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Veterinary Lab Technician Jobs in Wisconsin (NOW HIRING)

CWD Lab Technician

Madison, WI ยท On-site

$23/hr

Lab Technician Job Summary: * Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) is a fatal prion disease affecting deer ... The Wisconsin Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (WVDL) plays a critical role in protecting consumers ...

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Veterinary Lab Technician information

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$12

$21

$32

How much do veterinary lab technician jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for veterinary lab technician in Wisconsin is $21.91, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.93 and $25.00 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a veterinary lab technician?

Veterinary Lab Technicians are trained professionals who assist veterinarians by performing laboratory tests, analyzing samples, and helping diagnose diseases in animals. They work in veterinary clinics, animal hospitals, research facilities, and diagnostic laboratories. Their responsibilities include preparing specimens, operating lab equipment, and recording results to support animal healthcare. Veterinary Lab Technicians play a vital role in ensuring accurate diagnoses and effective treatment plans for animals.

What are some typical challenges faced by veterinary lab technicians in their daily work?

Veterinary Lab Technicians often encounter challenges such as managing a high volume of samples while maintaining accuracy and adhering to strict protocols. They may also work with distressed animals or urgent cases, requiring them to stay calm under pressure and prioritize tasks effectively. Additionally, technicians must be vigilant about biohazard safety and proper handling of specimens to prevent contamination. Collaboration with veterinarians and other team members is essential for accurate diagnoses and smooth workflow.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a veterinary lab technician, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Veterinary Lab Technician, you need a solid background in animal science, laboratory procedures, and typically an associate degree in veterinary technology or a related field. Familiarity with diagnostic laboratory equipment, sample analysis techniques, and veterinary software systems is crucial. Attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and effective communication help you manage samples accurately and support veterinarians efficiently. These skills and qualities are vital to ensure precise diagnostics, maintain animal health, and support smooth clinical operations.

What is the difference between Veterinary Lab Technician vs Veterinary Technologist?

AspectVeterinary Lab TechnicianVeterinary Technologist
Required CredentialsAssociate degree in veterinary technologyBachelor's degree in veterinary technology
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, clinics, research facilitiesVeterinary clinics, hospitals, research labs
Employer & Industry UsageVeterinary diagnostic labs, research institutionsVeterinary clinics, animal hospitals, research organizations
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for entry-level roles and certificationsCompared for advanced responsibilities and education

Veterinary Lab Technicians typically hold an associate degree and focus on laboratory testing and diagnostics. Veterinary Technologists usually have a bachelor's degree and perform more advanced clinical and research tasks. Both roles are essential in veterinary medicine, but the technologist often has broader responsibilities and higher qualifications.

How to become a veterinary lab technician?

To become a veterinary lab technician, you typically need an associate degree in veterinary technology or a related field from an accredited program. Certification or licensing, such as passing the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE), is often required or preferred by employers. Skills in laboratory procedures, animal handling, and familiarity with diagnostic tools are also important for this role.

What job categories do people searching Veterinary Lab Technician jobs in Wisconsin look for?

The top searched job categories for Veterinary Lab Technician jobs in Wisconsin are:

What cities in Wisconsin are hiring for Veterinary Lab Technician jobs?

Cities in Wisconsin with the most Veterinary Lab Technician job openings:

Infographic showing various Veterinary Lab Technician job openings in Wisconsin as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,566 per year, or $21.9 per hour.

CWD Lab Technician

Wisconsin

Madison, WI โ€ข On-site

$23/hr

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

Current Employees: If you are currently employed at any of the Universities of Wisconsin, log in to Workday to apply through the internal application process.Job Category:University StaffEmployment Type:Terminal (Fixed Term)Job Profile:Lab TechnicianJob Summary:
  • Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) is a fatal prion disease affecting deer, elk, reindeer, sika deer, and moose. The disease continues to spread throughout Wisconsin and across the United States, and there are currently no treatments or vaccines available. Because prion diseases may pose risks to public health, the World Health Organization recommends preventing the agents of all known prion diseases from entering the human food chain.

    The Wisconsin Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (WVDL) plays a critical role in protecting consumers and monitoring the spread of CWD by providing diagnostic testing services. As hunting season approaches and testing demand increases, WVDL is temporarily expanding its workforce to support the additional workload and ensure timely processing of CWD samples.

    Key Responsibilities

    • Perform pre-analytical tasks associated with Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathy (TSE) screening using Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) and Immunohistochemistry (IHC) methods in accordance with established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

    • Organize, prepare, and document samples and work logs prior to testing.

    • Read, record, and enter testing data and results into the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) under the guidance and oversight of the Laboratory Manager.

    • Complete and verify all quality control (QC) procedures and maintain required records to ensure testing accuracy and compliance.

    • Perform routine maintenance and basic troubleshooting of laboratory equipment.

    • Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment, including routine disinfection of benchtops, biosafety cabinets, and laboratory instruments.

    • Adhere to all WVDL quality assurance, biosafety, and workplace safety requirements as outlined in laboratory Quality and Safety Manuals.

    • Support the laboratory's efforts to provide accurate and timely CWD diagnostic testing to assist in disease surveillance and consumer protection.

  • This position is expected to be seasonal and end in January 2027; however, there is a possibility of extension based on funding availability, program need and performance. It is also possible that this position will be made renewable based on funding availability, program need and performance.

  • Work schedule is Monday through Friday 7:45am - 4:30pm. Some overtime work may be available and/or assigned, including evenings and weekends.

Key Job Responsibilities:
  • Uses, maintains, calibrates, and sets up lab equipment and apparatuses according to established policies and procedures and documents activities
  • Completes and acknowledges trainings
  • Performs quality control, acknowledges documents, performs document reviews and/or writes and revises documents as assigned
  • Coordinates and participates in a variety of routine technical duties by providing assistance to research and/or laboratory staff in testing and experiments
  • Sets up, prepares, and cleans laboratory glassware, instruments, equipment, and laboratory work spaces
Department:

Wisconsin Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory - Pathology/TSE

Compensation:

$23.00/hr

Required Qualifications:
  • Ability to sit or stand for extended periods while performing laboratory duties.

  • Demonstrated attention to detail and ability to accurately follow established procedures and protocols.

  • Ability to perform repetitive tasks and motions throughout the workday while maintaining accuracy and consistency.

  • Ability to maintain focus and productivity in a fast-paced, high-volume laboratory environment.

  • Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple tasks while meeting quality and turnaround time expectations.

Preferred Qualifications:

The Wisconsin Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (WVDL) will provide training to candidates who demonstrate the aptitude and willingness to learn. Ideal candidates will have familiarity and experience with tissue handling and preparation techniques. Familiarity with ELISA procedures, histotechnology, and immunohistochemistry is highly valued. Specific experience with TSE testing is also a plus.

Candidates should be detail-oriented, able to follow standard operating procedures, and comfortable performing repetitive tasks and motions associated with sample preparation and laboratory testing. Strong organizational skills and the ability to maintain accuracy in a fast-paced laboratory environment are highly valued.

Education:

Minimum: HS Diploma or GED, plus two years of relevant experience

Preferred: Bachelor's Degree

How to Apply:
  • Applicants are required to upload 1) resume, 2) cover letter and 3) contact information for three professional references including a current or former supervisor. The cover letter must include detailed information that highlights your laboratory experience.

  • To receive full consideration for this position, please submit your application before 11:59pm on Sunday, September 13, 2026.

  • Please note that successful applicants are responsible for ensuring their eligibility to work in the United States (i.e. a citizen or national of the United States, a lawful permanent resident, a foreign national authorized to work in the United States without need of employer sponsorship) on or before the effective date of your appointment and maintain eligibility without sponsorship throughout your appointment.

Contact Information:

WVDL Human Resources, wvdlhr@wvdl.wisc.edu

Institutional Statement on Diversity:

Diversity is a source of strength, creativity, and innovation for UW-Madison. We value the contributions of each person and respect the profound ways their identity, culture, background, experience, status, abilities, and opinion enrich the university community. We commit ourselves to the pursuit of excellence in teaching, research, outreach, and diversity as inextricably linked goals.
The University of Wisconsin-Madison fulfills its public mission by creating a welcoming and inclusive community for people from every background - people who as students, faculty, and staff serve Wisconsin and the world.


The University of Wisconsin-Madison is an Equal OpportunityEmployer.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, including but not limited to, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, or status as a protected veteran and other bases as defined by federal regulations and UW System policies. We promote excellence by acknowledging skills and expertise from all backgroundsand encourage all qualified individuals to apply. For more information regarding applicant and employee rights and to view federal and state required postings, visit the Human Resources Workplace Poster website.


To request a disability or pregnancy-related accommodationfor any step in the hiring process (e.g., application, interview, pre-employment testing, etc.), please contact the Divisional Disability Representative (DDR)in the division you are applying to.Please make your request as soon as possible to help the university respond most effectively to you.


Employment may require a criminal background check. It may also require your references to answer questions regarding misconduct, including sexual violence and sexual harassment.
The University of Wisconsin System will not reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing, except that the identity of the successful candidate will be released. See Wis. Stat. sec. 19.36(7).
The Annual Security and Fire Safety Report contains current campus safety and disciplinary policies, crime statistics for the previous 3 calendar years, and on-campus student housing fire safety policies and fire statistics for the previous 3 calendar years. UW-Madison will provide a paper copy upon request; please contact the University of Wisconsin Police Department.