Veterinary Assistant - Full Time - Animal Care and Control

Vet Assistant – Animal Care and Control

POSITION SUMMARY

The Greater Birmingham Humane Society (“the GBHS”) is a progressive animal welfare shelter whose mission is to rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome homeless, abused, neglected and abandoned animals. We are committed to an open admissions policy, animal rehabilitation and a low euthanasia rate. GBHS’ open intake and adoption philosophy is a key part of our progressive mission, enabling us to save and rehome thousands of animals each year.

PRIMARY RELATIONSHIPS

The Technician:

• Reports to the facility management and serves as a member of the clinic team.
• Interacts daily with veterinarians, LVT’s, veterinary student externs, animal care and intake staff, volunteers, the general public, and potential adopters.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Humanely handles and kennels all animals and ensures the identification of all shelter animals with appropriate tags or bands before kenneling. 
• Develops a general knowledge of animals’ behaviors, temperaments and personality traits. 
• Assists with daily observations of medical and behavioral issues of animals in our care by paying careful attention for signs of sickness, stress, aggressive behavior, and/or injury. Reports findings to supervisor and medical staff. 
• Maintains records to ensure accuracy, timeliness and completeness. 
• Checks and maintains supplies and equipment. Communicates inventory and supply needs as well as maintenance issues to supervisor. Stocks needed supplies in respective areas. 
• Must handle, restrain, and triage all animals entering the shelter.
• Assists in the medication and medical treatment of animals as prescribed by the veterinarian as requested. 
• Oversee preparation of animals for adoption regarding health exams and inoculations.
• Assist in the maintaining and medical treatment of illness throughout the shelter.
• Consistently strives to stay well-informed of the field and animal welfare issues, techniques, procedures and equipment. 
• Works side by side with Licensed Veterinarian Technician to make sure the safety guidelines and protocols are met to ensure a safe environment
• Takes immediate action to address any safety concern or noncompliance of safety rules
• Maintains a high level of communication with all GBHS staff and Volunteers.
• Works collaboratively with staff to determine if animals are appropriate for adoption.
• Assists with and/or conducts humane euthanasia.
• Represents the GBHS in a professional manner in all situations.
• Shall perform other duties as assigned.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Two years or more working under a Veterinarian as a Veterinary Technician. 
• General knowledge of pharmaceutical medications.
• General knowledge of Veterinary terminology.  
• Experience in animal handling and phlebotomy. 

QUALIFICATIONS

• A passion for the mission of GBHS and a sense of humor are required.
• High school diploma or GED equivalent.
• Ability to work well in a team environment
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• A positive attitude and ability to get along with others.
• Ability to work weekends and evenings as necessary
• Knowledge of animal handling and communication preferred. 
• Experience working in a kennel environment preferred.

Physical Requirements

Ability to lift and carry a minimum of 50 pounds and up to 75 pounds with reasonable accommodation; Ability to perform physical work involving standing for long periods of time. Ability to stoop, bend, lift, clean, mop, carry animal crates, scrub, walk quickly, reach, squat, and other such assigned duties with ease and in a timely fashion. Meets minimum general requirements for GBHS employment as set forth in GBHS employee handbook.

Work Environment

This work is performed in a high noise level area. Exposure to industrial cleaning chemicals, fumes, and dust. Must be able to work with and around animals of all types (cats, dogs, rabbits, birds, etc.) and possible animal bites and scratches.  Exposure to conditions such as animal feces, urine, etc. and foul odors.  May be exposed to animal dander, parasites and infectious diseases than can be carried and transmitted by animals.  Must be able to work in an environment that provides humane euthanasia to animals.

The GBHS is an equal opportunity employer. It is the policy of GBHS to provide EEO to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.