Animal Health Technician

Position Function:

To perform a variety of duties involved in providing technical support to the Animal Emergency and Referral Center; provide instruction to Animal Health Technicians and professional veterinary students.

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.

Anticipated Appointment Date:

November 2024. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Instruct, evaluate, and assist professional veterinary students and animal health technicians on technical health care procedures. Schedule diagnostic procedures and the use of diagnostic equipment. Set-up, clean, and maintain specialized diagnostic equipment and animal treatment areas. Perform or assist with diagnostic procedures. Perform routine laboratory tests as needed. Supervise or administer anesthesia during diagnostic or therapeutic procedures. Initiate emergency resuscitation and treatments. Monitor the condition of animals in ordinary and special care units; notify appropriate personnel of change in health status. Operate and maintain a variety of clinical equipment. Responsible for maintaining fresh blood supply in blood bank; maintain donor log book. Assist in research studies. Restrain, move, and handle animals. Instruct others on proper animal handling techniques, vaccination protocols, and treatment schedules. Perform related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

Completion of an approved Animal Health Technology program. Ability to work with and handle either large or small animals depending on the specific area of assignment. Ability to lift, stoop, and bend in order to move animals as needed and maintain equipment. Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Trainee Level: Must possess a veterinary technology or technician degree, Must obtain certification within 1 calendar year of hire.
Level I: Completion of an approved Animal Health Technology Program with no experience.
Level II: 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.

Rank and salary commensurate with education and experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

Bachelors degree in animal science or related field. Prior work experience.

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: 

Applicants must apply online at Please include cover letter and resume along with names and addresses of at least three references.

Screening Date:

October 24, 2024, until filled. 

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

MSU is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, sex, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, pregnancy, gender identity, status as a U.S. veteran, and/or any other status protected by applicable law. We always welcome nominations and applications from women, members of any minority group, and others who share our passion for building a diverse community that reflects the diversity in our student population.

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: or 

If you have any questions regarding this policy, contact the Department of Human Resources Management at or  Upon request, sections of this job listing are available in large print, and readers are available to assist the visually impaired.