Position Function:
The function of the Animal Health Technician is to perform a variety of duties involved in providing technical support to the Shelter Medicine Program; provide instruction to technician students and professional veterinary students. The funding for this position is associated with the Nutramax Veterinary Education Training Program. The position is supported by gift funding provided annually for up to five years from Nutramax with the possibility of renewable after the current agreement expires. It will be a 100% soft money-funded position with a one-year renewable contract that can be renewed for up to five years.
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:
Shelter Medicine
Anticipated Appointment Date:
March 2026.
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 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. Restrain, move, and handle animals. Instruct others on proper animal handling techniques, vaccination protocols, and treatment schedules.
9. Perform related duties as assigned.
Related duties: This position will be part of a highly collaborative surgical team that supports core veterinary student teaching while enabling the delivery of a national continuing education program focused on high quality, efficient surgical training for practicing veterinarians. The technician will play a critical role in maintaining consistency, efficiency, and safety clinical activities.
Primary responsibilities include anesthesia and perioperative patient care, surgical setup and breakdown, equipment and supply management, and direct support of faculty and learners during spay and neuter procedures. The technician will also assist with training and mentoring veterinary students and veterinary technology students during hands on instructional activities.
Depending on scheduling and program needs, this position may devote the rest of their effort to supporting student teaching and Shelter Medicine clinical operations in the spay/neuter clinic or the developing primary care clinic.
Minimum Qualifications:
Grade and salary will be commensurate with individual’s background, education and experience.
Trainee:
Responsibility: Under immediate supervision, performs standard tasks using established methods, principles, concepts and procedures related to a specialized field.
Knowledge: Introductory role with minimal to no experience or certification.
Education and Experience: High school diploma or equivalent. No previous work experience.
I
Responsibility: 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.
Knowledge: Knows fundamental concepts, practices and procedures of particular field of specialization.
Education and Experience: Completion of an approved Animal Health Technology Program with no experience.
II
Responsibility: 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
Knowledge: Knows and applies fundamental concepts, practices, and procedures of particular field of specialization, with awareness of related fields.
Education and Experience: Completion of an approved Animal Health Technology Program plus 2 years’ experience. Experience must include at least 2 years at the preceding level or
equivalent.
Preferred Qualifications:
Bachelors degree in animal science or related field. Prior work experience.
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.
Screening Date:
February 26, 2026, until filled.
Restricted Clause:
Position is contingent upon continued availability of funding.
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.
