New

Veterinary Assistant - General Surgery

University of Georgia

retirement plan

United States, Georgia, Athens

May 12, 2026

Posting Details

Posting Number	S15125P
Working Title	Veterinary Assistant - General Surgery
Department	VetMed-VTH Small Anim Spc Srvc
About the University of Georgia	Chartered by the state of Georgia in 1785, the University of Georgia is the birthplace of public higher education in America and is the state's flagship university (https://www.uga.edu/). The proof is in our more than 240 years of academic and professional achievements and our continual commitment to higher education. UGA is currently ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report. The University's main campus is located in Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 3,100 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University's enrollment exceeds 41,000 students including over 31,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 19 schools and colleges, including our newly established School of Medicine.
About the College/Unit/Department	The University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine, founded in 1946, is dedicated to training future veterinarians, providing services to animal owners and veterinarians, and conducting investigations to improve the health of animals as well as people. The college benefits pets and their owners, food-producing animals, and wildlife by offering the highest quality hospital and diagnostic laboratory services. Equipped with the most technologically advanced facilities located on a university campus, the college is dedicated to safeguarding public health by studying emerging infectious diseases that affect both animal and human health. The College of Veterinary Medicine values all members of the university community, recognizing that differences in experience and culture can only lead to a more well-rounded, accepting academic environment as embodied in our Principles of Community ( http://vet.uga.edu/principles-of-community/" target="_blank"> http://vet.uga.edu/principles-of-community/>)
College/Unit/Department website	https://vet.uga.edu/hospital-and-primary-care/hospital/
Posting Type	External
Retirement Plan	TRS
Employment Type	Employee
Benefits Eligibility	Benefits Eligible
Full/Part time	Full Time
Work Schedule
Additional Schedule Information	Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm
Advertised Salary	$16.85 per hour
Posting Date	05/11/2026
Open until filled	Yes
Closing Date
Proposed Starting Date	06/22/2026
Special Instructions to Applicants
Location of Vacancy	Athens Area
EEO Policy Statement	The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status or other protected status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR ( hrweb@uga.edu).
USG Core Values Statement	The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 25 institutions of higher education and learning, as well the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 08.02.18.01.02. Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 06.05 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom.

Position Information

Classification Title	Veterinary Assistant I
FLSA	Non-Exempt
FTE	1.00
Minimum Qualifications	High school diploma or equivalent
Preferred Qualifications	Experience working in general surgery within an animal hospital environment.
Position Summary	Assist veterinarians, licensed veterinary technicians and clinical students with perioperative patient care, including surgical preparation, patient monitoring, medication administration/treatments. Provides essential support by delivering basic animal care, assisting with patient preparation, sedation support, monitoring, and recovery, and helping with diagnostic procedures. This role ensures a clean, organized, and well-stocked clinical environment, maintains accurate records, and supports workflow coordination. The assistant also contributes to the hospital's teaching mission by guiding veterinary and veterinary technician students, demonstrating proper techniques, and fostering a collaborative, patient-focused learning environment. The role is essential to ensuring patient safety, comfort, and efficient workflow for both General, Emergency and Orthopedic surgery services.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies	Ability to safely and properly handle and restrain various species of animals. Basic understanding of animal health terminology and procedures. Strong attention to detail. Effective communication and teamwork skills, including the ability to interact with learners at different levels. Ability to follow detailed instructions and adhere to hospital protocols. Strong organizational skills and ability to prioritize tasks in a fast-paced environment.
Physical Demands	Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds (assisted as needed). Ability to sit, stand, stoop, bend, and walk for extended periods on hard floor surfaces. Manual dexterity sufficient to work with both small, delicate instruments and larger equipment. Ability to safely restrain animals of various sizes and temperaments. Required to wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) including masks, gloves, gowns, hairnets, and eye protection. Frequent exposure to cleaning agents, disinfectants, anesthetic gases, and biological materials. Work involves assisting with wound care, infection control practices, and surgical procedures.
Is driving a responsibility of this position?	No
Is this a Position of Trust?	Yes
Does this position have operation, access, or control of financial resources?	No
Does this position require a P-Card?	No
Is having a P-Card an essential function of this position?	No
Does this position have direct interaction or care of children under the age of 18 or direct patient care?	Yes
Does this position have Security Access (e.g., public safety, IT security, personnel records, patient records, or access to chemicals and medications)	Yes
Credit and P-Card policy	Be advised a credit check will be required for all positions with financial responsibilities. For additional information about the credit check criteria, visit the UGA Credit Background Check website.
Background Investigation Policy	Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including, a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials (including reference checks) as they relate to the job-based requirements of the position applied for; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. You may also be subject to a pre-employment drug test for positions with high-risk responsibilities, if applicable. Please visit the UGA Background Check website.

Duties/Responsibilities

Patient Management:
This includes, but is not limited to:

Physical examinations
Phlebotomy and sample collection needs
Medication and fluid administration
Sedation administration/monitoring
Perioperative care and preparation
Crucial thinking for all aspects of case management
Informing attending clinician on any needs, changes, or deterioration of the patient's condition in an informed and timely manner
Lifting up to 50 lbs. or above (assisted)

Percentage of time

Duties/Responsibilities	Maintains clinical records via written chart and recording and input of charges into proprietary software database
Percentage of time	25

Duties/Responsibilities	Stock supplies of cleaning products and patient care equipment. Insure facility cleanliness with the use of mop, broom, and chemical cleaning supplies to sanitize cages and cleaning the floor.
Percentage of time	10