Instructional Specialist, Large Animal Focus (Oro Valley, AZ)

The College of Veterinary Medicine is seeking a highly motivated Instructional Specialist with experience in large animal medicine, husbandry, safe animal handling, to support clinical education and instructional programs. The successful candidate will provide hands-on patient care, technical expertise, data entry and record keeping, and instructional support for large animal ambulatory rotations, clinical skills laboratories and field-based veterinary training. This role requires exceptional large animal handling and restraint skills, experience working in outdoor and ambulatory settings, strong attention to detail in documenting patient and program information, and a commitment to teaching and mentoring veterinary students.

As a physically demanding position, candidates must be able to safely manage large animal patients, lift and transport equipment, work in varying weather conditions, maintain early morning schedules, and function effectively both independently and as part of a collaborative team. Ability to start shift at 4:30 - 5:30 am some mornings.

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Outstanding U of A benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; U of A/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to U of A recreation and cultural activities; and more!

The University of Arizona has been recognized for our innovative work-life programs. For more information about working at the University of Arizona and relocations services, please click here.

Clinical Education & Instructional Support

• Assist faculty with delivery of Large Animal Ambulatory Rotations, Clinical Skills Laboratories,and other educational programs.
• Provide hands-on support to faculty and students in animal handling and restraint, physical examinations, sample collection, catheter placement, medication administration, and veterinary nursing procedures.
• Mentor veterinary students in safe and effective large animal handling techniques and clinical procedures.
• Demonstrate best practices in biosecurity, animal welfare, patient safety, and professional conduct.
• Provide teaching support in classroom, laboratory, simulation, and field-based learning environments.
• Assist with development, implementation, and continuous improvement of educational activities, training exercises, and instructional resources.
• Support faculty in preparation and delivery of curriculum-based learning experiences.

Large Animal Technical Support

• Provide technical support during ambulatory visits involving equine, bovine, and small ruminant patients.
• Assist with diagnostics, treatments, preventive medicine programs, herd health management, and field procedures.
• Support patient restraint, treatment administration, sample collection, and clinical documentation.
• Assist with herd health and population medicine activities.
• Maintain accurate medical records, treatment logs, and educational documentation.
• Ensure compliance with safety, biosecurity, and animal welfare standards.
• Serve as a resource for students and faculty regarding large animal clinical procedures and patient care.

Program Coordination, Curriculum & Educational Operations

• Support scheduling, logistics, and preparation for ambulatory rotations, clinical laboratories, and field-based educational experiences.
• Coordinate transportation of students, equipment, supplies, and teaching materials to off-site locations.
• Collaborate with faculty, administrators, producers, shelters, and community partners to support clinical teaching activities.
• Assist with curriculum implementation, educational program coordination, and student learning activities.
• Organize and maintain instructional materials, laboratory resources, and educational records.
• Participate in curriculum planning and educational improvement initiatives.
• Coordinate workshops, training activities, and special educational programs.

Operations, Equipment & Inventory Management

• Maintain inventories of ambulatory supplies, pharmaceuticals, equipment, teaching resources, and vehicles.
• Organize and prepare field kits, laboratory materials, simulation equipment, and instructional resources.
• Coordinate equipment maintenance, inventory replenishment, and purchasing requests.
• Assist with vehicle inspections and operational readiness.
• Ensure laboratory, storage, and teaching areas remain organized, stocked, and prepared for instructional activities.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledgeable and skilled in large animal medicine.
• Skilled in handling and treating large animal species including horses, cattle, sheep, goat and/or pigs.
• Organized with attention to detail.
• Ability to adhere to protocols.
• Ability to proactively anticipate the needs of faculty and students.
• Self-motivated.

Physical Requirements and Environmental Demands:

• Ability to lift, move, and transport items as required for the position.
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Ability to work in extreme heat, including temperatures exceeding 100F for more than one hour.
• Ability to work in environments with elevated noise levels.
• Ability to work around potential workplace hazards, including moving mechanical parts, vehicles, electrical currents, elevated work areas, and chemicals.
• Ability to work in environments with potential exposure to fumes, odors, dust, mists, gases, or limited ventilation.

This job posting reflects the general nature and level of work expected of the selected candidate(s). It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The institution reserves the right to amend or update this description as organizational priorities and institutional needs evolve.

• High school diploma or high school diploma equivalency is required.
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience, including 1 year large animal handling experience (equine, bovine and/or small ruminants) or equivalent combination of education and work experience.

• Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT) certification or equivalent.
• Experience teaching or working in a teaching environment.