Veterinary Assistant Part Time

Veterinary Assistant

The Veterinary Assistant shall support the DoD Working Dog Veterinary Services (DODMWDVS) at Lackland AFB, TX by providing care and assistance in medical, surgical, imaging, and facility maintenance tasks for canines under the supervision of licensed veterinary professionals. Support includes technical procedures involving diagnostic imaging, surgery, medicine, critical or general clinical care or any combination of veterinary support work on Military Working Dogs (MWDs) and/or Government Owned Animals (GOAs) in support of various DODMWDVS departments.

Responsibilities

• Administer medications, (pilling) to Military Working Dogs (MWDs) and TSA Canine during early morning shifts, evening shifts, holidays and weekends through oral administration of canines.
• Aide in the examination, evaluation, and vaccination of canines. This incorporates the handling of the dog in pre- and post-exam, concisely conveying the information to the veterinarian and providing support in the retrieval of vital signs (heart rate, respiratory rate, temperature, hydration status, attitude, etc.) of animals presented for sick call or medical evaluation clinics.
• Sanitize exam room and treatment areas between canines or as needed.
• Assist with administering medications topically, orally, optic, ophthalmic, or by parenteral injections (subcutaneous, intramuscular, or intravenous) as prescribed by the attending veterinarian.
• Administer vaccinations and dewormers under indirect veterinarian or supervision according to established protocols.
• Conduct health checks on Government Working Dogs (GWDs).
• Monitor the appearance and activity of dogs for signs of illness, wounds, disease, and discontent.
• Visually observe the health and welfare of assigned GWDs and takes the applicable steps to prevent or resolve issues.
• Specifically, surveys for and identify any signs of injury, illness, and substantial changes in personality, weight loss, bloat, and changes in physical condition. Informs anything uncharacteristic to Veterinarian Staff.
• Observe recovery of GWDs after surgery by assisting Vet Tech staff with tracking respiratory rate, heart rate, blood pressure, tissue perfusion, hydration, body temperature, state of consciousness, and reflexes.
• Assist Vet Techs with visually observing vital signs of GWDs undergoing radiological procedures.
• Identify post-operative complications (shock, hemorrhage, respiratory distress, hypothermia, etc.) and inform veterinarian
• Restrain and position canines for radiographic studies and diagnostic imaging.
• Support Rehab Team's examinations and implementation of therapeutic modalities for patients recovering from surgery, healing from orthopedic or neuromuscular injury, or other responsibilities.
• Maintain cleanliness and sanitation of examination rooms, surgical suites, and kennels.
• Ensure proper storage and handling of medical supplies and equipment.
• Perform daily cleaning and sanitation of primary enclosures, cage change-out, and surrounding areas inside and outside of animal facilities.
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Veterinary Assistant certification preferred.
• Minimum of one (1) year of experience in a veterinary or animal care setting.
• Possess and maintain a valid driver's license.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Ability to safely handle and restrain animals.
• Ability to pass TSA Background Investigation.
• Ability to comply with American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care International (AAALAC), and US Army Veterinary Medical Standardization Board clinical guidelines, TB MED 298, Handbook of Veterinary Care for the Military Working Dog, and Hospital SOPs.
• Ability to provide care for Government Working Dogs (GWDs), including large trained and untrained working breed canines, according to specific schedules and routine methods.
• Experience handling large, trained and untrained working breed canines
• Experience with Military Working Dog experience Preferred
• Ability to communicate orally and in writing, and to work harmoniously with personnel and supervisors.
• Ability to catch, handle, hold, and transfer GWDs, including large trained and untrained working breed canines, without injuring the animal or endangering self or others.
• Familiarity with medical terminology and equipment.
• Ability to apply knowledge of the normal appearance and activities of GWDs, including large trained and untrained working breed canines, to recognize obvious changes such as excessive loss of fur, fighting, refusal to feed, malaise, etc.
• Knowledge of effective facility sanitation to prevent injury and illness in program animals.
• Ability to lift or move up to 80 pounds

Physical Demands (The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.)

• While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to sit and talk or hear. The employee may use repeated motions that include the arms, wrists, hands and/or fingers. The employee is occasionally required to walk, stand, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 80 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision.

Any estimated salary provided by this job board may not align with Chenega's compensation program. Please apply to connect with a recruiter who can provide more details.