What are the responsibilities and job description for the Veterinary Assistant (Part-time) position at City of Memphis Careers?
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: Works under the general direction of the Veterinary Medical Director or Animal Shelter Veterinarian to provide assistance in the Animal Shelter clinic. Prepares animals scheduled for surgery. Assists Veterinarian with surgical and anesthetic procedures for sheltered animals. Assists with general duties in the operating room during surgery, including movement and/or safe restraint of animals, administering oral and injectable medications, monitoring anesthesia and recovery, changing bandages, collecting diagnostic samples (heartworm and parvovirus tests, fecal floats, skin scrapes, etc.) or carrying out other animal care instructions under the direction of the Veterinarian. Obtains x-ray images of animals. Fills medical prescriptions. Records accurate information about the animal including writing clear and concise medical notes, takes vitals and temperatures, administers vaccinations, draws blood and performs fecal examinations. Assists in the training of new personnel by answering questions, demonstrating techniques in the clinic, and sharing knowledge of departmental policies. Cleans and bathes animals as directed. May clean kennels, cages, and pens where animals are housed as needed. Performs humane euthanasia. Feeds, waters, and medicates animals. Cleans and maintains clinic using pressurized steam cleaning equipment and chemicals.
OTHER FUNCTIONS: Inputs data of adopted animals, adopted returned animals, and animal impoundment into the computer system. Assists the public in locating and redeeming lost pets and providing information on pet adoption and redemption procedures. Performs additional functions (essential or otherwise) which may be assigned.
TYPICAL PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Must be able to communicate clearly both verbally and in writing. Requires the ability to operate general office equipment, such as a computer, calculator and telephone. Requires the ability to use equipment, such as hoses and ladders, cleans, lifts, and handles incoming animals, such as dogs and cats, weighing up to 25 lbs. and 50 lbs. with assistance. Constant lifting, standing, and traversing shelter grounds as well as bending and reaching to clean kennels required.
TYPICAL WORKING CONDITIONS: Work is performed in an animal shelter/clinic environment using sterile techniques related to clinic operations. Frequent exposure to noise, fumes, and unpleasant odors. Involves contact with staff, visitors, volunteers, rescue workers and the general public.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: High School graduate and two (2) years of work experience in animal care to include some specific experience in veterinary medical and surgical procedures; or any combination of experience or training which enables one to perform the essential job functions. Veterinary Technician or Veterinary Surgical Technician certification is preferred. Basic computer and typing skills, including experience using veterinary or shelter software systems is preferred. Must understand common veterinary medical terminology terms. Must obtain and maintain a certification as a Certified Animal Euthanasia Technician within one (1) year of employment as a condition of continued employment. May be required to complete a battery of tests as deemed appropriate by Human Resources to evaluate competencies associated with the job.
