, procedures like anesthesia and wound care, and ensuring smooth day-to-day operations of the emergency and critical care service. Technicians act as trusted collaborators, facilitating advanced treatment delivery and comprehensive patient management.
Key differentiators include proficiency in anesthesia, diagnostic sampling, and emergency patient handling, alongside physical stamina for demanding tasks. Familiarity with veterinary nursing protocols and strong communication skills are essential for working closely with specialists and clients in this high-paced environment.
Technicians can progress from entry-level to credentialed roles, with pathways to Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) certifications. The environment supports mentorship, continuing education, and involvement in research, helping technicians build specialty credentials and leadership capabilities within emergency veterinary care.
The company emphasizes technician empowerment through teaching opportunities, research support, and funding for certifications such as CVT and VTS. This focus fosters a culture of continuous learning and collaboration that advances technicians' expertise in critical care veterinary medicine.
Gainesville's growing veterinary sector combined with UF’s reputation makes this a sought-after position. While competition is moderate, candidates with credentials, emergency experience, and strong clinical skills have a significant advantage locally.
Certifications like the Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT) and Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) are highly regarded. Additionally, familiarity with VECCS and AAHA standards, prevalent in Gainesville’s veterinary community, enhances a candidate's profile.
Hourly rates range from $20 to $32 depending on credentialing and experience, with additional 10-20% shift differentials for evenings and weekends. This compensation reflects Gainesville’s cost of living and the specialized skills required for emergency and critical care.
Technicians must be capable of handling physically intensive tasks such as lifting 40+ lbs, prolonged standing, bending, and maneuvering patients. The role requires endurance and agility to effectively support emergency procedures and patient care.
This role uniquely integrates hands-on clinical support with academic teaching responsibilities within a VECCS-accredited hospital, offering technicians the chance to shape veterinary education while delivering high-quality emergency care.
The organization fosters a supportive environment emphasizing mentorship, recognition, and staff development. Technicians benefit from a collaborative culture that values their insights and encourages active participation in advancing veterinary medicine.
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