Veterinary Assistant

Mississippi State University; Starkville (MS); On-site; USD 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading university in Starkville seeks a dedicated individual to join the veterinary care team. The role involves providing essential animal care, assisting with treatments, and maintaining health records. Candidates should have experience or relevant education in animal care. Strong communication and teamwork skills are essential for success in this position.

Qualifications

• 4 years experience caring for animals or a relevant Bachelor's degree.
• Excellent communication skills, especially related to client service.
• Ability to handle large and companion animals.

Responsibilities

• Provide basic animal care including cleaning and feeding.
• Assist with the safe handling and treatment of animals.
• Maintain records on animal health and services provided.

Skills

Communication

Teamwork

Animal Handling

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Bachelor's degree in Animal or Biological Science

Tools

Word

Excel

Hospital Management Software

Job description

Apply now Job no: 509189
Position type: Full-Time 12-Month
Department: 184000 - CVM Clinical Science Department
Location: Main Campus - Starkville, MS
Categories: Support Staff
Position Open Date: May 12 2025

Position Function:

To assist the veterinary care team in provision of animal care and treatment for a wide range of animals used in search, teaching and/or client-owned animals.

1. Provide basic animal care for various species of animals. Animal care includes cleaning and changing out cages, cleaning stalls and animal runs. Feeding, watering, observations and record keeping.
2. Assist the veterinary care team with the safe handling of various species of animals.
3. Assist the veterinary care team with the collection of biologic samples for diagnostic testing to aid in the determination of patient health.
4. Perform under the direction of the veterinary care team the treatment for various species of animals as dictated by the veterinarian.
5. Maintain records on animal health, services provided, and capture of associated fees in compliance with standard practices.
6. Administer animal treatments under the direction of a veterinarian.
7. Work schedule includes weekends and may vary from week to week.
8. Responsible for cleaning exam rooms and equipment.
9. Responsible for stocking supplies.
10. Assist in restraining animals for examinations and medical procedures.
11. Performs related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

High school diploma or equivalent with four years' experience caring for animals in a dairy, veterinary clinic, research institution, or related environment. -or-

Bachelor's degree in Animal or Biological Science or related field with no experience. -or-

Any equivalent combination of related experience and/or education approved by the Department of Human Resources Management.

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

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.

Applicants must apply online at www.msujobs.msstate.edu. Please include cover letter and resume along with names and addresses of at least three references.

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].

What do I do if I need an accommodation?

In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADA), if you have a disability and wouldlike to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position with Mississippi StateUniversity, please contact the Department of Human Resources Management at tel: [phone] [e-mail] .

If you have any questions regarding this policy, contact the Department of Human ResourcesManagement at [phone] [e-mail] . Upon request, sections of thisjob listing are available in large print, and readers are available to assist the visually impaired.

Advertised: May 12 2025 Central Daylight Time
Applications close: