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:
Anesthesia
Anticipated Appointment Date:
March 2026.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
1. Ensures surgical and induction rooms are kept clean and orderly.
2. May perform a variety of animal care duties such as (but not limited to) restraint, positioning, assistance in recovery and transfer under supervision.
3. The assistant is primarily responsible for organization and maintenance of the anesthesia service and assisting technicians with patients as needed.
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. Assist in patient handling, restraint, and positioning for anesthesia and surgical procedures.
5. Prepare and maintain anesthesia surgical areas, including cleaning and sterilizing equipment.
6. Provide assistance/support for monitoring and supporting patients during
post-anesthesia recovery, ensuring airway patency, vital sign stability, and comfort while promptly reporting any abnormalities to the veterinary team.
7. Set up and break down anesthesia equipment in surgical suites, endoscopy suite, radiology suites, and dental suite.
8. Maintain storeroom inventory and ensure proper organization of supplies.
9. Organize patient information for the following work day procedures.
10. Input daily service charges.
11. Maintain laundry circulation.
12. Maintain equipment inventory and ensure proper function.
13. Support service maintenance and organization.
14. Monitor patients during pre-anesthetic and recovery phases under supervision.
15. Maintain accurate records of patient care and procedural details.
16. Communicate efficiently and effectively with team members, students, and faculty to ensure patient safety and service efficiency.
17. Assist with unpacking hospital supply shipments and putting items in the proper storage locations. Break down and dispose of boxes from shipments.
18. Clean and disinfect kennels and run and keep animals in a clean, sanitary, and comfortable environment.
19. Sweep and mop the floor at least once during each shift.
20. Follow all safety rules concerning animal restraint, handling cleaning supplies, and radiation safety.
21. Attend service meetings
22. Other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications:
High school diploma or GED 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.
Screening Date:
March 12, 2026, until filled.
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.
