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 main...

  • 520930
  • Manhattan, Kansas, United States
  • Clinical Sciences
  • Staff Full Time (Unclassified - Term)
  • Closing at: Jan 22 2026 - 23:55 CST
  • On-site
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About This Role

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.

About Us

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

Worksite Description

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.

What You'll Need to Succeed

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

Application Window

Applications close: January 22, 2026

Anticipated Hiring Pay Range

$14.54 - $21.81 hourly

Why Join Us:

Kansas State University offers a supportive and inclusive community, dedicated to your professional growth. While specific benefits may vary by position, many roles come with comprehensive packages that support your well-being and work-life balance, including health and life insurance, retirement plans, and generous paid time off. To learn more about benefits that are available for various positions, visit our benefits overview page.

Work Authorization: 

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States at the time of employment.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

Kansas State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, age, national origin, disability or status as a protected veteran.

Remote and Hybrid work options:

Some positions are eligible for remote or hybrid working arrangements.  An employee who is working in a remote or hybrid capacity for K-State must reside within the United States in order to comply with all federal and state laws, filings, or tax requirements. Remote and hybrid work arrangements are not available for anyone who resides in the state of Idaho.

Relocation to Kansas: 

Kansas participates in the MakeMyMove program, which connects eligible newcomers with participating communities offering financial incentives, housing support, and local perks to help make your move easier and more rewarding. If relocating you can visit the site apply online for the program incentives. 

Background Screening Statement:

Upon acceptance of a contingent offer of employment, a candidate may be subject to a background check per K-State’s background check policy.

Interview Preferences:

Kansas State University honors interview preferences for qualified applicants who are veterans or individuals with disabilities. Eligible applicants who meet the minimum qualifications, submit all required application materials, and submit required preference documentation by the closing date on the job advertisement will be granted a first-level interview.

The disability and veteran interview preferences do not apply to student employment positions, temporary positions, athletics positions, academic and administrative department heads*, positions that require licensure as a physician, and positions that require that the employee be admitted to practice law in Kansas.

*Heads of Departments refers to any individual holding a primary leadership role responsible for the overall strategic direction, management and operational oversight of a recognized academic or administrative unit within the university.

To learn more about interview preferences at K-State, please visit our interview preferences page.