Veterinary Assistant

This position provides veterinary technical assistance for veterinary student instruction for the mobile shelter surgery rotation. The mobile surgical rotation is a program that provides spay/neuter services and basic care for shelter animals maintained at facilities with limited access to spay/neuter and/or veterinary services. The shelter medicine rotation is an elective course. Approximately 96 senior veterinary students will participate each year and approximately 5000 animals will be surgically altered annually. The shelter medicine assistant is responsible for surgical preparation, anesthetic induction/monitoring, intra-operative assistance, and immediate postoperative care for shelter animals on location at regional facilities. This position is also responsible for coordination of activities with regional shelters, medical records, and collaboration to ensure adequate stocking of surgical supplies for the mobile surgery rotation.

Kansas State University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes health insurance, life insurance, retirement plans, paid time off - vacation, sick, and holidays. To see what benefits are available, please visit: https://www.k-state.edu/hcs/benefits

This position is On-site.

All employees must reside in the United States when they begin working to comply with state law. K-State is unable to provide remote or hybrid work opportunities for residents of the state of Idaho.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Requires a high school diploma (or equivalent) and one year of relevant experience. Requirements may be met through a combination of education and experience.
• Valid driver's license.

Preferred Qualifications:

• One year of Vet Asst. experience in a shelter setting or small animal primary care practice.
• A working knowledge of sterile technique and general anesthesia. Ability to perform word processing and data entry procedures on a personal computer. Be willing and able to master new techniques.
• Experience in a teaching veterinary hospital environment. Clinical teaching and/or supervisory experience will be considered a beneficial asset to this position. Have excellent communication skills and strong interpersonal skills.
• Completion of a two-year college program in veterinary or animal technology accredited by the American Veterinary Association preferred but not required.

Additional Role Information:

• Position frequently involves light work. It is occasionally necessary to perform medium to heavy work associated with transporting, or moving animals and/or equipment. Must be physically able to handle, restrain, and provide medical treatment to small animals. Must be able to monitor heart sounds (hearing) through a stethoscope, monitor patient vital signs on a TV screen and/or medical monitor (sight), insert catheters, manage syringes and needles (digital dexterity) as prescribed, and express instructions quickly (talking) in emergency situations.

Sponsorship eligibility:

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship

Applications close: January 6, 2026

$14.54 - $21.81 hourly