JOB TITLE: Surgical/Spay/Neuter Veterinarian

DEPARTMENT: Veterinary Wellness Center

REPORTS TO: Director of Veterinary Services

CLASSIFICATION: Part-Time, Non-Exempt; or Relief (Hourly or Day Rate)

EFFECTIVE DATE: April 2023

SUMMARY: Looking to save lives with your surgical skills and care? At the Tree House Veterinary Wellness Center, we believe that all pets should have access to quality healthcare. That's why our nonprofit clinic is searching for an experienced spay/neuter veterinarian who can join us in compassionately providing affordable surgery services.

We are looking for part-time or relief spay/neuter veterinarians. As part of our collaborative team, every pet will benefit from the specialized attention that only comes from having professional expertise dedicated solely to their wellbeing!

At Tree House, we prioritize our staff and provide them with a supportive environment that values their time and expertise. With flexible scheduling opportunities to help achieve work/life balance, employees can enjoy competitive compensation while helping families in need take care of their beloved pets without any after-hour emergencies or late shifts necessary!

About the Tree House Veterinary Wellness Center

The Tree House Veterinary Wellness Center serves a long-term need in the local Chicago community. With the guiding belief that every pet and pet owner should have access to quality veterinary care, the Veterinary Wellness Center gives pet parents access to affordable spay and neuter surgery as well as preventative wellness care for all pets in need of basic care.

Tree House VWC typically serves cats and dogs. We do high-volume spay/neuter (including community cats).

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Below describes the two different shift types. Vets may choose to be scheduled for surgery, wellness, or both.

Spay/Neuter

Pre-Surgery: Provide efficient yet thorough pre-surgical exams to ensure each patient’s candidacy for surgery and anesthesia.

Surgery: Perform spay/neuter surgeries for both dogs and cats (including Trap-Neuter-Return). Adhere to aseptic technique and gentle tissue handling standards. Utilize buried suture techniques for all surgical closures. Communicate and delegate effectively and professionally with the surgical team.
Note: Capacity and patient type can be adjusted pending volume comfort level and advanced notice, a typical day ranges from 20-35 surgeries.

Anesthesia/Emergency Care: Alert staff of any anesthetic concerns based on patient presentation or monitoring equipment. Assist staff in trouble shooting. Tailor anesthetic protocols to patients’ needs, on a case-by-case basis. Demonstrate critical thinking when faced with emergencies or unexpected situations and provide timely care in a calm manner.

Post-Surgery: Ensure a safe and successful patient outcome. Communicate with and update pet owners and partners thoroughly when needed.

About the Shift: This shift is usually 6-7 hours, pending patient load and surgeon speed. Spay/neuter surgery shifts are on Tuesday through Friday. The majority of client communication is handled by the client service representative, veterinary assistant, or clinic manager. Capacity can be adjusted pending comfort level and advanced notice.

If interested, there is an opportunity to expand this shift to our resident cat clinic if a need exists.

Wellness

Animal Care: Ensure animals are handled in a manner that minimizes stress and maintains safety and provide care options for patients and pet owners.

Wellness: Provide basic wellness care (vaccines, surgery rechecks, etc.) for owned pets (dogs and cats only) on an appointment basis. Interpret patient history to determine medical needs and recommendations.

Communication: Maintain thorough yet efficient records, clearly communicate follow-up recommendations and appropriate next steps with pet owners, etc.

End of life: Provide end of life care as needed, maintaining patient dignity and compassion.

About the Shift: This shift is typically 5-6 hours on Saturdays. Appointments are brief (~5-10 minutes) and clients are not expecting a thorough veterinary exam. The majority of client communication is handled by the client service representative or veterinary assistant.

If interested, there is an opportunity to expand this shift to our resident cat clinic, providing medical care for our shelter cats awaiting adoption.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• DVM or VMD degree from an accredited university.
• Illinois veterinary license
• Three years of experience in a veterinary clinic is preferred.
• High-volume, high-quality spay/neuter a plus.

COMPETENCIES:

Communication - Expresses self-orally and in writing-in a manner that is clear, well organized, and appropriate to the situation. Uses appropriate grammar, punctuation/spelling, and tone. Listens carefully and considers others' ideas. Maintains confidentiality and expresses good judgment about what to say and when to say it. Keeps others informed.

• Customer Service - Treats customers (internal and external) with respect and courtesy. Shows interest in, anticipates, and responds timely to customer needs and concerns. Goes beyond basic service expectations to help customers. Responds appropriately to and resolves difficult and emotional situations. Seeks ways to improve service delivery.
• Diversity - Enthusiastically collaborates with all employees, regardless of race, gender, culture, and age. Values contributions of people from diverse backgrounds. Demonstrates respect for opinions and ideas of others. Shows awareness of and sensitivity to cultural and individual values.

Judgment - Gathers data and others' input as appropriate when making decisions and handling diverse situations. Considers cost, organizational resources, and efficiency, as well as both long- and short-term outcomes. Can explain rationale for a decision. Observes safety and security procedures; uses equipment and materials properly. Recognizes when to consult higher level management.

• Problem Solving - Identifies problems in a timely manner. Gathers and analyzes factors or causes. Generates and evaluates alternative solutions. Implements plans to solve problems. Assesses effectiveness of intervention.
• Teamwork - Listens and responds constructively to others’ views. Gives and welcomes feedback. Provides assistance to others when they need it. Shares expertise. Acknowledges others effort and contribution. Puts success of the team above own interests. Creates a positive work environment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Animal Handling: Required to safely handle animals while minimizing patient fear, anxiety, and stress. May be exposed to aggressive, ill or injured animals, as well as personal injury including bites, scratches and infectious animal diseases. May be exposed to unpleasant odors, noises, and animal bodily fluids or feces.

Physical Requirements: Required to stand, walk, bend over and stoop. May occasionally lift and/or move up to 40 pounds. May be exposed to isoflurane gas and other noxious/hazardous substances including cleaning supplies. May be exposed to physical medical work hazards such as needles, scalpel blades, etc.

Emotional Requirements: Required to respond to medical situations quickly and appropriately. Able to cope with animal death due to euthanasia, severe medical disease, or surgical/anesthesia complication while being mindful of the emotions of all staff

Tree House Humane Society is an equal opportunity employer and seeks to employ qualified individuals based on individual merit. Tree House Humane Society does not discriminate against any individual with respect to the terms and conditions of employment based on that individuals race, sex, age, religion, color, national origin, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, housing status, or any other non-merit factor protected under state, local or federal laws. Equal Employment Opportunity applies to all personnel actions such as recruiting, hiring, compensation, benefits, promotions, training, transfer, termination, and opportunities for training. Tree House Humane Society is committed to a fair and equitable workplace where everyone is a respected and valued member of the team.

The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or physical requirements. Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.