Veterinary Assistant

Job Title: Veterinary Assistant

Employment: Hourly, Non-Exempt

Reports To: Veterinary Supervisor

SUMMARY:

The Veterinary Assistant plays a vital role in providing high-quality medical care to the animals under our care. This position involves working closely with the staff veterinarian to deliver comprehensive veterinary services including (but not limited to) diagnostics, treatments and surgical assistance. The ideal candidate is skilled in veterinary care, possesses excellent communication abilities and is passionate about animal welfare. If this describes you, we have a fantastic opportunity to join our team.

SFAHS CORE VALUES:

Compassion, Community Responsibility, Innovation, Inclusivity, Transparency

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

· Administer daily medications to a variety of animals

· Display proper animal handling and restraint techniques

· Perform medical examinations

· Diagnose and carry out treatment and reassessments for under DVM supervision

· Write medical SOPs and manage proper record keeping

· Perform a variety of diagnostics

· Perform surgical prep and anesthesia monitoring for a variety of surgical procedures

· Uphold proper cleaning and sterilization protocols of medical areas and equipment

· Provide general animal hygiene maintenance (i.e. ear cleanings, nail trims etc.)

· Fill medications

· Administer vaccinations as needed

· Perform/Assist with humane euthanasia procedures

· Utilize proper documentation of controlled substances

· Follow and enforce SFAHS safety guidelines and procedures

· Answer uncomplicated medical questions from adopter, staff and volunteers

· Provide quality customer assistance

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND EXPECTATIONS:

· Must have high comfort level with animal handling and restraint

· Have/have the ability to be rabies vaccinated

· Basic comfort level with administering medications (oral, topical and injectable)

· Basic knowledge of canine and feline anatomy

· Ability to work in a fast paced environment and quick decision making

· Attention to detail

· Critical thinking skills

· Must have and maintain valid driver’s license with good driving record.

· Regularly exerting 50 pounds of force to lift or move animals/objects

· Moderate/High amounts of walking, standing, lifting, crouching, balancing, reaching and other repetitive motions required

· Mostly inside work, some outside work and temperature changes involved.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:

· Animal handling experience required

· Basic medical knowledge required

· Shelter medicine knowledge preferred

COMPENSATION:

This position starts at $16 per hour (dependent upon experience) paid on a biweekly basis. 

BENEFITS:

SFAHS provides full-time team members with a comprehensive benefits package. New team members become eligible for benefits the 1st of the month following 30 days of employment. Team member benefits include:

· Medical Insurance

· Vision and Dental

· Short- and Long-Term Disability 

· Life and AD&D Insurance

· Accident, Cancer and Critical Illness Insurance

· 401k Retirement Savings Plan with Company Match

· $50/month Wellness Stipend

· Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

· Professional Development Opportunities

· Discounts on merchandise, veterinary care items, and more.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT:

· I understand that this position description is intended to provide a fairly comprehensive and accurate description of the position, but it will not cover all aspects, details or tasks required. Other functions, responsibilities and requirements may be assigned, and this position description may be changed at the direction of Sioux Falls Area Humane Society at any time.

· I understand that this is not a contract for employment and that both my employer and I may choose to end the employment relationship at any time, with or without notice.

· I understand that if an offer of employment is made, I will be expected to complete a background check.

· I will hold confidentiality in all matters of the Sioux Falls Area Humane Society.

· The Sioux Falls Area Humane Society is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and will consider applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, genetic information, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation or veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by South Dakota or federal law.

· In accordance with the American’s with Disabilities Act, the Sioux Falls Area Humane Society will consider reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.