Student Veterinary Assistant - Large Animal

The University of Georgia; Athens (GA); On-site; USD 16,531 - 22,041; Full time

Job summary

The University of Georgia's Large Animal Hospital is seeking a Student Assistant to assist senior veterinary technicians and staff in caring for ill or injured client-owned animals, with the goal of supporting their recovery. Responsibilities include providing intermediate animal care for large animals, administering medications, monitoring vital signs, and maintaining clear communication with clinicians.

The role requires ability to lift up to 50 pounds, comfort with large animals, and strong

Qualifications

• Comfortable working with large animals (horses, cows, sheep, etc.).
• Rabies vaccination is required.
• Effective communication skills with staff and clients.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and deliver quality customer service.
• Capacity to work in a fast-paced veterinary setting.

Responsibilities

• Provide intermediate animal care to large animals: water, feed, transport, restrain, groom.
• Administer medication, monitor vital signs, and collect samples (blood/urine).
• Assist senior staff and clinicians with animal care and treatment.
• Support patient care by understanding the medical condition, prognosis, and plan.

Skills

Large animal care

Rabies vaccination

Communication skills

Confidentiality

Fast-paced environment

Customer service

Prioritization

Job description

Position Summary

This position will assist the senior veterinary technicians and veterinary staff in the care of ill or injured client‑owned animals brought to the Large Animal Hospital, with the goal of supporting their recovery.

Responsibilities

• 50% of time: Provide intermediate animal care to large animals: water, feed, transport, restrain, groom.
• 50% of time: Administer medication, monitor vital signs, and take samples of bodily fluids (blood or urine).
• 50% of time: Establish effective working relationships with senior large animal veterinary staff and clinicians and assist with animal care.
• 30% of time: Assist with all aspects of the patient’s treatment and care, maintaining a clear knowledge of the patient’s medical condition, treatment, prognosis, and plan.
• 30% of time: Inform attending clinician of any changes or deterioration in the patient’s condition in an informed and timely manner.
• 20% of time: Stock supplies of cleaning products and patient care equipment.
• 20% of time: Ensure facility cleanliness using mop, broom, and chemical cleaning supplies to sanitize cages and floors.

Qualifications

• Comfortable working with large animals (horses, cows, sheep, etc.).
• Rabies vaccinated.
• Comfortable handling and restraining various species of large animals.
• Effective communication skills.
• Ability to work in a fast‑paced environment while providing excellent customer service and maintaining confidentiality.
• Proficiency in prioritizing and completing patient care duties in a timely manner.

Physical Demands

• Lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
• Sit, stoop, and bend intermittently on hard floor surfaces.
• Manual dexterity sufficient for handling small equipment or large heavy objects, containers, or machinery.
• Wear all protective gear including mask, gloves, gown, hairnet, safety goggles, etc.
• Work for long periods with arms extended.
• Work in an environment with high levels of animal sounds, bodily fluids, and open wound management.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status or other protected status.

Job Details

Employment Type: Employee
Schedule: On‑call opportunities
Salary: $14 per hour
Classification: Student Assistant
FLSA: Non‑Exempt
Full-Time Equivalent: 0.49