Veterinary Assistant - (Large Animal After Hours)

Veterinary Assistant - (Large Animal After Hours)

• 511448
• Main Campus - Starkville, MS
• Mississippi - Main Campus
• 184100 - CVM AHC Administration
• Support Staff
• Regular Full-Time 12-month
• Opening on: Nov 3 2026

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Position Function:

The Large Animal Veterinary Assistant (After-Hours) provides critical support for patient care, emergency, triage, and hospital operations during evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays. This position serves as an essential member of the veterinary healthcare team, ensuring continuous care for hospitalized patients and timely support for emergency cases outside of traditional business hours.

Working in teaching and referral hospital environment, the After-Hours Veterinary Assistant assists with patient treatments, animal handling, emergency admissions, infection control, facility readiness, and support of veterinary students and clinicians. The position requires reliability, sound judgment, physical stamina, and the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment where patient needs can change rapidly.

This position differs from traditional daytime veterinary assistant roles through its expanded responsibility for supporting patient care and hospital operations during periods of reduced staffing and increased operational independence.

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:

Large Animal

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide daily care for hospitalized large animal patients, including feeding, watering, cleaning, monitoring, and documenting observations.
• Assists veterinarians, Animal Health Technicians, and students with patient treatments and medical procedures.
• Safely handle, restrain, transport, and exercise large animal patients as directed.
• Assist with collection of diagnostic samples.
• Administer treatments under the direction of a veterinarian treatment plan.
• Support emergency and after-hours patient admissions and triage activities.
• Maintain treatment areas, stalls, exam rooms, and equipment to hospital cleanliness and biosecurity standards.
• Restock medical supplies and maintain hospital readiness for emergency cases.
• Maintain accurate records of patient care activities and services provided.
• Assist with lameness examinations, patient handling, and other clinical procedures.
• Support veterinary student learning activities through patient care assistance.
• Provides essential coverage during nights, weekends, holidays, and emergency periods.
• Supports the care of hospitalized and emergency patients requiring continuous monitoring and treatment.
• Assists with emergency triage and urgent patient admissions.
• Maintains hospital readiness, cleanliness, and supply availability outside normal operating hours.
• Contributes directly to continuity of care for large animal patients in a busy referral and teaching hospital.
• Supports faculty clinicians, Animal Health Technicians, house officers, and veterinary students in delivering high-quality patient care
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

High school diploma or equivalent with two 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.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in large animal patient care
• Ability to work effectively with clinicians, staff, and students in a teaching hospital environment.
• Demonstrates commitment to professional, respectful communication and positive relationship-building with colleagues, students, clients, and faculty.
• Consistently fosters a collaborative and respectful work environment through professionalism, accountability, and constructive communication.
• Strong interpersonal skills with a commitment to teamwork, professionalism, and maintaining a positive workplace culture.
• Models' respectful communication and professional behavior; contributes positively to a culture of teamwork, and mutual respect.
• Demonstrates emotional intelligence, professionalism, and collaborative behaviors that support a positive and productive clinical environment.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• This role requires individuals who are dependable, adaptable, self-motivated, and capable of performing effectively in a physically demanding and fast-paced clinical environment.
• 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 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

• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, stoop, kneel, and work for extended periods.
• Ability to safely restrain and handle large animals.
• Ability to work outdoors and in various environmental conditions.
• Ability to respond to emergency situations and changing patient care needs.

Instructions for Applying:

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

Applicants must apply online at www.msujobs.msstate.edu. Please include a cover letter and resume along with names and addresses of at least three 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 compliance should be directed to the Office of Civil Rights Compliance, 231 Famous Maroon Band Street, P.O. 6044, Mississippi State, MS 39762, (662) 325-5839.

What do I do if I need an accommodation?

In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position with Mississippi State University, please contact the Department of Human Resources Management at tel: (662) 325-3713 or ada@hrm.msstate.edu.

If you have any questions regarding this policy, contact the Department of Human Resources Management at (662) 325-3713 or ada@hrm.msstate.edu. Upon request, sections of this job listing are available in large print, and readers are available to assist the visually impaired.

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