Veterinary Assistant - LA Surgery and ICU

University of Georgia; Athens (GA); On-site; USD 19,000 - 27,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Georgia Veterinary Teaching Hospital in Athens is seeking a Veterinary Assistant I to provide nursing care for large animals in the hospital, including vitals, sample collection, and routine lab procedures.

You will assist with surgical cases and ICU care, monitor patients, maintain accurate records, and support emergency procedures while working in a fast-paced team environment with a strong commitment to animal welfare.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Experience working with large animals in an emergency setting.
• Ability to handle large animals and work in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Provide nursing care to Large Animal Teaching Hospital patients.
• Take vitals and perform treatments and sample collection.
• Assist with surgical procedures and ICU care.
• Maintain patient records and assist with emergencies.

Skills

Large animals

Patient care

Vitals

IV catheterization

Lab procedures

Education

High school diploma

Job description

Posting Details

Posting Number: S15984P

Working Title: Veterinary Assistant - LA Surgery and ICU

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.

www.vet.uga.edu

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, 4:00 p.m.-12:30 a.m., including a 30-minute meal break
• Surgery: 4:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.
• ICU : 7:00 p.m.-12:00 a.m.

Advertised Salary

Starting at $16.92 per hour

Posting Date

10/29/2026

Open until filled

Yes

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

Preferred Qualifications

Experience working with Large animals in an emergency setting.

Position Summary

The primary responsibility of the Large Animal Veterinary Assistant is to provide nursing care to patients in the Large Animal Teaching Hospital. Veterinary Assistants work to fulfill the following within the course of caring for patients: taking vitals such as blood pressure, temperature, collection of blood, urine by expression, cystocentesis or catheterization; collection and preparation of tissue, cellular, or microbiological samples by skin scraping, impressions; routine laboratory test procedures; radiology including settings, positioning, processing, and safety; intravenous and arterial catheterization; administration and application of treatments, drugs, fluids, medications and immunological agents by oral, parenteral and injectable routes; placement of intra-nasal, intra-gastric tubes; dental procedures; surgical assistance; resuscitative procedures; applications of splints and slings; application of appropriate wound dressings and external supportive care in severe wound and burn cases.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies

• Experience handling large animals.
• Proficient in prioritizing and completing treatments/patient care duties in a timely fashion.
• Knowledge of commonly used medications and their appropriate routes of administration/doses.
• Proficient and comfortable performing independently and instructing students in the following: physical exam; IV catheter placement/use/management; IM/SQ/PO medication administration; IV fluid administration/set-up/calculation of rate/ CRI /refluxing vs. fluids/ PPN .
• Interact and effectively communicate with various personalities and display excellent interpersonal skills.
• Apply good clinical acumen when carrying out verbal and written instructions.
• Work in a fast-paced environment.
• Exhibit attention to detail.
• Understand basic medical terminology, anatomy/physiology, and disease processes and apply this knowledge in a clinical setting.

Physical Demands

• Lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
• Sit, stand, stoop, bend and walk intermittently during the day on hard floor surfaces.
• Work with small, delicate pieces of equipment or large heavy objects/containers/machinery.
• Work for long periods of time with arms extended.
• 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 within an environment that has high levels of animal sounds, bodily fluids that need disposal, and open wound management.

Is driving a responsibility of this position?

No

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

• Primary focus on large animal surgical service to include aseptic preparation for surgical procedures, surgical positioning, functioning as circulating nurse in the operating room, aseptic collection of biologics, performing lameness evaluations, prolonged standing, jogging, and restraint of large animal patients including but not limited to horses, cows, and other livestock. As well as perform basic to advanced patient care, which may include:
  • Obtain vitals (temperature, pulse and respiration rates),
  • Observation and recognition of appropriate animal behavior and demeanor (e.g. bright and alert, quiet and responsive, depressed, moribund)
  • Prepare and administer medications at the direction of a veterinarian
  • Initiating and monitoring constant administration therapies (e.g. constant rate infusions, oxygen therapy) at the direction of a veterinarian
  • Maintaining detailed and accurate electronic and written patient medical records, including communications, ability to accurately communicate changes in patient details and status
  • Perform patient sample collection (including for example blood collection, cystocentesis) and submission at the direction of a veterinarian
  • Perform basic laboratory procedures at the direction of a veterinarian
  • Prepare patients for medical or surgical procedures (e.g. clip/shave/pluck and aseptic preparation)
  • Perform (and teach) procedures as approved by licensure under the direction of a veterinarian (for example, intravenous catheterization, endotracheal intubation, anesthetic induction/maintenance/monitoring, IV administration of medication without a catheter)
  • Appropriate removal and disposal of biological wastes (incl. sharps).
  • Cleaning and stocking all areas of Large Animal surgery and ICU , including submission of stock requests to central supply warehouse and pharmacy.
  • Cleaning and stocking surgery prep area and scrub areas.
  • Maintain organization of surgical equipment and supplies.
  • Perform duties as circulating nurse in Large Animal operating rooms.

Percentage of time: 40

Duties/Responsibilities

• Perform appropriate handling and physical restraint of large animals.
• Perform basic animal husbandry and care including feed, water, exercise, cleaning and general hygiene.
• Perform duties as veterinary assistant to clinical hospitalized patients, including hourly treatments, administering medications, and assistance with emergency cases.

Percentage of time: 40

Duties/Responsibilities

• Utilize hospital electronic systems, which may include: electronic medical records, submission of requests, and fee/cost entry, Nils Viewer and PACS , security passes and telephones, computers, printers.
• Utilize medical/surgical equipment, including care, cleaning and maintenance.
• Cleaning and stocking as needed in all areas of the Large Animal hospital.

Percentage of time: 20

Contact Information

Recruitment Contact

For questions concerning this position or recruitment progression, please refer to the Recruitment Contact listed below.

Recruitment Contact Name

Kris Mitchell

Recruitment Contact Email

[e-mail]

Recruitment Contact Phone

[phone]

Applicant Documents

1. Resume/CV
2. Cover Letter
3. List of References with Contact Information