Animal Caretaker & Medical Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

Animal Caretaker & Medical Specialist

Salem, Oregon |

ABOUT THE ASHER HOUSE

The Asher House is a registered nonprofit sanctuary based in Salem, Oregon, dedicated to rescuing animals that have been discarded or unwanted and giving them a life of comfort, love, and adventure. For over two years, Founder Lee Asher traveled across the country promoting dog adoption and spotlighting shelters and rescues nationwide. After the loss of his own dog, Lee set out to fulfill a lifelong dream: creating a sanctuary where animals could feel treasured, protected, and free. In late 2020, he found the property that would bring that vision to life. Today, The Asher House is on a mission to make the world a better place, one rescue animal at a time — helping people have better days and animals find their forever homes.

ABOUT THE ROLE

As a Companion Animal Medical Specialist, you will play a crucial role in supporting the care and well-being of animals, including their medical health and wellbeing. Your responsibilities will include assessing, monitoring, and providing treatment under proper supervision for companion animals under your care, as well as providing daily care and enrichment for the animals. You will work closely with a team of animal care professionals, to implement medical treatment plans that support the physical and mental health of the animals and carry out the general caretaking of the animals. You will follow proper protocols and procedures, complete all tasks in a timely manner, and work alongside the companion animal team in a positive and collaborative manner. This position requires much of the time to be spent outdoors and a strong desire to be part of a team setting. This unique hybrid role combines hands-on animal care with medical support responsibilities, ensuring the overall health, safety, and happiness of the animals in our sanctuary. The ideal candidate will have experience in both companion animal caregiving and veterinary medicine and be comfortable working in a dynamic environment.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Companion Animal Caretaker (50%)

• Assist with feeding, watering, medicating, exercising, and providing daily enrichment
• Clean and sanitize animal housing areas
• Monitor animal health for signs of illness or unusual behavior; document observations and report any health or behavioral concerns to the appropriate staff, entering notes into the animal database to ensure necessary medical appointments and follow-ups are made, including animals that may be isolated or quarantined
• Follow proper protocols and procedures to ensure the safety and highest quality of care for all companion animals, including the proper use of PPE
• Ensure animals are always supervised during medical care
• Monitor play groups and ensure dogs are safely playing and engaging with one another
• Ensure animals are in secure areas of the sanctuary when visitors arrive on the property, for the safety of both animals and people
• Act as a responsible and compassionate representative of The Asher House at all times

Animal Medical Care Specialist (50%)

• Conduct thorough daily medical assessments of animals to identify specific medical needs, issues, progress, and changes in status
• Complete the medical intake of new animals, including intake exams, noting any previous medications or medical issues, and ensure proper follow-up steps are documented and implemented
• Assist with medical assessments, diagnostics, and routine medical care under the guidance of our veterinarians and Medial Specialist Lead.
• Administer medications, vaccinations, and treatments.
• Perform basic medical procedures, including wound care, bandaging, and post-operative monitoring.
• Maintain accurate medical records for all animals and ensure compliance with sanctuary protocols.
• Monitor the health status of all animals, providing prompt intervention when needed.
• Work with The Asher House veterinary team to ensure treatment plans are executed correctly and appropriately, working within your scope of medical practice and expertise

Documentation & Reporting

• Maintain detailed records of behavioral observations, medical interventions, and progress for each animal
• Generate regular reports to communicate medical or behavioral changes, challenges, and improvements to relevant team members

Collaboration & Communication

• Work closely with staff members to support cohesive care plans authorized by management
• Collaborate effectively with the companion animal caretaking team to support consistent, high-quality care
• Support clear, consistent communication between the medical and caretaking teams
• Other job duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS

• Certification as a Veterinary Technician or relevant experience in animal medical care.
• Minimum of 1 year of experience working with animals in a caregiving or medical capacity.
• Ability to handle animals of all sizes in large groups and manage temperaments safely and compassionately.
• Knowledge of animal behavior, enrichment, and welfare standards.
• Effective communication and collaboration skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Comfortable working outdoors in various weather conditions.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, and kneel for extended periods.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and perform physically demanding tasks

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• A valid driver's license and a driving record free of major violations are required. Final offer of employment is contingent upon successful review and approval of driving history and background check.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

• The Asher House is an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national or ethnic origin, disability, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.