Inventory Specialist (Full-Time)

Reports to Hospital Director

The Richmond SPCA is a non-profit organization located in the heart of Richmond, Virginia. As a leader in the field of animal welfare, we are cultivating a community committed to saving, protecting and enriching animal lives with a mission to provide education and resources to achieve and sustain a no-kill community. Annually, we rescue, rehabilitate and find homes for about 4,000 homeless animals while also providing our region with vital safety net programs designed to keep thousands of pets in loving homes and out of shelters. Our values of collaboration, creativity, honesty, inclusion and respect guide not only what we do – but how we do it. 

Our Susan M. Markel Veterinary hospital provides low-cost veterinary care to pets recently adopted from our humane center and pets belonging to clients of modest means. The goal of our veterinary hospital is to make veterinary care for companion animals more accessible to keep pets in loving homes.

The Inventory Specialist plays an essential role in our mission to provide accessible veterinary care to pets in our community. This role works closely with hospital leadership and medical staff to support high-quality patient care through effective inventory management, support of online and in-house pharmacy workflows, and coordination of medical and diagnostic equipment care.

Essential Functions

• Oversee the full inventory lifecycle, including ordering, receiving, tracking, reporting, and budget management for pharmaceuticals, food, medical supplies, kennel supplies, custodial supplies, and consumables.
• Manage routine inventory counts, including monthly prevention inventory and biannual comprehensive inventory audits.
• Monitor inventory accuracy by tracking shrinkage, managing expiration dates, and maintaining precise inventory records within practice management software.
• Stay current on pharmaceutical updates, recalls, and safety alerts and coordinate appropriate hospital responses in collaboration with medical leadership.
• Ensure proper storage, handling, documentation and disposal of pharmaceuticals in compliance with DEA, state, and federal regulations.
• Collaborate with LVT overseeing controlled substances.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for inventory-related questions and concerns from hospital staff, providing guidance and support as needed.
• Assist hospital leadership with annual updates to the cost of goods and services.
• Support the creation, implementation, and ongoing maintenance of Wellness Packages and promotional initiatives designed to encourage appropriate pharmaceutical utilization.
• Oversee and support the hospital’s online pharmacy in collaboration with hospital leadership.
• Review, process, and manage pharmacy requests submitted through third-party online portals, such as Chewy, Purina Vet Direct, Wedgewood, etc.
• Assist with in-house pharmacy refill requests to support timely patient care.
• Coordinate the maintenance, repair, and calibration of veterinary medical equipment. Monitor diagnostic equipment functionality, troubleshoot issues as they arise, and assist in developing processes to ensure that diagnostic results are recorded appropriately and reviewed by medical staff.
• Establish and maintain relationships with vendors, distributors, and industry partners.
• Maintain existing workflow systems and design new protocols to improve efficiency, compliance, and inventory accuracy.
• Maintain Safety Data Sheet logs and support ongoing OSHA compliance efforts.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support hospital operations.

Qualifications, Skills and Expectations

• Professional, accurate, prompt and effective communication with members of the public and colleagues via email, phone, and in person.
• Ability to multi-task, take and follow directions, adapt to and accommodate changing demands.
• Demonstrates exceptional accuracy and accountability in the handling of pharmaceuticals, controlled substances, and medical records, maintaining a complete, timely, and fully compliant documentation in accordance with DEA, state, and organizational policies.
• Integrity and a dedication to the hospital’s mission to provide accessible care.
• Strong work ethic
• Reliable
• Uncompromising commitment to the wellbeing of every patient
• Able to work independently
• Resourceful, positive, can-do attitude
• Excellent time management and prioritization skills
• Strong computer skills and ability to learn new computer systems (knowledge of AVImark and DaySmart Vet a plus)
• Well-versed in basic wellness and medical knowledge
• Experience with inventory management and record-keeping

• Minimum of 2 years of veterinary experience with demonstrated inventory management
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple priorities
• Flexible and able to effectively multi-task and manage competing priorities and deadlines
• Ability to work in a high-volume, fast-paced environment
• Weekday availability; no weekend work required
• 18 years of age or older
• Reliable transportation, including during inclement weather
• Preferred but not required: hold a current LVT license in good standing in the State of Virginia

Physical Job Requirements

• Able to routinely lift 40-50 lbs
• Able to work around animals (including those who are sick or injured or who have behavior challenges), loud noises, cat litter, animal waste, and various chemicals
• Able to bend and use your arms in a repetitive manner
• Able to kneel and stoop
• Able to be on your feet for up to 8 hours at a time
• Willing to work in all weather conditions

Work Environment

• Rapid pace with exposure to potential hazards including animal waste and disinfectants
• High levels of noise
• Potential for animal bites and scratches and diseases that are zoonotic (can be transmitted from animals to people)
• Supportive, collaborative team environment that encourages and celebrates creativity and resourcefulness

Richmond SPCA employees are eligible to become clients of our low-cost, full-service Susan M. Markel Veterinary Hospital and have access to an Employee Assistance Program. Employees who average 15+ hours per week are eligible for voluntary (employee-paid) benefits including accident insurance, hospital indemnity and critical illness insurance. Employees who average 20+ hours a week can participate in our 401(k) retirement plan and have access to paid wellness leave. 

Full-time employees are eligible for insurance benefits, including medical, dental, and vision, life insurance, short-term and long-term disability, and paid personal leave.

The Richmond SPCA is a qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.