Veterinary Assistant-LA-Field Services

University of Georgia; Athens (GA); On-site; USD 22,000 - 26,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Georgia is seeking a Veterinary Assistant I for the Large Animal Hospital Field Services. This role involves safely handling and restraining large animals—primarily horses, with cows, sheep, and camelids—and assisting LVTs, clinicians, students, and client support staff in patient care and field procedures in the Athens area.

Minimum qualifications include a high school diploma or equivalent and proven experience with large animals.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Experience with large animals, especially horses.
• Knowledge of veterinary terminology and anatomy.

Responsibilities

• Handle and restrain large animals including horses and cows.
• Assist clinicians and staff in patient care and procedures.
• Transport animals and samples; assist with anesthesia induction/recovery.
• Maintain cleanliness, stocking, and equipment; drive as needed.

Skills

Large animal handling

Horse handling

Veterinary terminology

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Posting Details

Working Title: Veterinary Assistant-LA-Field Services

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: Benefits Eligible

Full/Part time: Full Time

Additional Schedule Information: Monday-Friday, between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

Advertised Salary: $16.92 per hour

Posting Date: 08/28/2026

Open until filled: Yes

Proposed Starting Date: 09/27/2026

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 I

FLSA: Non-Exempt

FTE: 1.00

Minimum Qualifications: High school diploma or equivalent

• Proven experience working with large animals, primarily horses, but including cows, pigs, and camelid
• Knowledge of veterinary terminology and animal anatomy and behavior

Position Summary: Handling/restraint of large animals. (Primarily horses/cows, but may include sheep, pigs, goats and camelids). The assistant is needed 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 utilization of Vetview/Cubex.

• Properly handle and restrain various species of 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.
• Knowledge of general animal anatomy and ability to recognize signs of distress.

• 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 duties.

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 assistant 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.
• It is important that the assistant keeps not only the animal safe but also those working in close proximity.
• 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.
• Training and working in other areas of large animal and field services

Percentage of time: 60

Duties/Responsibilities

• 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.
• Assists with all procedures and appointments in the field with any Field Services clinician.
• May drive UGA owned vehicles to and from field appointments.
• Restock ambulatory vehicles and maintain for daily use and ensure cleanliness of the Field Services hospital along with other colleagues with the use of mop, broom, chemical cleaning supplies to sanitize cages and the floors.
• When appropriate, is self-motivated to use downtime to not only attend to in house but also to assist other sister units with patient care and treatment.

Percentage of time: 30

Duties/Responsibilities

• Ensure charges are filled out for all patient appointments in a timely manner.
• Input/retrieve information from Vetview for instructions on patient care.

Percentage of time: 10