Veterinary Assistant - Shelter Medicine

This position provides veterinary technical, administrative, and data-management support for student instruction and service delivery within the Mobile Shelter Surgery and Community Outreach programs. The Mobile Shelter Surgery rotation provides spay/neuter services and basic veterinary care for animals housed by regional shelters and community organizations with limited access to veterinary services. Approximately 96 senior veterinary students participate annually, and approximately 5,000 animals undergo surgery each year. The Community Outreach program provides accessible veterinary services to individuals and communities experiencing barriers to care through mobile and community-based clinics conducted in partnership with local organizations.

522267 Manhattan, Kansas, United States Clinical Sciences Staff Full Time (Unclassified - Term) Closing at: Oct 6 2026 - 23:55 CDT On-site

This position provides veterinary technical, administrative, and data-management support for student instruction and service delivery within the Mobile Shelter Surgery and Community Outreach programs. The Mobile Shelter Surgery rotation provides spay/neuter services and basic veterinary care for animals housed by regional shelters and community organizations with limited access to veterinary services. Approximately 96 senior veterinary students participate annually, and approximately 5,000 animals undergo surgery each year. The Community Outreach program provides accessible veterinary services to individuals and communities experiencing barriers to care through mobile and community-based clinics conducted in partnership with local organizations.

The veterinary assistant supports patient intake and clinical workflow; surgical preparation; anesthetic induction and monitoring; intraoperative assistance; immediate postoperative care; and client check-out, including providing approved documentation and reviewing discharge instructions. The position is also responsible for maintaining complete and accurate medical and program records for both programs, coordinating activities with community partner organizations, assisting with clinic and patient scheduling, and helping ensure that mobile units and clinic sites are adequately stocked. The position compiles and provides program data for internal evaluation, partner reporting, grant administration, and approved research activities.

About Us The Veterinary Health Center is located in Manhattan, Kansas which is a vibrant college community with a population of over 55,000 in the Flint Hills. We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes 24 vacation days plus other paid time off (holidays, sick, and discretionary), health insurance, life insurance, and retirement plans.

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) One year of relevant experience. Valid driver's license. Requirements may be met through a combination of education and experience.

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. Experience in a teaching veterinary hospital environment. Have excellent communication skills and strong interpersonal skills.

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.

How to Apply Please submit the following documents:

1. 1. Resume
2. 2. Cover Letter
3. 3. Contact information for three professional references

Application Window Applications close: October 6, 2026

Anticipated Hiring Pay Range $ 19.00 - 21.00 per hour

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 and Sponsorship: Employees must be authorized to work in the United States at the time of employment. International candidates who require employer-sponsored work authorization are welcome to apply. Eligibility for visa sponsorship depends on several factors, including but not limited to, the job’s occupational requirements, specific duties, wage level, the candidate’s qualifications (such as degree field) and available departmental resources. As a result, not all positions or applicants will be eligible for sponsorship.

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 from outside of Kansas you can visit the site to 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.