Large Animal Hospital Veterinary Assistant; CARE

Large Animal Hospital Veterinary Assistant (CARE)

Apply now Job no: 538376

Work type: Staff Full-Time

Location: Main Campus (Gainesville, FL)

Categories: Veteran's Preference Eligible, Veterinary Medicine/Animal Care

Department:  - VM-HOSPITAL

Large Animal Hospital Veterinary Assistant (CARE)

High school diploma or equivalent and two years of experience loading, unloading, restraining and handling horses and one year of experience utilizing equipment in farm facility maintenance.

Duties include cleaning and maintenance of patient care and holding areas and equipment; preparing and sanitizing hospital facilities; stocking and monitoring supplies. This individual would also work with a team to assist with anesthetic induction and recovery of large animal patients (mostly horses) for surgery and other procedures including MRI, CT, Radiology, etc. The individual will also assist in movement of patients in and out of OR, MRI, and CT and assist in cleaning and maintenance of anesthetic induction/recovery suites and associated equipment.

The individual also assists with feeding, exercising, grooming, restraint and handling patients for examination and diagnostic procedures. This requires an individual to have extensive experience working with all breeds of horses and their breed specific physical and behavioral traits. This is a physically demanding position requiring extensive strength and agility.

The individual should genuinely care about people and animals, be outgoing, enthusiastic and a team player. They should endeavor to learn new things, quickly adapt to a changing environment and express a positive attitude in their daily work. This is a full-time, benefited position and is considered essential personnel. This position requires a post offer health assessment.

$16 - $19 /hour; may be eligible for additional shift differentials

• Relevant experience within the past 5 years.
• 3 years or greater relevant experience in the care and handling of horses and other large animals.
• Previous experience working in equine hospital/clinic environment.
• Previous experience in equine anesthetic recovery.
• General understanding of equipment used in a veterinary medical teaching hospital.
• Knowledge and ability to operate a forklift, tractors and material handling equipment.

In order to be considered, you must upload your cover letter and resume.

This is a CARE position offering limited benefits, including health insurance and paid time off. When appropriate certifications are achieved, promotional opportunities to a level II title may be available. This position will also become eligible for transition into a TEAMS (staff) salary plan.

This position is eligible for Veteran’s preference. If you are claiming Veteran’s preference, please upload a copy of your DD 214 Member Copy 4 with your application for consideration. See our Veteran's Preference Page for more specific information.

Application must be submitted by 11:55 p.m. (ET) of the posting end date.

Health Assessment

Required:

Yes;
Must be able to lift a minimum of 40 lbs, bend, kneel, pull, push, twist and stand for an extended period of time.

Advertised: 09 Jan 2026 Eastern Standard Time

Applications close: 21 Jan 2026 Eastern Standard Time

The University of Florida is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.