Veterinary Assistant

MSU Jobs•Starkville, MS

39d

About The Position

Position Function: To assist the veterinary care team in provision of animal care and treatment for a wide range of animals used in search, teaching and/or client-owned animals. Salary Grade : 11 Please see Staff Compensation Structure or Skilled Crafts and Service Maintenance Compensation Schedule for salary ranges. For salary grade UC, these positions are "Unclassified" and salary ranges are determined by the hiring department. Area of Specialization: Anesthesia Anticipated Appointment Date: March 2026. Essential Duties and Responsibilities: 1. Ensures surgical and induction rooms are kept clean and orderly. 2. May perform a variety of animal care duties such as (but not limited to) restraint, positioning, assistance in recovery and transfer under supervision. 3. The assistant is primarily responsible for organization and maintenance of the anesthesia service and assisting technicians with patients as needed. 2. Assist the veterinary care team with the safe handling of various species of animals. 3. Assist the veterinary care team with the collection of biologic samples for diagnostic testing to aid in the determination of patient health. 4. Assist in patient handling, restraint, and positioning for anesthesia and surgical procedures. 5. Prepare and maintain anesthesia surgical areas, including cleaning and sterilizing equipment. 6. Provide assistance/support for monitoring and supporting patients during post-anesthesia recovery, ensuring airway patency, vital sign stability, and comfort while promptly reporting any abnormalities to the veterinary team. 7. Set up and break down anesthesia equipment in surgical suites, endoscopy suite, radiology suites, and dental suite. 8. Maintain storeroom inventory and ensure proper organization of supplies. 9. Organize patient information for the following work day procedures. 10. Input daily service charges. 11. Maintain laundry circulation. 12. Maintain equipment inventory and ensure proper function. 13. Support service maintenance and organization. 14. Monitor patients during pre-anesthetic and recovery phases under supervision. 15. Maintain accurate records of patient care and procedural details. 16. Communicate efficiently and effectively with team members, students, and faculty to ensure patient safety and service efficiency. 17. Assist with unpacking hospital supply shipments and putting items in the proper storage locations. Break down and dispose of boxes from shipments. 18. Clean and disinfect kennels and run and keep animals in a clean, sanitary, and comfortable environment. 19. Sweep and mop the floor at least once during each shift. 20. Follow all safety rules concerning animal restraint, handling cleaning supplies, and radiation safety. 21. Attend service meetings 22. Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED with four years' experience caring for animals in a dairy, veterinary clinic, research institution, or related environment.
-or- Bachelor's degree in Animal or Biological Science or related field with no experience.
-or- Any equivalent combination of related experience and/or education approved by the Department of Human Resources Management.
Excellent telephone and email communication skills, especially related to client service
Ability to use Word, Excel, Email programs
Ability to learn and use hospital management software
Ability to lift, stoop and bend
Ability to lift up to 40 pounds
Ability to handle, load, restrain, and work with large and companion animals
Ability to walk and stand on feet for prolonged periods of time
Must possess a valid driver's license
Must be capable of working in a team environment comprised of doctors, staff and students to provide veterinary care of patients and aid in the instruction of veterinary students and veterinary technology students

Responsibilities

Ensures surgical and induction rooms are kept clean and orderly.
May perform a variety of animal care duties such as (but not limited to) restraint, positioning, assistance in recovery and transfer under supervision.
The assistant is primarily responsible for organization and maintenance of the anesthesia service and assisting technicians with patients as needed.
Assist the veterinary care team with the safe handling of various species of animals.
Assist the veterinary care team with the collection of biologic samples for diagnostic testing to aid in the determination of patient health.
Assist in patient handling, restraint, and positioning for anesthesia and surgical procedures.
Prepare and maintain anesthesia surgical areas, including cleaning and sterilizing equipment.
Provide assistance/support for monitoring and supporting patients during post-anesthesia recovery, ensuring airway patency, vital sign stability, and comfort while promptly reporting any abnormalities to the veterinary team.
Set up and break down anesthesia equipment in surgical suites, endoscopy suite, radiology suites, and dental suite.
Maintain storeroom inventory and ensure proper organization of supplies.
Organize patient information for the following work day procedures.
Input daily service charges.
Maintain laundry circulation.
Maintain equipment inventory and ensure proper function.
Support service maintenance and organization.
Monitor patients during pre-anesthetic and recovery phases under supervision.
Maintain accurate records of patient care and procedural details.
Communicate efficiently and effectively with team members, students, and faculty to ensure patient safety and service efficiency.
Assist with unpacking hospital supply shipments and putting items in the proper storage locations. Break down and dispose of boxes from shipments.
Clean and disinfect kennels and run and keep animals in a clean, sanitary, and comfortable environment.
Sweep and mop the floor at least once during each shift.
Follow all safety rules concerning animal restraint, handling cleaning supplies, and radiation safety.
Attend service meetings
Other duties as assigned.