Veterinary Assistant -LA

University of Georgia; Kentucky; On-site; USD 35,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

The Veterinary Assistant II at the University of Georgia’s Large Animal Hospital supports patient care for horses, cows, and other large animals. Responsibilities include handling/restraint, assisting RVTs/clinicians, transporting supplies, anesthesia induction/recovery, and maintaining equipment and facilities across the hospital complex.

Minimum qualifications include a high school diploma or equivalent and two years of related experience; preferred qualifications mention experience with large

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent with 2 years of related experience.
• Experience working with large animals in emergency settings preferred.
• Ability to handle and restrain various animal species safely.

Responsibilities

• Handle/restraint of large animals including horses and cows.
• Assist clinicians and students in patient care and equipment maintenance.
• Maintain cleanliness and stocking of supplies in the hospital.
• Transport animal samples and assist with anesthetic induction/recovery.

Skills

Animal handling

Restraint skills

Communication

Customer service

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Veterinary Assistant -LA

Posting Details

Posting Number: S15575P

Working Title: Veterinary Assistant -LA

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/

Posting Type: External

Retirement Plan: TRS

Employment Type: Employee

Benefits Eligibility: Eligible

Full/Part time: Full Time

Work Schedule: General 8-10 hour shifts with varied days based on the unit. May include weekends and holidays.

Advertised Salary: $16.92 per hour, experience considered.

Posting Date: 08/05/2026

Open until filled: Yes

Closing Date: Proposed Starting Date 09/13/2026

Special Instructions to Applicants: Location of Vacancy Athens Area

EEO Policy 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.

Position Information Classification Title: Veterinary Assistant II

FLSA: Non-Exempt

FTE: 1.0

Minimum Qualifications: High school diploma or equivalent and 2 years of related experience.

Preferred Qualifications: Experience working with Large animals in an emergency setting.

Position Summary: This position is responsible for handling animal patients in the Large Animal Hospital. Handling/restraint of large animals includes multiple species: Primarily horses/cows, but may include sheep, pigs, goats and camelids. The handler is expected to be able to safely handle all temperaments of horses. This includes handling for lameness exams (jogging/lunging), procedures, standing surgeries, radiology/bone scan, neuro exams and stallion collection. Other duties include assisting LVT’s/Clinicians/Students/Client Support Coordinator in any capacity as needed for patient care, general housekeeping/stocking/stall maintenance, animal/sample transport, anesthetic induction/recovery, and ability to readily utilize Vetview/Cubex. In addition, maintaining tractors and associated equipment that are used to transport supplies and large animal patients throughout the large animal hospital complex, local farms, along with going to retrieve hay and feed.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies: Ability to properly handle and restrain various species of animals. Effectively communicate. Ability to 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. Knowledge of general animal anatomy and ability to recognize signs of distress.

Physical Demands:

• lift and carry up to 75 pounds.
• sit, stand, stoop, bend and walk intermittently during the day on hard floor surfaces.
• dealing with stressful situations.
• 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, along with open wound management and storage of deceased animals.
• Driving as needed to perform job related tasks

Is driving a responsibility of this position? Yes

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

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

Credit and P-Card policy: Be advised a credit check will be required for all positions with financial responsibilities. For additional information about the credit check criteria, visit the UGA Credit Background Check website.

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.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Handling/restraint of large animals. (Primarily horses/cows, but may include sheep, pigs, goats and camelids). The handler is expected to be able to safely handle all temperaments of horses.
• Handling for lameness exams (jogging/lunging), procedures, standing surgeries, radiology/bone scan, neuro exams and stallion collection. It is important that the handler keeps not only the animal safe but also those working in close proximity.
• Other duties include assisting RVT’s/Clinicians/Students/Client Support Coordinator in any capacity as needed for patient care, general housekeeping/stocking/stall maintenance, animal/sample transport, anesthetic induction/recovery, and ability to readily utilize Vetview/Cubex

Percentage of time 60

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Stock supplies of cleaning products and patient care equipment. Insure facility cleanliness with the use of mop, broom, chemical cleaning supplies to sanitize cages and the floors.
• Maintain cleanliness and order of Performance arena, including exam rooms, with tractor and broom to maintain arena footing and cleaning supplies to disinfect floors in exam rooms after use.

Percentage of time 20

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Assist in disposal of deceased animals, transport necropsy cases to main campus for processing for burial.
• Input/retrieve information from Vetview for instructions on patient care.

Percentage of time 10

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Maintaining tractors and associated equipment that are used to transport supplies and large animal patients throughout the large animal hospital complex.

Contact Information

Recruitment Contact Name: Kris Mitchell

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