Surgical Veterinary Assistant

Since 1984, we’ve dedicated ourselves to ensuring every animal has the quality of life they deserve – a life worth living. Now, we go beyond our walls to help create a more humane community for pets and the people who love them.

Asheville Humane Society is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. We do, however, hold the County contract for animal sheltering. This means that we are the open-admission shelter for all Buncombe County animals.

Position Summary

This position is primarily responsible for assisting the surgical staff with assisting doctors and surgical staff with pre-, peri- and post-operative care of patients, administering medications and general cleaning and care of the surgical facility. The offices and operations of a high volume spay/neuter clinic can be high stress and very busy at times. This position is located on the Buncombe County Animal Care Campus.

Schedule: Shifts are 10 hours, 4 days per week. Work days can vary, with some Saturdays required. Sundays are guaranteed off. 

Compensation & Benefits: The compensation for the Shelter Veterinary Assistant starts at $19.25/hour. AHS is pleased to offer a competitive and comprehensive benefits package to full-time employees that includes: medical, dental, and vision insurance, a Simple IRA plan with up to 3% company match, 18 days of PTO in the first year, paid holidays, pet prescription discounts, and more! Benefits are available after 60 days of employment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Comfort and competency in restraint and handling of all types and sizes of animals in a kind and safe manner for pre-op exams, surgical induction, and during recovery.
• General duties in the operating room during surgery, assisting with the movement of patients, recovery of patients, and general flow.
• Responsible for prepping patients for surgery, observing all clinic procedures to ensure sterility and safety of patients.
• Monitor anesthesia, with a clear understanding of abnormal conditions.
• Respond appropriately during an emergency, able to take direction from a veterinarian and/or veterinary technician and maintain competency in CPR procedures.
• Prepare surgical instruments for cleaning, pack preparation, and sterilization.
• Responsible for calculating dosages and preparing and filling medications for animals.
• Responsible for monitoring patients during recovery from anesthesia.
• Follow all written and verbally communicated departmental standard operating procedures.
• Ensure prompt and accurate recordkeeping procedures are followed each day
• Able to provide basic kennel assistant duties.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Provide a high level of customer service to partners and clients.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Must have a high school diploma or GED, an associate's degree or higher preferred
• Prior experience working in private veterinary practice or in a high volume/high quality spay/neuter practice as an assistant or technician is required
• Knowledge of basic veterinary medical and surgical concepts.
• Must have a working knowledge of infectious disease control.
• Ability to perform basic veterinary assistant duties.
• Basic computer knowledge
• Strong interpersonal, organizational, written, and communication skills
• Ability to work with volunteers and co-workers in a professional manner
• Ability to multi-task, problem solve and coordinate multiple schedules with a high attention to detail
• Must have good hand-eye coordination and an acceptable degree of dexterity in hands and fingers
• Must have good hearing including ability to distinguish changes in pitch
• Must have reasonable degree of agility to move through tightly cramped areas in various situations
• Must be able to stand for extended periods of time
• Must be able to work indoors and outdoors