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We're Hiring!

Animal Health Technician Trainee, I, II, or Sr

  • 511013
  • Rankin County
  • Mississippi - Not located on main campus
  • 184200 - Animal and Emergency Referral Center
  • Support Staff
  • Regular Full-Time 12-month
  • Opening on: Aug 10 2026

Position Function:

The function of the Animal Health Technician is to perform a variety of duties involved in
providing technical support to the Animal Emergency & Referral Center; provide instruction to Animal Health Technicians and professional veterinary students.

Salary Grade:  12

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. Instruct, evaluate, and assist professional veterinary students and animal health technicians on technical health care procedures.
2. Schedule diagnostic procedures and the use of diagnostic equipment.
3. Set-up, clean, and maintain specialized diagnostic equipment and animal treatment areas. Perform or assist with diagnostic procedures.
4. Perform routine laboratory tests as needed. Supervise or administer anesthesia during diagnostic or therapeutic procedures.
5. Initiate emergency resuscitation and treatments.
6. Monitor the condition of animals in ordinary and special care units; notify appropriate personnel of change in health status.
7. Operate and maintain a variety of clinical equipment.
8. Responsible for maintaining fresh blood supply in blood bank; maintain donor log book.
9. Assist in research studies.
10. Restrain, move, and handle animals. Instruct others on proper animal handling techniques, vaccination protocols, and treatment schedules.
11. Work closely with high school guidance counselors in assigned territory in the
recruitment of prospective students.
12. Works with Assistant Director in assigned territory to plan recruiting events.
13. Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

Trainee - Under immediate supervision, performs standard tasks using established methods, principles, concepts and procedures related to a specialized field. Introductory role with minimal to no experience or certification.

Must meet all eligibility criteria for the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE). Must obtain certification prior to being eligible for promotion

I - Under immediate supervision, performs standard tasks using established methods, principles, concepts and procedures related to a specialized field. Judgments are made on routine matters of relatively small impact. Knows fundamental concepts,
practices and procedures of particular field of specialization.

Must have successfully completed VTNE. Must obtain RECOVER CPR certification. For promotion, must meet 3 years as Technician I or three or more years in private practice.

II - Under close supervision, performs varied duties and assignments involving some judgment. Resolves routine questions or problems, referring only complex issues to higher level. Some evaluation, originality and ingenuity. Knows and applies fundamental concepts, practices, and procedures of particular field of specialization, with awareness of related fields.

Must have successfully completed VTNE and maintained certification. Must possess and maintain RECOVER CPR certification. For promotions, must meet certification requirements and experience must include at least 3 years' experience at the preceding level or five or more years' experience in private practice

III - Under minimal supervision, performs complex assignments and fulfills broad
responsibilities where required outcomes are defined, but methods and
procedures may vary based on professional judgment or precedent. Considerable latitude for unreviewed action. Confers with supervisor on unusual matters. Coordinates the work of others on projects and may assign work to and assist less experienced professionals or support staff. Possesses and applies a broad knowledge of principles, practices and procedures of a particular field of specialization to the completion of difficult assignments. Also, possesses knowledge of related fields and areas of operation which affect, or are affected by, own area.

Must have successfully completed VTNE and maintained certification. Must possess and maintain RECOVER CPR certification. For promotions, must meet certification requirements and experience must include at least 5 years' experience at the preceding level or 7 or more years' experience in private practice

Sr - Without direct supervision, performs complex assignments and fulfills broad responsibilities where required outcomes are defined, but methods and procedures may vary based on professional judgment or precedent. Considerable latitude for unreviewed action. Confers with supervisor on unusual matters. Supervises the work of others on projects and assigns work to and assist less experienced professionals or support staff. Possesses and applies a broad knowledge of principles, practices and procedures of a particular field of specialization to the completion of difficult assignments. Also possesses knowledge of related fields and areas of operation which affect, or are affected by, own area.

Must have successfully completed VTNE and maintained certification. Must possess and maintain RECOVER CPR certification. For promotions, must meet certification requirements and experience must include 5 years at preceding level or equivalent in a teaching hospital setting or 10 years of experience in a private veterinary practice.

Rank and Salary will be commensurate with education and experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

Bachelors degree in animal science or related field. Experience in a teaching hospital setting.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Excellent telephone and email communication skills, especially related to client service.
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

Job frequently requires standing, walking, stooping/kneeling/crouching/crawling, and lifting
up to 50 pounds. Vision requirements: Ability to see information in print and/or
electronically.

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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