Grass, City, Urban, Outdoors, Park, Lawn, Person, Building, Campus, Field

We're Hiring!

Veterinary Assistant

  • 511012
  • Rankin County
  • Mississippi - Not located on main campus
  • 184200 - Animal and Emergency Referral Center
  • Support Staff
  • Regular Full-Time 12-month
  • Opening on: Jul 27 2026

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:

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/

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.

Recommended Jobs

Assistant Professor

Main Campus - Starkville, MS, Mississippi
Tenure track, 9-month Assistant or Associate Professor position in the College of Professional and Continuing Studies. The Assistant or Associate Professor will be responsible for delivering high-quality instruction in organizational leadership and professional fields, conducting research, seeking external funding and contributing to the overall academic mission of the College.

Assistant Professor

Main Campus - Starkville, MS, Mississippi
The Department of Plant and Soil Sciences (PSS) in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Mississippi State University is seeking applicants for a tenure-track Assistant Professor with and Extension (75%)/Research (25%) appointment in turf management. This position will be a 12-month tenure track appointment with an anticipated start date of January 1, 2027. Turf students earn a degree in Agronomy with an emphasis in Golf and Sports Turf management. The MSU Golf and Sports Turf Management program was one of the first turf management teaching programs established in the Southeast and is nationally regarded among the best undergraduate teaching programs with over 400 graduates, many of whom are prominent turf managers. Current enrollment is 28 undergraduates and 5 graduate students. Within PSS, the "turf team" consists of two full-time, tenure-track faculty, two research associates, and a full-time technician. In addition, other faculty and staff (entomologist, weed scientists, golf course superintendent, sports turf manager, diagnostic labs, etc.) are directly involved and are integral parts of the turf program. On-campus research facilities include over 6 acres of maintained turf, including more than 1/2 acre of sand-based construction. In addition, the university golf course and athletic fields provide part-time employment and learning experiences for students. Visit the Plant and Soil Sciences website at: https://www.pss.msstate.edu

ACCESS Employment Coordinator

Main Campus - Starkville, MS, Mississippi
The ACCESS Employment Coordinator supports the academic, career development, and independent living development needs of students in the ACCESS program.