Shelter Medical Assistant

Job Description

Job Description

Salary: Starting at $18.00 Hourly

About the St. Hubert's Animal Welfare Center

For over 80 years, St. Hubert’s Animal Welfare Center has been dedicated to helping animals in need and serving communities across New Jersey. With a people-focused, community-based approach, St. Hubert’s treats every animal as an individual and emphasizes specialized care for both animals and their families. Built on a foundation of rescue and adoption, St. Hubert’s operates extensive community programs, including access to veterinary care, pet food support, training services, and the nation’s leading pet transport initiative, WayStation. As part of the Humane Rescue Alliance, headquartered in Washington, D.C., St. Hubert’s is connected to the largest and most comprehensive animal services provider network in the region, impacting the lives of tens of thousands of animals each year. 

Job Summary

Under the direction of the Medical Services Manager, assist in the provision of medical care of animals in the shelter and foster animals. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: administering medications, triaging incoming animals, performing basic laboratory tests, assisting in surgical procedures and participating in euthanasia.

The Role: What You’ll Do

• Perform low-stress handling, restraint, and triage for all animals entering care
• Oversee and support general medical procedures for sheltered and foster animals in accordance with established protocols
• Administer medications (oral, SQ, IM) and ensure accurate documentation and follow-up in treatment records
• Establish and communicate individualized treatment plans, feeding protocols, and medication schedules for animals
• Review animal medical records daily to ensure accuracy, completeness, and compliance
• Maintain detailed and compliant records, including treatment logs, DEA logs, and required reporting documentation
• Collaborate closely with Shelter Medical Technicians, Medical Services Manager, and cross-functional teams to ensure continuity of care and awareness of animal health conditions
• Participate in daily rounds and execute follow-up actions as directed
• Assist veterinarians with surgical procedures, including anesthesia calculation and administration per protocol
• Support scheduling of spay/neuter surgeries, diagnostics, and veterinary appointments (internal and external partners)
• Collect samples and perform basic laboratory testing; assist with rabies testing procedures as trained
• Assist in necropsy procedures as needed
• Provide medical support for animals in foster, adoption, and alternative placement programs (e.g., Foster-to-Adopt, Test Drive Adoption)
• Communicate medical information clearly to adopters and internal teams as needed
• Train and support animal welfare staff in humane handling, restraint, medication administration, and basic medical procedures
• Provide guidance and task direction to Medical Assistants and support staff as needed
• Assist in euthanasia procedures in accordance with organizational protocols
• Support documentation and handling of cruelty cases when applicable
• Perform animal intake assessments, including aging, sexing, and breed identification
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of medical areas, equipment, kennels, and prep spaces
• Ensure proper maintenance and functionality of medical equipment
• Support workflow and operations within the Shelter Prep Room
• Represent St. Hubert’s in a professional, respectful, and service-oriented manner with staff, volunteers, and the public
• Perform additional duties as assigned to support shelter operations

About You: Skills & Qualifications

• Demonstrated knowledge of animal handling, restraint techniques, and safety practices, including the ability to recognize and respond to animal behavior and stress signals
• Strong ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, high-volume environment with competing priorities
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and adaptable, with the ability to effectively prioritize tasks and meet deadlines
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills, with the ability to communicate professionally and compassionately with diverse audiences, including the public, volunteers, donors, leadership, and team members
• Collaborative team player with the ability to build positive working relationships and contribute to a supportive team environment
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook), database systems, and general computer applications to support daily operations
• Commitment to staying current with American Shelter Veterinarians (ASV) Guidelines and evolving best practices in shelter medicine
• Demonstrated alignment with St. Hubert’s mission, including a passion for animal welfare and the ability to provide compassionate, judgment-free care and education to animals and the community

  Qualifications – Education & Experience

• Minimum of 3 years of experience in veterinary medicine 
• Experience in animal shelter medicine or a shelter environment preferred
• Knowledge of veterinary technician practices, shelter medicine protocols, and animal care standards preferred
• Eligibility for and willingness to obtain and maintain Euthanasia Technician Certification
• Valid driver’s license in good standing required

Where You'll Work: Physical Requirements & Work Environment

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

• Ability to lift 50 pounds unassisted regularly, 50+ pounds assisted.
• Ability to be comfortable working w/ cats, dogs, small animals, reptiles, fish, and wildlife.
• Ability to perform strenuous physical activity on daily basis, including lifting, carrying, reaching, stooping, standing, squatting, and bending.
• Ability to work holidays, weekends and nights as needed
• Due to the nature of shelter work, may be exposed to deceased, fractious, or aggressive animals; hostile, irate persons; zoonotic or other diseases; unpleasant noises, odors, sights; extreme temperatures.

Benefits Overview: St. Hubert's Animal Welfare Center

At St. Hubert's Animal Welfare Center, we are committed to supporting the well-being of our employees so they can continue making a meaningful impact for animals and the community. We offer a comprehensive and competitive benefits package designed to support your health, financial security, and work-life balance.

Benefits include:

• $0-Cost Medical Plan Option: Access to a no-cost employee-only medical plan through United Healthcare, making healthcare more accessible and affordable
• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance: Multiple plan options available to meet individual and family needs
• Health Reimbursement Account: Pre-tax options to help manage healthcare and dependent care expenses
• 401(k) Retirement Plan with Employer Support: Administered through Empower, with tools and resources to help you plan for your future
• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO): Including vacation, sick leave, and holidays to support rest and work-life balance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential resources to support mental health, wellness, and life challenges