Student Veterinary Assistant - Large Animal

University of Georgia; Ohio; On-site; USD 16,000 - 23,000; Part time

Job summary

The University of Georgia is seeking a Student Veterinary Assistant for the Large Animal Hospital within the College of Veterinary Medicine. The position supports senior veterinary staff, provides care to large animals, administers medications, and helps maintain a clean and safe clinical area.

Work involves animal handling, monitoring, and collaboration with clinicians. On-call opportunities may be available; the role pays $14 per hour and is based in the Athens area.

Qualifications

• Comfortable working with Large Animals (Horses, Cows, Sheep, etc.)
• Rabies vaccinated.
• Properly handle and restrain various species of large animals.
• Proficient in prioritizing and completing treatments and patient care duties.
• Effective communication and customer service.

Responsibilities

• Provide intermediate animal care to large animals: water, feed, transport, restrain, groom.
• Administer medication, monitor vital signs, take samples of bodily fluids, either blood or urine.
• Establish effective working relationships with the senior large animal veterinary staff and clinicians and assist with animal care.
• Informs attending clinician on any change or decomposition of the patient’s condition in an informed and timely manner.
• Stock supplies of cleaning products and patient care equipment.
• Ensure facility cleanliness with the use of mop, broom, chemical cleaning supplies to sanitize cages and the floors.

Skills

Handling large animals

Communication

Confidentiality

Customer service

Prioritization

Teamwork

Education

Rabies vaccination

Job description

Student Veterinary Assistant - Large Animal

Below you will find the details for the position including any supplementary documentation and questions you should review before applying for the opening.

Posting Details

Position Details Posting Number G/R33971P Working Title Student Veterinary Assistant - Large Animal Department VetMed-VTH Large Animal Hosp

About the University of Georgia Chartered by the state of Georgia in 1785, the University of Georgia is the birthplace of public higher education in America and is the state’s flagship university (https://www.uga.edu/). The proof is in our more than 240 years of academic and professional achievements and our continual commitment to higher education. UGA is currently ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report. The University’s main campus is located in Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 3,100 faculty and more than 7,700 full‑time staff. The University’s enrollment exceeds 41,000 students including over 31,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 19 schools and colleges, including our newly established School of Medicine.

About the College/Unit/Department The University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine, founded in 1946, is dedicated to training future veterinarians, providing services to animal owners and veterinarians, and conducting investigations to improve the health of animals as well as people. The college benefits pets and their owners, food‑producing animals, and wildlife by offering the highest quality hospital and diagnostic laboratory services. Equipped with the most technologically advanced facilities located on a university campus, the college is dedicated to safeguarding public health by studying emerging infectious diseases that affect both animal and human health.

The College of Veterinary Medicine values all members of the university community, recognizing that differences in experience and culture can only lead to a more well‑rounded, accepting academic environment as embodied in our Principles of Community http://vet.uga.edu/principles-of-community/

College/Unit/Department website https://vet.uga.edu/hospital-and-primary-care/hospital/

Employment Type Employee Additional Schedule Information Schedule varies. On‑Call opportunities.

Advertised Salary $14 per hour

Anticipated Start Date 11/22/2026 Posting Date 11/09/2026 Closing Date Open Until Filled Yes Special Instructions to Applicants Location of Vacancy Athens Area

EOO Statement 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. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR ([e-mail]).

USG Core Values Statement The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 25 institutions of higher education and learning, as well the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 08.02.18.01.02.

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 06.05 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom.

Duties/Responsibilities

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

Position Details

Position Information Classification Title Student Assistant FLSA Non-Exempt UGA Job Code FTE .49

Minimum Qualifications 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.

Relevant/Preferred Education, Experience, Licensure, Certification in Position

• Comfortable working with Large Animals (Horses, Cows, Sheep, etc.)
• Rabies vaccinated.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies

• Properly handle and restrain various species of large animals.
• Effectively communicate.
• Work in a fast‑paced environment while demonstrating excellent customer service, high degree of confidentiality, openness to teaching and providing consultation to a variety of stakeholders.
• Proficient in prioritizing and completing treatments/patient care duties in a timely fashion.

Physical Demands

• Lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
• Sit, stoop, bend intermittently during the day on hard floor surfaces.
• Manual dexterity sufficient to accurately work with small, delicate pieces of equipment or large heavy objects/containers/machinery.
• Wear all protective gear including mask, gloves, gown, hairnet, safety goggles, etc.
• Work for long periods of time with arms extended.
• Work within an environment that has high levels of animal sounds, bodily fluids that need disposal, and open wound management.

Is this a Position of Trust? Yes

Does this position have operation, access, or control of financial resources? No

Does this position require a P-Card? No

Is having a P-Card an essential function of this position? No

Is driving a requirement of this position? No

Does this position have direct interaction or care of children under the age of 18 or direct patient care? Yes

Does this position have Security Access (e.g., public safety, IT security, personnel records, patient records, or access to chemicals and medications) Yes

Background Investigation Policy

Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials (including reference checks) as they relate to the job-based requirements of the position applied for; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. You may also be subject to a pre-employment drug test for positions with high‑risk responsibilities, if applicable. Please visit the UGA Background Check website.

Contact Information

Recruitment Contact Contact Details For questions concerning this position or recruitment progression, please refer to the Recruitment Contact listed below. Recruitment Contact Name Drew Clements Recruitment Contact Email [e-mail] Recruitment Contact Phone [phone]

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

• Resume/CV
• Cover Letter
• List of References with Contact Information

Optional Documents