VETERINARY SURGICAL ASSISTANTFull-time, $16/hour
Reports to Manager of Smoky's Spay & Neuter Clinic

The Richmond SPCA is one of our region's most beloved non-profit organizations. As a national no-kill leader in animal welfare, the Richmond SPCA is building a more compassionate community through the delivery of crucial programs of pet adoption, retention, training, advocacy, humane education, and more. Annually, we rescue, rehabilitate, and adopt out nearly 4,000 homeless animals while also providing our community with vital safety net programs designed to keep pets in loving homes and out of shelters.

The Richmond SPCA is seeking a full-time veterinary assistant to work in a satellite spay and neuter clinic of the Richmond SPCA. Smoky's Spay & Neuter Clinic provides high-volume sterilization services to pets in the care of public shelters and private rescue groups as well as community cats brought by volunteer caregivers engaging in Trap, Neuter, Return. This is a great opportunity to join an established, well-recognized private no-kill humane society.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Assist with high-volume spay and neuter surgeries via surgical prep and patient recovery
• Communicate with partner shelters, rescues and community cat caregivers to schedule spay and neuter services
• Provide general handling (leash-walking, lifting and carrying) of cats and dogs, including fearful or fractious patients
• Restrain and place animals in cages and/or carriers
• Perform patient intakes and discharges and interact with representatives of other shelters and rescue organizations as well as community cat caregivers
• Respond appropriately during emergencies and take direction from veterinarians and/or licensed veterinary technicians
• Clean kennels, cages and other areas of the hospital and perform general sweeping, dusting, and mopping, empty trash, restock supplies, and maintain a clean workspace
• Maintain existing work systems
• Perform clerical work and invoicing duties as needed
• Ensure prompt and accurate paperwork procedures are adhered to
• Participate in all required trainings and meetings
• Other job-related duties as assigned

REQUIREMENTS:

• Excellent customer service skills; effective, empathetic communication
• Comfort handling/learning to handle both dogs and cats, including fearful or fractious patients
• Ability to work in a high-volume, fast-paced environment
• Monday - Thursday availability, no weekend work required
• 18 years of age or older
• Reliable transportation, including during inclement weather

QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS & EXPECTATIONS:

• Professional communication skills and comfort speaking with others, including coworkers
• Ability to multi-task, take and follow directions, adapt to and accommodate changing demands
• Strong work ethic
• Punctual and reliable
• Uncompromising commitment to the wellbeing of patients
• Resourceful and able to work independently at times
• Team-oriented
• Resourceful, positive, can-do attitude
• Excellent time management and prioritization skills
• Strong computer skills and ability to learn new computer systems (knowledge of Avimark a plus)
• Experience working in the veterinary field preferred (but not required)

PHYSICAL JOB REQUIREMENTS:

• Able to routinely lift 50 lbs.
• Able to push/pull a large cart
• 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, kneel and use your arms in a repetitive manner
• Able to stoop
• Able to physically restrain a dog up to 50 lbs.
• Able to be on your feet for 8 to 10 hours at a time
• Have physical strength to perform cleaning duties effectively and efficiently

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Rapid pace with limited exposure to potential hazards including animal waste and disinfectants
• High levels of noise at times
• Potential for animal bites and scratches and zoonotic disease (transmitted from animals to people)
• All employees are eligible to become clients of the low-cost, full-service Susan M. Markel Veterinary Hospital of the Richmond SPCA and have access to an Employee Assistance Program and 401(k) retirement plan.

Individuals interested in applying for the position should submit a completed cover letter and resume with their application. Selection for this position will be contingent on the successful completion of a background check. If you are selected for an interview, you will be contacted. No phone calls or walk-ins, please.