JOB SUMMARY
The Humane Rescue Alliance (HRA), the first unified organization in a major urban area to provide animal welfare programs and services to the community, seeks a Veterinary Surgical Assistant to provide support to veterinarians and veterinary technicians in surgical preparation in a high-volume spay and neuter environment.
This role will assist veterinarians during surgical procedures and provide exceptional pre- and post-operative care to our animal patients. This role requires a blend of technical skills, attention to detail, and a passion for animal care. May be assigned for intermittent or regular shifts providing in-shelter medical care and support for both shelter and foster animals.
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
- Perform and provide surgery preparation to veterinarians including anesthesia induction, monitoring, recovery, examination, and medication of shelter animals.
- Assist with the duties for surgery preparation.
- Examine animals brought in for health care issues pre-and post-adoption. Work with veterinarians in administering appropriate tests, medical care, and medication.
- Verify animal identification prior to surgery.
- Assist in screening animals for other medical conditions prior to surgery.
- Maintain all equipment in surgery to ensure function and safety.
- Oversee animal anesthetic recovery and follow-up care.
- Clean and pack surgical instruments. Run autoclave as needed.
- Obtain vital signs, weights, and assess the overall condition of patients.
- Perform minor medical tasks such as administering medications, subcutaneous fluids, vaccinations, and microchips.
- Maintain cleanliness and stock of supplies in surgical areas.
- Administer vaccinations and other appropriate injections, as needed.
- Assist with the intake of public and shelter animals.
- Discuss post-operative care with foster parents and owners.
- Assist with medical records.
- Fill medications as prescribed.
- Follow safety guidelines, and maintain a healthy and safe environment for animals and people.
- Always represent HRA in a professional and courteous manner. Provide quality service to the public, volunteers, and employees recognizing their individual contributions to the success of the organization.
- Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS
- Knowledge of vet tech and animal shelter procedures, and protocols.
- Knowledge of restraint, handling techniques, and general animal safety practices, including recognizing animal behavior patterns.
- Ability to work effectively, independently, and in a team atmosphere for multiple projects, shifting priorities, and deadline pressures; to be flexible, detail-oriented; to prioritize.
- Excellent interpersonal skills with customer service orientation. Ability to communicate effectively, courteously, and professionally.
- Computer literacy with proficient use of programs including Microsoft Office programs, email, Internet, and database software.
- Completion of ASPCA HQHVSN certification training or the ability to complete it within the first 3 months of hire.
- Ability to work weeknights, weekends, and holidays as needed. Ability to work weekend vaccine, and feline clinics, as needed. Ability to work overtime as needed.
- Passion for the HRA mission, and for caring for all animals regardless of age, breed, temperament, or species, and supporting and educating members of the public, free of judgment or bias.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORK ENVIRONMENT
- Ability to lift 50 pounds unassisted regularly, 50+ pounds assisted.
- Ability to be comfortable working with cats, dogs, small animals, reptiles, fish, and wildlife.
- Ability to perform strenuous physical activity on daily basis, including lifting, carrying, reaching, stooping, squatting, standing, and bending.
- Exposure to deceased, fractious, or aggressive animals; hostile, irate persons; zoonotic or other diseases; unpleasant noises, odors, sights; extreme temperatures.
- Minimum one year of experience in the veterinary medical field and/or shelter experience.
The Humane Rescue Alliance (HRA) offers a comprehensive benefits package including healthcare, vision, dental and select offerings for pets. Additional information may be provided upon request.
Multilingual candidates are encouraged to apply. A salary premium may be offered for multilingual candidates who demonstrate proficiency in written and oral testing.
HRA is committed to being an Equal Opportunity Employer, and does not discriminate because of race, color, creed, gender, religion, national origin, disability, age, pregnancy, genetic predisposition or carrier status, marital status, citizenship status, or sexual orientation. Accommodations will be provided to qualified individuals requiring them.
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