Veterinary Assistant, Wards, 3rd shift

University of Minnesota; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 3,192,000 - 3,761,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive wages

Tuition benefit program

Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy

Job summary

The University of Minnesota seeks Veterinary Assistants to support veterinarians and licensed technicians in the Small Animal Wards and ER/ICU. You will handle patients, maintain clean environments, and keep detailed records while coordinating with DVMs and LVTs.

Responsibilities include assisting with non-invasive treatments, vital signs, medications, and documentation, plus on-call coverage and participation in team trainings as required.

Qualifications

• One year post high school hands-on experience working with animals or coursework in Veterinary Assisting.
• Must have a teaching/service orientation and a positive attitude.
• Must have the ability to work in a clinical setting.

Responsibilities

• Provide excellent customer service to clients, patients, DVMs and LVTs.
• Participate in non-invasive hourly treatments in Wards and ICU (oral medications, vital signs).
• Participate in CPR and in cage side patient rounds.
• Report changes in patient status to LVT & DVM and document in medical records.
• Maintain census as patients are added or discharged from hospital.

Skills

Customer service

Non-invasive treatments

Record keeping

Team collaboration

Education

One year post high school experience in animal care

Job description

Veterinary Assistants work side by side with Veterinarians (DVM) and Licensed Veterinary Technicians (LVTs). This position is responsible for support in the form of patient handling, cleaning and strong record keeping. Veterinary Assistants do not perform invasive procedures.

Primary Responsibilities

• Provide excellent customer service to clients, patients, DVMs and LVTs.
• Participate in non-invasive hourly treatments in Wards and ICU (oral medications, blood pressures, vital signs)
• Participate in CPR
• Participate in cage side patient rounds
• Report changes in patient status to LVT & DVM and provide detailed documentation in medical record
• Participate in patient drop offs, assuring paperwork is completed, personal items are labeled, patient has identification collar and patient is added to census
• Provide sanitary housing to patients according to established Infection Control Protocols
• Clean and stock work areas
• Provide safe patient handling for a variety of procedures (IV catheters, blood draws, radiographs)
• Provide food, water and exercise to patients as ordered by DVM
• Provide coverage for two holidays per fiscal year
• Participate in on-call rotation after successful completion of probation.
• Participate in team meetings and annual trainings
• Complete assigned learning modules specific to the role in a timely manner
• Complete projects such as kitchen duties, exercise yard maintenance, client visiting area preparations, maintaining patient transport carts and preparing commonly used supplies for the following shift
• Work on service checklists in downtime
• Accurate Record Keeping
• Accurate charging according to the hospital fee schedule for ER, ICU and Wards
• Maintain census as patients are added or discharged from the hospital

Location and Work Environment

• Work is completed onsite in the Veterinary Medical Center in Small Animal Wards.
• During downtime, the employee will float to the ER and ICU to assist.
• The work environment may include bright or low light, noise, exposure to animal bodily fluids and/or allergens such as mold, dust, animal fur and dander.

Work Schedule

• Shifts are 8-12 hours in length, including paid break periods (exclusive of unpaid 30 minute break).
• Monday: 8pm-830am, Tuesday 8pm-830am, Sunday 8pm-830am.
• Some overtime may be required.
• Consecutive Sunday work is a condition of employment

Required Qualifications

• One year post high school hands-on experience working with animals or coursework in Veterinary Assisting
• Must have a teaching/service orientation and a positive attitude
• Must have the ability to work in a clinical setting

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous animal handling skills, work within a veterinary hospital or coursework specific to animal care and behavior is helpful but not required.
• Excellent attention to detail, including pattern recognition
• Strong commitment to learning
• Consistent attendance and punctuality

Physical Requirements

• Lifting: Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds with assistance
• Pushing/pulling: Ability to move heavy equipment or machinery
• Standing/walking: Ability to remain on your feet for the duration of a 12 hour shift
• Bending/stooping: frequently reaching toward the floor or working at low levels
• Fine motor skills: picking up small components, typing or using precision tools
• Reach: the ability to extend arms overhead or horizontally retrieve items
• Visual acuity: close range vision for computer work
• Auditory awareness: ability to hear warning signals, alarms or communicate in loud environments

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $23.17 - $27.30/hr; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 90 % Appointment

Position Type: Civil-Service & Non-Faculty Labor Represented Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

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. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

About University of Minnesota

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023, 2025, 2026), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.

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