Full-Time Veterinary Assistant
Job Description: Veterinary Assistant
Classification: Full Time – Non-Exempt
Starting Salary: $34,500
Reports to: Veterinarian-in-Charge
Summary/Objective: The Veterinary Assistant (VA) provides support to the Veterinarian and the Licensed Veterinary Technician and is involved in all aspects of the surgical day in Richmond Animal League’s (RAL) Loving Spay+Neuter Clinic (LSNC). This position is responsible for outstanding patient care, clinic equipment maintenance, surgical supply inventory, and veterinary inspection readiness. Candidates should be detail oriented, organized, focused, and able to complete tasks. The VA reports to the Lead Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT).
Essential Functions:
Uphold Exceptional Animal Care Standards
Maintain Fear Free certification and knowledge.
Use Fear Free techniques with all patients and train others on these techniques.
Ensure the comfort of all patients.
Provide clean bedding and calming elements to the pet enclosures each morning.
Bring patients into the clinic during drop off and set them up in their enclosure.
Monitor the appropriate recovery of patients throughout the day.
Return patients to their caregiver at discharge.
Explain post-operative care and medications.
Provide careful patient monitoring throughout the day.
Assist with Surgery
Set up the surgery suite each morning.
Prepare vaccinations and medications for patients.
Restrain patients for induction.
Aseptically prepare patients for surgery.
Move patients from surgery to recovery to their enclosure.
Collect and run laboratory samples as needed.
Check patients post-operatively to ensure appropriate recovery.
Close down the surgery suite each afternoon.
Ensure Smooth Operation of Surgery
Maintain an up to date binder with operating procedures for all clinic equipment.
Run regular maintenance on clinic equipment and keep maintenance log.
Systematically check and order clinic supplies to ensure they are always adequate.
Unpack, put away, and inventory all clinic supplies according to RAL procedure.
Go through an inspection checklist each month to guarantee compliance.
Cross train with clinic administrative staff.
Assist with Shelter Veterinary Care (when needed and available)
Prepare vaccines and preventatives for shelter vetting.
Restrain shelter pets for exams.
Collect and run laboratory samples as needed.
Carry out medical management plans as directed.
Competencies:
Quick learner
Organized
Attention to detail
Excellent communicator
Work Environment: The Clinic is a high noise area and the clinic coordinator will be exposed to cleaning chemicals, fumes, dust and animal urine and feces. Potential for exposure to animal bites and scratches exists.
Physical Demands: The Veterinary Assistant must be able to sit or stand for hours at a time; lift at least 40 pounds without help and over 40 pounds with help; work at a computer and type; walk; get up and down on the floor; use hands to handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms.
Position Type/Expected Hours of Work: This is a Full-Time, Non-Exempt position and hours of work are approximately Monday-Friday 8:00am to 5:00pm with a one hour (unpaid) lunch. Regular predictable reliable attendance is an essential function of this position.
Travel: There are no travel requirements for this position.
Required Qualifications:
High School Diploma
2 or more years of work experience
Preferred Education and Experience:
2 year associate’s or 4 year Bachelor’s degree or higher
Experience in the Veterinary or Rescue fields
Other Duties:
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
Please send all resumes to Anne Auditore at anne@ral.org. Along with your resume, be sure to include a cover letter or a statement of interest for the position. We’re excited to hear from you!
