Float Pool Veterinary Assistant

About the Job

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

90% Team Support and Patient Care

10% Clerical

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

Work Schedule: Shifts are variable, including paid break periods (exclusive of unpaid 30 minute break). Floats may be scheduled for any shift and earn $1.50 additional for flexibility. Some overtime may be required.

Location and Work environment: Work is completed onsite in the Veterinary Medical Center in various services in which you are trained. 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.

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

About the Department

The University of Minnesota Veterinary Medical Centers (VMC) hospitals have served Minnesotas cats, dogs, horses, and farm animals for more than a century. With more than 32,000 patient visits each year, the VMC is one of the busiest veterinary teaching hospital systems in the U.S. as well as a hub for clinical research. It also has the largest team of board-certified specialists in the Upper Midwest who take a collaborative, compassionate approach to patient care while using-and pioneering-the latest research and technologies. More than 16 specilality services deliver cutting-edge veterinary services in a teaching environment that is continuously shaping the future of veterinary medicine.

Pay and Benefits

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

Time Appointment: 100% 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.

How To Apply

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail jobcentr@umn.edu.

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 nations 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.