Veterinary Assistant

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. This position will work some after hour shifts.

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:

AERC

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Provide basic animal care for various species of animals. Animal care includes cleaning and changing out cages, cleaning stalls and animal runs. Feeding, watering, observations and record keeping.
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. Perform under the direction of the veterinary care team the treatment for various species of animals as dictated by the veterinarian.
5. Maintain records on animal health, services provided, and capture of associated fees in compliance with standard practices.
6. Administer animal treatments under the direction of a veterinarian.
7. Work schedule includes weekends and may vary from week to week.
8. Responsible for cleaning exam rooms and equipment.
9. Responsible for stocking supplies.
10. Assist in restraining animals for examinations and medical procedures.
11. Performs related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

High school diploma or equivalent 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.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

- 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

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

- Frequent - Externally imposed deadlines; set and revised beyond one's control; interruptions influence priorities; difficult to anticipate nature or volume of work with certainty beyond a few days; meeting of deadlines and coordination of related activities are key to position.
- Job frequently requires walking, sitting, reaching, talking, hearing, handling objects with hands.
- Job requires standing, stooping/kneeling/crouching/crawling, and lifting up to 50 pounds.
- Job requires use of computer keyboard in the performance of duties.
- Vision requirements: Ability to see information in print and/or electronically.

Instructions for Applying:

Link to apply:  http://explore.msujobs.msstate.edu/

All applicants must apply online at www.msujobs.msstate.edu and attach a cover letter, current resume, and the complete contact information for at least three professional references.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

Mississippi State University is an equal opportunity institution. Discrimination is prohibited in university employment, programs or activities based on race, color, ethnicity, sex, pregnancy, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, or any other status to the extent protected by applicable law. Questions about equal opportunity programs or comp