Veterinary Assistant, Wards, 3rd shift

University of Minnesota; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 32,000 - 38,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive wages

Paid holidays

Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy

HSA contributions

Retirement plans with employer

Job summary

University of Minnesota seeks a Veterinary Assistant to support veterinarians and licensed technicians in Small Animal Wards at the Veterinary Medical Center. This role emphasizes non-invasive patient handling, record-keeping, and collaboration with DVMs and LVTs.

Responsibilities include assisting in ICU and wards, performing basic patient care tasks, and maintaining accurate documentation, with on-call and holiday coverage as needed.

Qualifications

• One year post-high school hands-on experience with animals or veterinary assisting coursework.
• Teaching/service orientation with a positive attitude.
• Ability to work effectively in a clinical setting.

Responsibilities

• Provide excellent customer service to clients, patients, DVMs and LVTs.
• Assist with non-invasive hourly treatments in Wards and ICU (oral meds, vital signs).
• Participate in CPR and in cage side patient rounds.
• Report changes in patient status with detailed medical record documentation.
• Handle patient drop-offs and ensure paperwork and labeling are completed.

Skills

Animal handling

Clinical setting

Service orientation

Education

Post-high school veterinary assisting coursework

Job description

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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

90%- Team Support and Patient Care

• 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

Qualifications

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

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

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.