Independent Contractor Animal Science Jobs in Colorado

University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus

Department: Office of laboratory Animal Resources (OLAR)

Job Title: Veterinary Technician I or Veterinary Technician Assistant (Open Rank)

Position #: 00732375 - Requisition #: 40790

Job Summary:

This full-time, university staff (unclassified) Veterinary Technician I/Veterinary Technician Assistant position will provide support for the research animal health care program.

Key Responsibilities for both positions:

• Perform initial evaluations on reported sick and injured animals and work with the investigator and veterinarian on diagnostics and treatments.

• Assist with surgical procedures and post-operative care

• Perform physical exams on a variety of species

• Create, maintain and monitor animal medical records

• Provide technical services, injections, organ, blood and tissue collection

• Perform animal euthanasia

• Perform diagnostic laboratory evaluations and tests in the areas of hematology, parasitology, serology, microbiology, cytology, and clinical pathology collect postmortem tissues for evaluation

• Perform sample collection and ship to various diagnostic laboratoriesCreate diagnostic reports, records and billing for diagnostic services

• Monitor inventories of clinical, surgical and diagnostic supplies and equipment, along with performing audits of controlled and non-controlled substances

• Schedule rooms and reserve medical procedure equipment

• Monitor and maintain assigned support room

• Perform other duties as assigned

Key Additional Responsibilities for Vet Tech I

• Serve as primary veterinary technician for supporting large lab animal surgeries and anesthesia

• Independently monitor and maintain anesthesia for large lab animals

Work Location:

Onsite - this role is expected to work onsite and is located in Aurora, Colorado.

Why Join Us:

CU Denver | Anschutz is an AAALAC-accredited, OLAW assured institution that provides veterinary care for a wide variety of species and areas of research. The veterinary technician will join a strong team of veterinarians and veterinary technicians who work closely together to support cutting edge research to improve human and animal health. We pride ourselves on also providing optimal animal care. We understand the importance of mentorship, particularly for new or newer graduates or those new to our field. We have experienced mentors and strong infrastructure to support and facilitate independent growth and personnel well-being.

Why work for the University?

We have AMAZING benefits and offer exceptional amounts of holiday, vacation and sick leave! The University of Colorado offers an excellent benefits package including:

• Medical: Multiple plan options

• Dental: Multiple plan options

• Additional Insurance: Disability, Life, Vision

• Retirement 401(a) Plan: Employer contributes 10% of your gross pay

• Paid Time Off: Accruals over the year

• Vacation Days: 22/year (maximum accrual 352 hours)

• Sick Days: 15/year (unlimited maximum accrual)

• Holiday Days: 15/year

• Tuition Benefit: Employees have access to this benefit on all CU campuses

• ECO Pass: Reduced rate RTD Bus and light rail service

There are many additional perks & programs with the CU Advantage.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:

Veterinary Technician I:

• An associate's degree from an accredited college or university in veterinary/animal health technology.

• One year of experience caring for, feeding, or providing health care for animals in a veterinary laboratory, breeding, or boarding facility.

• Veterinary technician license or provisional registration with Colorado Department of Regulatory Affairs (DORA).

  •  Veterinary technician students, new graduates, or others who       intend to acquire licensure in the 1st year of employment are       eligible as well. If unlicensed, the applicant will be brought in as      a veterinarian technician assistant and moved to a veterinary       technician I when licensure is acquired.

  • Licensure must be obtained within the first year of employment.       Failure to meet this requirement may result in ineligibility for       continued employment following the one year probationary period.

Veterinary Technician Assistant:

• One year experience in animal health or veterinary health field

Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Current certification with the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS).

• Experience performing initial evaluations and physicals on large animals.

• Experience working in an animal research facility.

• Experience creating electronic spreadsheets in Microsoft Excel and managing electronic veterinary records

• Experience ordering, tracking and maintaining biomedical research equipment

Conditions of Employment:

• Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without requiring sponsorship. We are unable to provide work visa sponsorship or employment authorization for this position now or in the future.

• Must be willing and able to frequently lift and carry 50 lbs

• Must be willing and able to occasionally lift, carry, push, and pull up to 100 lbs, with or without accommodation.

• Must be willing and able to operate moving equipment or work around machinery or moving equipment.

• Must be willing and able to euthanize large and small animals

• Must be willing and able to sit, stand, walk and reach above shoulders on a constant basis

• Must be willing able to work around noise and vibrations

• Must be willing and able to work straight or rotating shifts, weekends and holidays.

• Must be willing to work earlier or later hours than a typical business day based on scheduling and unanticipated procedure length or animal health needs

• Must be willing and able to work around hazardous chemicals

• Must possess and maintain a current State of Colorado Driver's License

• Must be willing and able to wear appropriate respiratory protection

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to manage multiple tasks and work independently with minimal supervision

• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to establish rapport with persons of diverse backgrounds.

• Strong customer service skills.

• Excellent oral communication skills with the ability to handle stressful situations in a calm and professional manner.

• Ability to communicate effectively in written form which includes the ability to check for typographical, grammatical and spelling errors.

• Planning and organization skills.

• Physical ability

How to Apply:

For full consideration, please submit the following document(s):

1. A letter of interest describing relevant job experiences as they relate to listed job qualifications and interest in the position

2. Curriculum vitae / Resume

3. Three to five professional references, including name, address, phone number (mobile number if appropriate), and email address

Questions should be directed to: MARIA.MONTERO@CUANSCHUTZ.EDU

Screening of Applications Begins:

Immediately and continues until position is filled. For best consideration, apply by August 25, 2026.

Anticipated Pay Range:

The starting salary range (or hiring range) for this position has been established as HIRING RANGE

• Veterinary Technician I: $47,500 - $50,000

• Veterinary Technician Assistant: $44,000 - $46,500

The above salary range (or hiring range) represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting. This position may be eligible for overtime compensation, depending on the level.

Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. The University of Colorado provides generous leave, health plans and retirement contributions that add to your bottom line.

Total Compensation Calculator

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

ADA Statement:

The University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities throughout the employment application process. To request an accommodation pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact the Human Resources ADA Coordinator at hr.adacoordinator@cuanschutz.edu.

Background Check Statement:

The University of Colorado Anschutz is dedicated to ensuring a safe and secure environment for our faculty, staff, students and visitors. To assist in achieving that goal, we conduct background investigations for all prospective employees.

Vaccination Statement:

CU Anschutz strongly encourages vaccination against the COVID-19 virus and other vaccine preventable diseases. If you work, visit, or volunteer in healthcare facilities or clinics operated by our affiliated hospital or clinical partners or by CU Anschutz, you will be required to comply with the vaccination and medical surveillance policies of the facilities or clinics where you work, visit, or volunteer, respectively. In addition, if you work in certain research areas or perform certain safety sensitive job duties, you must enroll in the occupational health medical surveillance program.