Veterinary Assistant

University of Minnesota; Saint Paul (MN); On-site; USD 22,730,400 - 32,373,600; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Retirement plan options

Flexible work schedule

Job summary

The University of Minnesota is seeking a part-time Veterinary Assistant to provide basic care for a variety of animal species, assisting veterinary staff with treatments and maintaining records.

This position is essential for delivering appropriate medical care and ensuring high standards in handling and supporting animal welfare. The role involves flexible hours and offers a chance to gain experience in a professional veterinary environment.

Qualifications

• One year of experience or post-high school education in animal handling or care.

Responsibilities

• Assist veterinary staff with routine treatments and procedures.
• Maintain records and documentation for animal care.
• Provide administrative support to the veterinary team.

Skills

Animal handling experience

Strong communication skills

Attention to detail

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Job description

About the Job

Title: Veterinary Assistant
Job code: 0005

Employee Group: Full/Part Time (FTE): 50% FTE, maximum 14 hours per week. Regular/Temporary: Casual >3 months.

This position is responsible for providing basic technical care for a variety of animal species. The successful candidate will assist veterinary staff with routine animal treatments and basic veterinary medical procedures to ensure appropriate medical care.

Key duties involve performing minor and routine treatments, assisting veterinarians and veterinary technicians, maintaining work areas, and performing data entry.

Work Environment and Safety: The work assignments may involve exposure to animal allergens, high noise levels, disinfectants, and sanitizing agents. The University of Minnesota may mandate the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and medical monitoring. The University will provide all required protective equipment, testing, and medical evaluations.

Location: All RAR facilities on the University of Minnesota campus. Some remote work may be possible but limited to <25% capacity.

Work Schedule: Work schedule flexible Monday through Friday between 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. Hours are part‑time, a maximum of 14 hours per week or less.

Primary Responsibilities

Veterinary Team Support (50%)

• Perform minor animal treatments, including nail and teeth trimming (primarily for rodents), administering prescribed medications, and documenting treatments and the condition of animals under the veterinary team's care.
• Enhance the Rodent Animal Resource (RAR) enrichment program for various species, which may include cooperative behavioral training.

Documentation and Records Management (25%)

• Maintain accurate records, including billing laboratories for all service fees and purchased pharmaceuticals, maintaining USDA animal records, and completing other assigned documentation.

Administrative Support (20%)

• Provide various administrative duties for the veterinary team, such as booking rooms, updating the website, creating and scheduling meetings, taking meeting agenda notes, and performing other administrative tasks as assigned.

Other Duties (5%)

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• A minimum of one year of experience or post‑high school education in animal handling, care, or support.

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to lift, bend, and remain standing for extended periods.
• Prior animal care or handling experience.
• Strong communication skills and meticulous attention to detail.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Rate: $20.00/hour

Work Profile: Profile 1 – Office/Lab Based. The employee is expected to work on‑site in the office/lab on the Twin Cities campus.

Retirement plan options are available for Civil Service, Faculty, Labor‑Represented, Professional & Administrative, and Temp Casual classifications. Learn more about retirement plans.

Application Process

Applications must be submitted online. If you wish to submit a cover letter and resume, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e‑mail [e-mail] or call (612) 624‑8647.

Diversity

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Employment Requirements

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Prospective employees are presumed eligible to work. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists. This position is not eligible for H‑1B or green card sponsorship.