Veterinary Assistant

Animal Shelter Personnel

Animal shelter personnel are employees of the Animal Service Center of the Mesilla Valley - not the City of Las Cruces. Perform duties to support and document health care and feeding of shelter animals.

Environmental Factors

Animal shelter environment; exposure to a variety of domestic and wild animals, animal body fluids, wastes and infectious materials and surgical instruments; outdoor and or inclement weather conditions, may be exposed to hostile or abusive members of the public.

Physical Factors

Moderate lifting up to fifty (50) pounds; bending, stooping, kneeling, crawling; sitting or standing for prolonged periods of time; operating various equipment.

Work Situation Factors

Position involves competing demands, performing multiple tasks, working to deadlines, occasional work beyond normal business hours, working weekends, nights, holidays and responding to customer issues. Position is subject to drug testing in accordance with applicable State and Federal regulations and ASCMV policies. MEETING OR EXCEEDING THE MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS DOES NOT GUARANTEE AN INVITATION TO PARTICIPATE IN THE PROCESS.

Position will be advertised as continuous until filled, with periodic review of applications. Fulltime regular, non-exempt position. This position is graded XN07.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Assist veterinary staff with healthcare of all animals. Take vital signs. Perform routine medical treatments including give medicine, trim nails and beaks, give vaccinations, and clean and bandage wounds. Take and process x-rays. Draw blood from all species of animals. Dispense prescriptions. Conduct fecal sample analysis. Perform lab tests and send out for diagnosis. Set up and assist in surgery. Perform necropsies of small mammals, fish, avian, and reptiles. Reports information to the pathologist packs and mails specimens.
• Assist with quarantine and animal husbandry. Set up enclosures for specific species. Research diets and prepares for arrival. Prepare temporary diet card for special diet items. Feed, clean and observe animals. Ensure quarantine animals are in good health. Disinfect animal enclosure after animal departure. Collect fecal samples. Give medication as required. Keep accurate records of consumption and temperature. Perform maintenance and record keeping duties for shelter. Clean and disinfect exam and treatment rooms, surgery and scrub rooms, laboratory, pharmacy, x-ray and quarantine areas. Sterilize surgical instruments, drapes and equipment. Receive, log, tag and store medical equipment, supplies and medications.
• Establish and maintain animal medical files. Input data into computerized program. Contact other shelters, laboratories and research facilities for medical information. Keep logs of consumption, medical treatment, parasitology, observation and other necessary data. Answer questions about the shelter, as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Equivalent to a High School diploma AND one (1) year animal health care experience under the supervision of a veterinarian. A combination of education, experience, and training may be applied in accordance with City of Las Cruces policy. Valid driver's license is required. Position requires an acceptable driving record according to ASCMV policy.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Basic Knowledge of Methods and techniques of veterinary procedures; principles of anatomy, physiology and behavior of a large variety of animal species; principles and procedures of safe animal handling and restraint techniques; occupational hazards and standard safety practices; principles of laboratory testing; pertinent Federal, State, and local laws, codes and regulations; Methods and techniques used in the security and control of controlled substances; office procedures, records management.

Skills in Using initiative and independent judgment within established procedural guidelines; handling people tactfully and courteously, and answering questions within the scope of authority and confidentiality; working independently and as a team member, maintaining composure, and working effectively in a high-pressure environment with changing priorities; reading, understanding, and applying relevant rules, ordinances, codes, regulations, policies, procedures, and administrative orders; collecting data, analyzing information, and making logical conclusions based on facts; interpreting a variety of technical instructions and program requirements; preparing and writing reports; meeting critical time deadlines; searching and maintaining records and computer files. Demonstrated computer skills in working with word processing, spreadsheet and email software.

Ability to Assist in providing veterinary services to shelter animals; conduct various laboratory tests; recognize symptoms and health problems of animals; assess and prioritize multiple tasks, projects and demands; communicate effectively in verbal and written forms; establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, general public, elected officials, special interest groups, advocates, and representatives from other regional, state and other agencies; maintain a high level of confidentiality and discretion.