Shelter Medicine Associate

Job Details: Job Location: Oakland Adoption Center - Oakland, CA 94621, Position Type: Full Time, Salary Range: $24.50 - $25.00 Hourly, The Shelter Medicine Associateplays a vital role providing medical care for both shelter and foster animals at one of the oldest animal welfare organizations in the country. Responsibilities include supporting our shelter veterinarian, assisting with daily rounds, administering vaccinations, dispensing medications, supporting foster homes, assisting with surgical procedures as needed, and maintaining accurate medical records for all animals in our care. The associate also facilitates foster placements, offers ongoing support to foster families, conducts physical exams for incoming animals, and schedules follow-up appointments for medical care or vaccinations. Strong multitasking skills are essential for success in this role.

East Bay SPCA is a 501(c)3 non-profit committed to the welfare of dogs and cats in Alameda and Contra Costa Counties. Our mission is to transform the lives of cats and dogs by enriching the human-animal bond through respected and accessible expertise. East Bay SPCA is one of the nation’s oldest humane organizations, in operation since 1874, and receives no funding from any national organizations.

Category: Full-time; Non-exempt, 9/80 Schedule

Location: Oakland, CA (and Dublin, CA as needed)

Reports to: Shelter Medicine Manager

Benefits

East Bay SPCA offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support the well-being and future of our employees. Medical and dental benefits are fully covered, along with optional vision coverage. Employees can plan for their future with a 401(K) Retirement Plan featuring a 3% company contribution, life insurance, short-term and long-term disability insurance, and an Employee Assistance Program. The company also provides generous paid time off, starting at 120 hours per year, increasing to 160 hours after 5 years, and 200 hours after 10 years, plus 80 paid holiday hours annually and an additional personal holiday after one year. Employees enjoy extra perks such as waived pet adoption fees, discounted veterinary care, behavior and training classes, up to $75/month public transit/vanpool commuter reimbursement, and various industry discounts, including Pet Food Express.

Responsibilities

• Monitoring the health of the animals on an ongoing basis and rapidly identifying any health problems or conditions (medical or behavioral) and immediately reporting it to a supervisor
• Vaccinate animals and perform diagnostic tests under the direct supervision of the staff veterinarian or shelter supervisor/manager
• Medicate animals as prescribed by the staff veterinarian
• Follow protocols for starting animals on medication for common illnesses
• Examine incoming animals; perform intake for those with more serious medical conditions
• Evals the overall age, health, and behavior of foster animals entering East Bay SPCA’s foster program
• Assists in the coordination of the care of animals requiring placement into foster care and behavior or medical rehabilitation
• Assist with the supervision and directing of foster program volunteers
• Responds promptly to all incoming correspondence, serving as a primary point of contact for foster and medical questionsor concerns
• Coordinate foster animals returning to the shelter for vaccinations, surgery or veterinarian care
• Conduct daily walkthrough of shelter to examine all animals in our care to ensure the health and location of the animals in isolation and adoption areas
• Read/Fill prescriptions as approved by the staff veterinarian
• Assist with and schedule medical procedures as requested
• Restrain animals as needed for the staff veterinarian and/shelter staff
• Providing staff education and support as needed
• Perform diagnostic lab work - including use of microscope for parasites
• Assist with humane euthanasia as needed
• Maintains accurate and accessible records in Shelter Buddy for the foster program
• Assists with coordination of foster animals returning to the shelter for surgery or veterinary care
• Schedule and facilitate field trips and sleepovers with fosters
• Properly and accurately prepare all animal records in preparation for spay/neuter, examination, or other veterinary services as needed
• Assist and maintain medical records for shelter animals
• Assist in maintaining a clean and disinfected examination area
• Interacts with clients and coworkers appropriately and efficiently
• Perform all other duties assigned by the Shelter Medicine Manager and Shelter Veterinarian as needed

Qualifications

• High school graduate or equivalent; college courses and/or graduate in relevant field preferred
• At least one year experience working in an animal shelter or veterinary clinic
• Proven organizational skills and effective written and verbal communication
• Ability to multi-task and thrive in a dynamic, fast paced environment
• Ability to work both independently and as a team
• Confident and competent animal handler; basic understanding of canine/feline behavior
• Must obtain Veterinary Assistant Controlled Substance Permit within six months of employment
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications; familiarity with Shelter Buddy shelter software program desired
• Fosters positive teamwork; work cooperatively and effectively all departments and staff
• Pre-employment background check and drug screening required
• Reliable transportation, a valid CA driver’s license and evidence of insurability required

Working Conditions

• Work is primarily performed in an animal shelter environment with exposure to detergents, cleaning products, wet and humid environments, and seasonal outdoor conditions
• Must be willing to work occasional irregular hours, weekends, and holidays
• Animal contact and related injuries, including bites and scratches, may occur. Will occasionally handle sick, injured, and deceased animals
• Noise exposure varies and often includes uncontrolled barking and other animal vocalizations
• Animal waste contact, smells, and visual exposure are prevalent
• Must be able to lift 50 pounds frequently and occasionally lift up to 75 pounds with assistance. Must be able to push and/or pull over 50 pounds occasionally
• Frequent standing, walking, typing, bending, twisting, crouching, kneeling, and stooping