Veterinary Assistant I

Veterinary Assistant I

The Veterinary Assistant has the primary responsibility for the sterile, sanitary, and efficient operation of the SSPCA Spay and Neuter Clinic. This position assists the staff veterinarians in the primary care and treatment of pre-operative and post-operative surgery animals and maintains all procedures and practices with the Spay Clinic to meet the highest standards possible.

Essential Job Functions:

• Assists in the preparation of the Clinic for surgery and performs pre-op surgical duties on animals selected for surgery
• Provides support during surgery to the Staff Veterinarians.
• Under supervision of a RVT, administers pharmaceuticals such as medications and vaccines.
• Collects and prepares blood, urine, and feces samples.
• Performs various procedures under the direct supervision of a Staff Veterinarian or RVT such as intramuscular, intravenous and subcutaneous injections
• Maintains cleanliness of the surgery room and other related areas, to provide a safe, clean and sterile environment.
• Must be punctual and maintain regular, predictable attendance.
• Must be committed to a high standard of safety and be willing and able to comply with all safety laws and all of the employer's safety policies and rules and must be willing to report safety violations and potential safety violations to appropriate supervisory or management personnel.

Additional Duties and Responsibilities:

• Schedule spay/neuter appointments and completes appropriate paperwork for Spay Clinic related activities (i.e. filing, Spay Clinic correspondence, spay/neuter deposits and refunds, surgery reminders, telephone follow-ups, misc. reports).
• Assists in tours, lectures, public education programs, special events and fundraising activities as needed.
• Provides accurate information and friendly professional service to the public and to co-workers in a responsive, positive, courteous, truthful and tactful manner.

Requirements:

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of domestic animals including breeds, behavior, appropriate care and housing, common health problems, disease symptoms and handling techniques.
• Knowledge of aseptic surgical techniques, animal care and husbandry.
• Knowledge of anesthesia techniques.
• Knowledge of sterilization and surgical pack preparation procedures.
• Knowledge of State and local codes, ordinances and regulations governing quarantine, impounding, care, and disposal of animals.
• Ability to identify normal and abnormal animal behavior and symptoms of rabies and other animal disorders.
• Ability to control and safely handle pharmaceuticals used in the care and handling of animals and disinfectants in the cleaning and disinfecting of animal habitats.
• Ability to get along and work effectively with the public, management, fellow employees, volunteers, and other agencies and groups.
• Must possess a valid California Drivers license, clear driving record at least one year prior to application, and ability to drive both automatic and standard transmission vehicles.

Education and Experience:

• High school graduate or GED equivalent with six months of experience assisting a licensed veterinarian in providing medical treatment to animals, including surgical procedures and medical examinations, in an animal shelter, hospital, or similar environment.

Physical Requirements:

• Any allergic condition that would be aggravated from exposure or through contact with animals or chemicals used to sanitize facilities, vehicles or equipment, may be a disqualification.
• Must stand, walk, bend, stoop, and sit regularly to perform duties. Have the ability to perform strenuous physical activity, including lifting and carrying objects weighing up to 50 pounds alone or up to 100 pounds with the help of fellow employees for short distances.
• May be exposed to hostile or abusive members of the public. Must be able to deal with an often times emotion-charged public and carry a fast paced and changing work load which at times can be stressful.
• By nature of the industry, there may be occasional exposure to dead, injured, sick, unruly, vicious, and/or dangerous animals in addition to exposure to parasites and to infectious diseases.
• Must be available and willing to work such weekends, holidays, overtime, and attend mandatory training and meetings as the employer determines are necessary or desirable to meet its business needs.

Note: The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees, but are not a complete list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. Either employer or employee may terminate the employment relationship at any time with or without notice and with or without cause.