Job Information
Colorado State University Primary Care Clinical and Wellbeing Educator in Fort Collins, Colorado
Posting Detail Information
Working TitlePrimary Care Clinical and Wellbeing Educator
Position LocationFort Collins, CO
Work LocationPosition is fully in-office/in-person
Research Professional PositionNo
Posting Number202500333AP
Position TypeAdmin Professional/ Research Professional
Classification TitleProf/Indiv Contrib IV
Number of Vacancies2
Work Hours/Week40
Proposed Annual Salary Range$110,000 - $130,000 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, and focus on work-life balance, CSU is where you can thrive, grow, and make a lasting impact.
Review our detailed benefits information here. (https://hr.colostate.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/25/2021/01/benefits-summary-afap.pdf)
Explore the additional perks of working at CSU here.
For the total value of CSU benefits in addition to wages, use our compensation calculator (https://hr.colostate.edu/total-compensation-calculator/) .
Lastly, click here for more information about why Fort Collins is consistently ranked in the top cities to live in (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) on04/30/2025
Description of Work Unit
Veterinary Health System
The Veterinary Health System transforms our service units into a comprehensive veterinary medical center governed by responsible management that supports our units’ individual missions. Capitalizing on Colorado State University’s top ranking in veterinary medicine, and building on our tradition of providing high-quality compassionate care and achieving outstanding clinical outcomes, the Veterinary Health System broadens our expertise and skill to deliver the highest levels of customer service, employee satisfaction, and advancements in medicine through clinical service, research, and innovation.
Veterinary Teaching Hospital
Themissionof the Veterinary Teaching Hospital is to educate the next generation of veterinarians by providing exceptional veterinary care and service to the community every day. Ourvisionis to advance spectrum of care medicine by integrating world-class patient care with leadership in veterinary education and scientific discovery.
DVM Program
The CSU DVM program is ranked 2nd in the nation byUS News and World Report, and the CVMBS is ranked 2nd for federal research funding by Blue Ridge Institute for Medical Research. Fort Collins is a beautiful, family-friendly, and entrepreneurial college town with a population of 160,000 on the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains 65 miles north of Denver. Boasting 300 average days of sunshine annually, Fort Collins was ranked as a “best town ever” byOutside Magazinein 2017, the 3rd healthiest midsize city byGallupin 2014, and America’s most satisfied city byTime Magazinein 2014.
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 do
Compassion – they have genuine care and concern for others
Commitment 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 heard
Empowerment – they use their knowledge and skills to adjust, change, and improve daily tasks/work for themselves and others
Integrity – they are honest, and others trust them
Responsibility – 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 192 hours of annual leave annually, 120 hours of sick leave annually, 11 paid holidays annually (assignments less than full-time but at least half-time (0.5) earn a prorated amount of leave based on their full-time equivalent ( FTE )).
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 athttps://hr.colostate.edu/well-being-hub/and our Benefits programs for Administrative Professional employees:https://hr.colostate.edu/current-employees/benefits/afap/.
Retirement Programs
While 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
Shape the Future of Veterinary Care—While Championing Wellbeing!
Do you have a passion for teaching, clinical excellence, and fostering a culture of wellbeing? The Veterinary Health System at Colorado State University is seeking aPrimary Care Clinical and Wellbeing Educatorto mentor the next generation of veterinary professionals while promoting a healthy, sustainable career in veterinary medicine. In this unique role, you’ll guide hands-on clinical training, support professional development, and advocate for the wellbeing of those who dedicate their lives to animal care. If you’re ready to make a lasting impact on both veterinary medicine and the people behind it, we want you on our team!
CSU is hiring these two PCC educators to have an additional focus on the CSU Thrive (i.e. personal wellbeing) DVM curriculum and the DVM Student Coaching program. These roles will oversee the development, implementation, and delivery of the THRIVE and Coaching within the curriculum. We are looking for veterinarians passionate about DVM student instruction combined with experience and expertise in clinical small animal practice and preventive care. These positions will directly support the teaching and service roles of the Primary Care Service, with a practice model centered on medical and surgical care for pets of clientele with varying financial capabilities and philosophies, while maintaining a profitable practice model. Teaching roles include clinical oversight and instruction of third- and fourth-year Doctor of Veterinary Medicine ( DVM ) students in the Primary Care Clinic ( PCC ). Instruction and clinical service will be shared among members of the Primary Care Service. These positions combine clinical first opinion practice with veterinary primary care education and professional skills development.
The PCC & Wellbeing Educators were envisioned to directly support the development of adaptive skillsets of DVM students. Specifically, these positions, through the development of the Thrive curriculum and the Coaching program, will prepare students to:
Create a foundation of wellbeing within a rigorous DVM program
Navigate challenges of the DVM program
Develop reflective skills to process setbacks, unanticipated circumstances, and successes
Enter the profession with a robust skillset and strategies to optimize their personal wellbeing and professional success
Anticipate and overcome future professional challenges
Additional information about the team, the PCC and the new programs:
The expanding number of primary care positions will support the development and launch of the new DVM Curriculum and the opening of the PCC in 2026. The PCC will function as a standalone, state-of-the-art, clinical training center with 14 examination rooms, three treatment areas, dentistry and surgical suites, and dedicated student, doctor, and technician work rooms. Ultimately, a team of PCC educators will work together to fulfill the goals associated with the new facility and curriculum model.
The CSU PCC serves as a respectful, supportive, and teaching-focused environment. Simulating a private general practice, activities within the PCC will empower DVM students in their role as primary care veterinarians practicing across a spectrum of care (SoC), while also serving as active community partners in promoting animal, human, and environmental health. The students will rotate through medicine, surgery, dentistry, and outreach services housed within the PCC . Students serve as veterinarians, with individualized oversight and guidance provided by clinical educators and staff.
The CSU DVM Coaching program provides guidance, reflection, and tools to help students improve adaptive and academic skills over the first three years of the curriculum. Coaches are facilitative and supportive in helping to develop study habits, communication skills, decision-making, and leadership skills. They will also help students identify areas for improvement and co-develop activities to help them grow in those areas. Coaching is goal-oriented, structured, and short-term. The CSU DVM program has opted to differentiate this from “mentoring” by defining mentoring as professional guidance in following a specific career path within the profession (e.g., clinical pathologist or laboratory animal veterinarian.)
The Thrive curriculum is a planned, intentionally integrated, structured curriculum dedicated to providing DVM students with advanced understanding of wellbeing and resilience, as well as developing skills to “thrive” in both the curriculum and the profession long-term.
This position reports to the Medical Director of Companion Animal Spectrum of Care Services and a designee by the Associate Dean for Veterinary Academic and Student Affairs.
Successful candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States by the proposed start date; the department will not sponsor a visa for this position.
A combination of signing bonus and relocation expenses may be considered for eligible and successful candidates.
Required Job Qualifications
DVM or equivalent veterinary professional degree
A minimum of three years of experience in small animal clinical practice
Experience in coaching, counseling, wellbeing, or a related field
Experience in organizational psychology, adult education, curriculum design, or a related field
Eligibility to obtain an active academic veterinary license and USDA accreditation in the state of Colorado
Demonstrated practice experience in offering a range of medically and situationally appropriate diagnostic and therapeutic options
Demonstrated excellent interpersonal skills, critical thinking, complex problem-solving ability, receptivity to feedback, and service orientation
Demonstrated effective verbal and written communication skills
Ability to make decisions and work independently while possessing discernment and receptivity to feedback
Commitment to developing an inclusive environment and experience working with individuals from diverse backgrounds
Demonstrated ability to work effectively as a member of a team
Preferred Job Qualifications
Greater than five years of experience in small animal clinical practice
American Board of Veterinary Practitioner ( ABVP ), American College of Veterinary Preventive Medicine ( ACVPM ) or other relevant board certification
Demonstrated ability in experiential learning, adult learning theory, and/or curriculum design
Demonstrated passion for, commitment to, and success in the education of DVM students and support of their autonomy as future veterinarians
Coaching or counseling certification or equivalent qualification
Proficiency in change management
Experience in companion zoological mammal (e.g. rabbit, rodent, ferret) husbandry and basic medicine and surgery
Small group instructional, facilitation, or coaching experience
Demonstrated organizational and time management skills
Proficiency in MS Word, Excel, and Power Point, and/or educational learning management systems
Essential Duties
Job Duty CategoryDVM Student Primary Care Clinical Education
Duty/Responsibility
For 24 weeks per year, provide clinical instruction and support to third- and fourth year DVM students as they rotate through the Primary Care Clinic
Provide timely, individualized, and actionable student evaluations and point-in-time feedback
Provide hands-on, real-world, first opinion companion animal veterinary training
Develop students’ proficiency in client communication in a relationship-centric practice
Manage preventive animal healthcare at all life stages
Guide students in making appropriate referrals to specialists within the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, including succinct and accurate communication of case details
Develop students’ skills in delegation and interprofessional teamwork
Provide opportunities to apply and model veterinary business and practice management skills
Build student proficiency in offering a range of medically and situationally appropriate diagnostic and therapeutic options
Deliver care in a sustainable manner and reflect the environmental, social, and economic impact of daily activities
Other DVM Student Engagement
- Develop and deliver material within the coachingorThrive programs within the first three years of the new DVM curriculum
Percentage Of Time50%
Job Duty CategoryAdministrative
Duty/Responsibility
(Each position will administer one of these two areas)
Leadership of the CSU DVM Coaching program
Assist the Coaching Committee with finalization and implementation of the proposed Coaching curriculum for Fall 2026 delivery to first-year DVM students
Recruit and train additional coaches
Organize and retain current and new DVM coaches
Establish and maintain communication, oversee working relationships, and assist with conflict resolution within the DVM coaching program
Develop and finalize subsequent delivery of the Coaching curriculum in years two through four
Gather, assimilate, and implement responses to feedback from coaches and students with the aim of continuous program improvement to define and assess program impact and implement changes as indicated to maintain relevance and optimize success
OR
THRIVE /adaptive skillsets
Assist the Curriculum Renewal Committee and Thrive Committee with finalization to deliver the proposed Thrive curriculum for Fall 2026 delivery to first-year DVM students
Coordinate with additional instructors and experts to deliver components of the educational content throughout the curriculum
Develop and finalize subsequent delivery of Thrive curriculum into years two through four
Gather, assimilate, and implement instructor and student feedback about the Thrive curriculum with the aim of continuous improvement
Define and assess program impact and implement changes as indicated to maintain relevance and optimize success
Percentage Of Time50%
Application Details
Special Instructions to Applicants
This position will remain open until filled, however, for full consideration, please apply by11:59pm MT on Wednesday, April 30, 2025.
Interested applicants must submit a cover letter that addresses how professional experiences align with the required and preferred qualifications, a current resume, and the names, email addresses, and telephone numbers of three (3) professional references. References will not be contacted without prior notification of candidates. Optional documents to upload may be appropriate certifications, licenses, or other documents appropriate to the nature of this position. If you have questions, please contact Shevaun Festervand at shevaun.festervand@colostate.edu.
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. Please note, applicants may redact information from their application materials that identifies their age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution.
Conditions of EmploymentPre-employment Criminal Background Check (required for new hires)
Search ContactShevaun Festervand, shevaun.festervand@colostate.edu
EEO
Colorado State University ( CSU ) provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
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.
References Requested
References Requested
Minimum Requested3
Maximum Requested3
Supplemental Questions
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
Applicant Documents
Required Documents
Cover Letter
Resume or CV
Optional Documents
- Other