Veterinary Assistant Position Overview
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.
Daily Tasks / Job Description
- 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 adopters, staff and volunteers
- Provide quality customer assistance
Qualifications and Requirements
Education and Work Experience
Animal handling experience requiredBasic medical knowledge requiredShelter medicine knowledge preferredSkills, Knowledge and Abilities
Must have high comfort level with animal handling and restraintHave / can have the ability to be rabies vaccinatedBasic comfort level with administering medications (oral, topical and injectable)Basic knowledge of canine and feline anatomyAbility to work in a fast-paced environment and quick decision makingAttention to detailCritical thinking skillsScheduling / Shifts : 20-30 hours / week, primarily weekends.
Physical Capabilities Required
Regularly exerting 50 pounds of force to lift or move animals / objectsModerate / High amounts of walking, standing, lifting, crouching, balancing, reaching and other repetitive motions requiredMostly inside work, some outside work and temperature changes involved.Benefits
Dental InsuranceVision InsuranceLife Insurance and AD&DShort-Term & Long-Term Disability InsuranceSupplemental Insurance : Accident, Cancer, & Critical Care Insurance401K Retirement Savings Plans with Company Match$50 / month Wellness StipendEmployee Assistance Program (EAP)Professional Development OpportunitiesDiscounts on merchandise, veterinary care items, and moreWaiting Period : 1st of the month following 30 days after hire.
Compensation : Starting at $16 / Hour DOE
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 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 Americans with Disabilities Act, the Sioux Falls Area Humane Society will consider reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.