Student Assistant, Veterinary Technology

Position Summary

The Student Assistant supports the Veterinary Technology Department by assisting with daily operations, animal care, laboratory maintenance, and departmental projects. This position provides hands-on experience in a professional veterinary environment while developing technical, organizational, communication, and teamwork skills.

Learning Objectives

Participants will:

• Develop proficiency in basic animal care and husbandry skills.
• Learn proper time management, organization, and workplace professionalism.
• Build responsibility, accountability, and teamwork skills.
• Gain experience working under supervision while following directions independently.
• Develop an appreciation for compassionate, ethical animal care.
• Provide positive interaction and enrichment for animals housed in the Veterinary Technology Program.
• Learn to work safely and effectively in varying environmental conditions, including outdoor animal care during inclement weather.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Animal Care

• Feed, water, monitor, and provide daily care for dogs, cats, and other program animals.
• Walk dogs and provide enrichment activities.
• Clean animal housing, cages, kennels, litter boxes, and equipment.
• Observe animals and report health or behavioral concerns to supervising staff.

Laboratory & Facility Support

• Maintain cleanliness and organization of laboratory spaces.
• Perform general housekeeping and janitorial duties.
• Assist with facility maintenance and routine cleaning assignments.
• Safely work with laboratory equipment, cleaning products, disinfectants, and other approved chemicals.

Inventory & Supplies

• Receive, unpack, inspect, and organize incoming supplies.
• Stock and rotate inventory.
• Monitor inventory levels and expiration dates.
• Maintain organized storage areas.

Administrative Support

• Perform clerical duties including filing, copying, and data entry.
• Maintain records as assigned.
• Assist with special projects and departmental events.

General Responsibilities

• Work independently while following established protocols.
• Demonstrate professionalism when interacting with faculty, staff, students, and visitors.
• Maintain confidentiality.
• Complete other duties as assigned.