Registered Veterinary Technician I - Equine Sports Medicine (ESM)

Colorado State University, United States

Updated: about 10 hours ago
Location: Fort Collins, COLORADO
Deadline: 29 Mar 2024

Posting Details
Posting Detail Information


Working Title Registered Veterinary Technician I - Equine Sports Medicine (ESM)
Position Location Fort Collins, CO
Work Location Position is fully in-office/in-person
Research Professional Position No
Posting Number 202400353AP
Position Type Admin Professional/ Research Professional
Classification Title Technical/Support I
Number of Vacancies
Work Hours/Week 40
Proposed Annual Salary Range $39,720 - $47,664 with benefits (salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications)
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, commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion , and focus on work-life balance, CSU is where you can thrive, grow, and make a lasting impact.
  • For detailed benefit plan information for eligible employees, visit https://hr.colostate.edu/hr-community-and-supervisors/benefits/benefits-eligibility/ and https://hr.colostate.edu/prospective-employees/our-perks/ .
  • For the total value of CSU benefits in addition to wages, visit https://hr.colostate.edu/total-compensation-calculator/ .
  • For more information about why Fort Collins is consistently ranked in the top cities to live in, visit 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) on 03/29/2024
Description of Work Unit
Veterinary Teaching Hospital
The mission of CSU VTH Small Animal Critical Care Services, the pinnacle of veterinary medicine and education, is to ensure the advancement of patient welfare through a vital system distinguished by: personal excellence; compassionate care; exemplary education; collaborative & transformative research; and mutual trust with our community. This position reports to the Critical Care Unit technician manager.
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 doCompassion – they have genuine care and concern for othersCommitment to Inclusive Excellence – they engage principles of diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice in all they do, valuing a supportive community where everyone’s contributions are valued, and all voices are heardEmpowerment – they use their knowledge and skills to adjust, change, and improve daily tasks/work for themselves and othersIntegrity – they are honest, and others trust themResponsibility – 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
  • Attractive evening work schedule that is flexible yet consistent Monday-Friday
  • 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 at https://hr.colostate.edu/well-being-hub/ and our Benefits programs for Administrative Professional employees: https://hr.colostate.edu/current-employees/benefits/afap/ .
Retirement ProgramsWhile 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/ .
Campus Culture and Principles of Community
Colorado State University has a campus culture that is driven by a desire always to do better and a vision to be the best place to learn, work, and discover. Our Principles of Community – Inclusion, Integrity, Respect, Service, and Social Justice – reflect our core values and support CSU’s mission and vision of access, research, teaching, service, and engagement. Each member of our community has a responsibility to uphold these principles when engaging with one another and acting on behalf of the University. For more information visit: https://hr.colostate.edu/prospective-employees/our-people/ .
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
The ESM Nurse/ Technician triages, assesses, monitors, treats, evaluates, and coordinates care of injured equines under the guidance of higher-level Veterinary Technicians and Clinicians; provides clinical and didactic instruction to professional veterinary medical students, interns, residents, technicians, graduate veterinarians, and others in specialty areas.
The successful candidate must be legally authorized to work in the United States by the proposed start date; the department will not provide visa sponsorship for this position.
Required Job Qualifications
  • One year of expertise in horse handling (the ability to restrain horses of varying training levels for treatment and procedures AND an associate’s degree from an accredited college or university.
    • SUBSTITUTIONS: A HS Diploma or GED plus two years of experience as outlined above may substitute for each year of required education.

  • Registered as a Veterinary Technician (VT) or Provisional Veterinary Technician (PVT) through the Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA).
  • Must have excellent horse-handling skills.
  • The successful candidate must be legally authorized to work in the United States by the proposed start date; the department will not provide visa sponsorship for this position.
  • Must have a valid driver’s license or the ability to obtain a driver’s license by the employment start date.
  • 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
  • Impeccable attention to detail, organization and ability to learn clinician and client preferences (i.e.processes, mode of communication, procedures).
  • Bachelor’s Degree or graduation from an Equine Veterinary Technology program.
  • Previous veterinary technician and/or radiology technician experience.
  • Outstanding customer service and communication skills.
  • Experience in equine rehabilitation treatments.
Diversity Statement
Reflecting departmental and institutional values, candidates are expected to have the ability to advance the Department’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Essential Duties


Job Duty Category Nursing
Duty/Responsibility
  • Nursing and Technical support under the guidance of higher level veterinary technicians and clinical faculty will provide veterinary technical care for ESM cases. 
  • Travel to client farms with the ESM service and assist the clinician during the diagnosis process and treatment of patients. 
  • Perform and assist with diagnostic procedures such as radiographs, ultrasounds, joint injections, diagnostic analgesia and lameness exams. 
  • Assist with rehabilitation inpatients. 
  • Work with ESM clinicians to establish plan of care and assist in coordination with various groups within and outside of the VTH. 
  • Become proficient in VTH computer programs and assist clinicians, students and residents in their use.
Percentage Of Time 50%
Job Duty Category Equipment Inventory and Maintenance
Duty/Responsibility
  • Assist in maintaining all equipment used by the ESM service to ensure equipment remains functional. 
  • Work with ESM Coordinator to maintain service inventory (including back stock cabinets) and stock all vehicles used by the ESM service. 
  • Maintain relationships with pharmacy and central supply personnel and order supplies from respective departments.
Percentage Of Time 20%
Job Duty Category Education and Outreach
Duty/Responsibility
  • Assist in the teaching of 4th year clinical Pre-Veterinary Medicine (PVM) students, externs and volunteers that shadow the ESM service. 
  • Support ESM resident training. 
  • Act as a point of contact for ESM clients and assist as necessary.
Percentage Of Time 15%
Job Duty Category Business Operations
Duty/Responsibility
  • Ensure the timely completion of daily paperwork associated with the ESM service.
  •  Assist the ESM Coordinator with other operational duties such as invoicing, client communication, appointment setting and medical record maintenance.
Percentage Of Time 15%

Application Details


Special Instructions to Applicants
This position will remain open until filled. For full consideration, please apply by 11:59 PM (MT) on March 29, 2024. Interested applicants must submit a cover letter which addresses how professional experiences align with the required and preferred qualifications, a current resume, the names, email addresses, and telephone numbers of three (3) professional references, and any applicable optional documents. References will not be contacted without prior notification of candidates. If you have questions, please contact the VTH HR staff at [email protected].
*Please note, a transcript or diploma must be attached to this application to demonstrate graduation from the vet tech program. Also, a DORA letter attached to this application to demonstrate qualification for a RVT or PVT title is preferred.
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.
Conditions of Employment Pre-employment Criminal Background Check (required for new hires), Valid Driver’s License, Essential Services Designation - Inclement weather requirement, Shift Work - Has extended hours, Use, Handling, or Exposure to hazardous materials - Cleaning agents, Special Requirements/Other - Ability to jog, sit, stand, crouch and kneel for extended periods of time.
Search Contact [email protected]
EEO Statement
Colorado State University is committed to providing an environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based on race, age, creed, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, gender, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, or pregnancy in its employment, programs, services and activities, and admissions, and, in certain circumstances, marriage to a co-worker. The University will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. Colorado State University is an equal opportunity and equal access institution and affirmative action employer fully committed to achieving a diverse workforce and complies with all Federal and Colorado State laws, regulations, and executive orders regarding non-discrimination and affirmative action. The Office of Equal Opportunity is located in 101 Student Services.
The Title IX Coordinator is the Director of the Office of Title IX Programs and Gender Equity, 123 Student Services Building, Fort Collins, CO 80523-0160, (970) 491-1715, [email protected] .
The Section 504 and ADA Coordinator is the Director of the Office of Equal Opportunity, 101 Student Services Building, Fort Collins, CO 80523-0160, (970) 491-5836, [email protected] .
The Coordinator for any other forms of misconduct prohibited by the University’s Policy on Discrimination and Harassment is the Vice President for Equity, Equal Opportunity and Title IX, 101 Student Services Building, Fort Collins, Co. 80523-0160, (970) 491-5836, [email protected] .
Any person may report sex discrimination under Title IX to the Office of Civil Rights, Department of Education .
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.

Similar Positions