Animal Health Technician Trainee, I or II

Mississippi State University; Starkville (MS); On-site; USD 30,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

Mississippi State University in Starkville is seeking an Animal Health Technician Trainee or Level I / II to provide technical support at the Animal Health Center. Responsibilities include instructing veterinary students, maintaining diagnostic equipment, conducting laboratory tests, and assisting in diagnostics and emergencies. Candidates should have an approved Animal Health Technology program with additional qualifications preferred. The position offers a full-time role on the Main Campus and opportunities for growth and development within the veterinary field.

Qualifications

• Completion of an approved Animal Health Technology program.
• Ability to work with and handle large or small animals.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Instruct and assist veterinary students and animal health technicians.
• Schedule and perform diagnostic procedures and laboratory tests.
• Supervise administration of anesthesia during procedures.
• Perform emergency resuscitation and treatment as needed.

Skills

Communication skills

Ability to handle large and companion animals

Proficiency in Word and Excel

Ability to lift and manipulate animals

Education

Completion of an approved Animal Health Technology program

Bachelor's degree in animal science or related field

Tools

Hospital management software

Job description

Animal Health Technician Trainee, I or II

Apply now Job no: 510540

Position type: Full-Time 12-Month

Department: 184100 - CVM AHC Administration

Location: Main Campus - Starkville, MS

Categories: Support Staff

Position Open Date: May 8 2026

Position Function

To perform a variety of duties involved in providing technical support to the Animal Health Center; provide instruction to Animal Health Technicians and professional veterinary students.

Responsibilities

Instruct, evaluate, and assist professional veterinary students and animal health technicians on technical health care procedures. Schedule diagnostic procedures and the use of diagnostic equipment. Set-up, clean, and maintain specialized diagnostic equipment and animal treatment areas. Perform or assist with diagnostic procedures. Perform routine laboratory tests as needed. Supervise or administer anesthesia during diagnostic or therapeutic procedures. Initiate emergency resuscitation and treatments. Monitor the condition of animals in ordinary and special care units; notify appropriate personnel of change in health status. Operate and maintain a variety of clinical equipment. Responsible for maintaining fresh blood supply in blood bank; maintain donor log book. Assist in research studies. Restrain, move, and handle animals. Instruct others on proper animal handling techniques, vaccination protocols, and treatment schedules. Perform related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Completion of an approved Animal Health Technology program. Ability to work with and handle either large or small animals depending on the specific area of assignment. Ability to lift, stoop, and bend in order to move animals as needed and maintain equipment. Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Rank and Salary will be commensurate with education and experience.

Trainee Level: Must possess a veterinary technology or technician degree. Must obtain certification within 1 calendar year of hire.

Level I: Completion of an approved Animal Health Technology Program with no experience.

Level II: Completion of an approved Animal Health Technology Program plus 2 years experience. Experience must include at least 2 years at the preceding level or equivalent.

Preferred Qualifications

Bachelors degree in animal science or related field. Prior work experience.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Excellent telephone and email communication skills, especially related to client service
• Ability to use Word, Excel, Email programs
• Ability to learn and use hospital management software
• Ability to lift, stoop and bend
• Ability to lift up to 40 pounds
• Ability to handle, load, restrain, and work with large and companion animals
• Ability to walk and stand on feet for prolonged periods of time
• Must possess a valid driver’s license
• Must be capable of working in a team environment comprised of doctors, staff and students to provide veterinary care of patients and aid in the instruction of veterinary students and veterinary technology students and veterinary technology students

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

• Frequent - Externally imposed deadlines; set and revised beyond one's control; interruptions influence priorities; difficult to anticipate nature or volume of work with certainty beyond a few days; meeting of deadlines and coordination of related activities are key to position.
• Job frequently requires walking, sitting, reaching, talking, hearing, handling objects with hands.
• Job requires standing, stooping/kneeling/crouching/crawling, and lifting up to 50 pounds.
• Job requires use of computer keyboard in the performance of duties.
• Vision requirements: Ability to see information in print and/or electronically.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Mississippi State University is an equal opportunity institution. Discrimination is prohibited in university employment, programs or activities based on race, color, ethnicity, sex, pregnancy, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, or any other status to the extent protected by applicable law. Questions about equal opportunity programs or compliance should be directed to the Office of Civil Rights Compliance, 231 Famous Maroon Band Street, P.O. 6044, Mississippi State, MS 39762, [phone].