The Veterinary Assistant assists in all duties necessary in maintaining the health and welfare of the Shelter population. The Veterinary Assistant assists the Veterinarian(s), the Lead Medical Coordinator, Veterinary Technician, and other Veterinary Assistant(s) in the examination and treatment of our Shelter population, including: handling, restraining, and preparing animals for medical procedures; assisting with surgical procedures; administering medication and vaccinations; assisting with euthanasia; recording medical treatments and procedures; sending animals for outside veterinary care when necessary; and contacting other members of the medical team when necessary. The veterinary assistant also plays a vital role in assisting with Mountain Humane’s multiple weekly public Spay and Neuter Clinics. The Veterinary Assistant must maintain strong communication channels to ensure coordination of care with the Medical Team.

Classification: Full-time, Non-exempt

Reports to: Clinic Manager

Collaborates with: Kennel Staff, Medical Team, Adoptions and Intake Staff

Location: Hailey, Idaho

QUALIFICATIONS:

Excellent skills in companion animal handling and restraint

Knowledge of proper administration and dosage of medication to animals

A genuine compassion for all animals, regardless of their condition

A desire to learn, a commitment to Best Practices in Veterinary Shelter Medicine, and the ability to stay open-minded

A proven ability to handle multiple tasks in a busy, physically-demanding workplace environment

Must be highly organized, motivated and remain flexible under pressure; attention to detail and ability to organize and set priorities a must

Must demonstrate strong verbal and written communication skills and have the ability to work well in a team and independently

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers and the public

Must work well with the public, including children, persons of varied racial, ethnic, cultural, socioeconomic backgrounds, sexual preference, and with individuals who are differently-abled

Must be able to safely lift up to 50 lbs.

Minimum of a high school diploma, must have a valid driver’s license, and be at least 18 years of age

POSITION DUTIES:

Veterinary Clinic and Medical Team

• Assist Shelter Veterinarian(s) with surgeries, including: preparing, monitoring, and recovering animals; documenting surgeries; and cleaning equipment
• Assist Veterinary Technician and Veterinarian with examinations, medical procedures, and other duties
• Work with the Lead Clinic Coordinator to maintain all surgical and medical equipment
• Responsible for scheduling routine maintenance and ensuring all medical equipment is in good working condition
• Ensure adequate stock of surgical supplies including surgery packs and oxygen are available for surgery each day
• Assist Shelter Veterinarian with surgeries by preparing, monitoring, and recovering animals including documentation of anesthetic monitoring
• Ensure maintenance and cleanliness of medical/surgical center, including cleaning medical instruments and clinic and isolation kennels
• Assist the Lead Clinic Coordinator in ensuring that all needed Inventory is in stock and available for use
• Assist in medical data entry for in-house and public animals in shelter software
• Ensure maintenance and cleanliness of the Veterinary Clinic and the Isolation Suites
• Manage and complete Medical Projects, as assigned
• Manage clinic procedure and treatment schedule (white board)

Shelter Population Health

• Assist Shelter Veterinarian in processing and care of all animals, including impounds
• Follow proper cleaning protocols, both in the Veterinary Clinic and in the Isolation Suites
• Provide care to all animals housed in the Veterinary Clinic and Isolation Suites, including: food, water, cleaning, medications, and social interaction/enrichment
• Perform regular weight checks on the feline and canine population
• Assist Shelter Veterinarian, Lead Clinic Coordinator, and Medical Team in processing all animals
• Ensure all in-house treatments are performed as directed
• Take and document vitals of any animals as directed by Shelter Veterinarian
• Have a thorough knowledge of vaccination protocols for the Shelter
• Ensure vaccination status is current for all animals in the shelter population and all incoming impounds
• Maintain accurate records in ShelterLuv for medications, vaccinations, and treatments
• In cooperation with the kennel staff and management, monitor in-house animals on a regular basis and notify Lead Clinic Coordinator and Shelter Veterinarian(s) of any animal with a suspected medical problem
• Assist with preparation for, check-in, and check-out of Blaine County Spay and Neuter Clinic animals
• When outside veterinary care is required, transport animal(s) to and from Clinic to outside facilities
• At no time give veterinary medical advice or services to animals of staff, volunteers, or the public without consulting Veterinary Clinic and Intake Manager and Clinic Coordinator

Shelter Programs, Events, and Community Education

• Be familiar with general shelter policies, procedures, programs, events, and history
• Answer customer and adopter questions regarding current medications or ailments as appropriate, and/or relay questions to appropriate Medical Team staff

GENERAL GUIDELINES

• Maintain a neat and well-groomed personal appearance
• Wear supplied uniforms and closed toed shoes during all working hours
• Comply with all facility safety protocols
• Assist in maintaining overall facility cleaning standards
• Carry out other duties as assigned by supervisor

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Indoors and outdoors, including in shelter environment with dogs, cats, pocket pets
• Frequent interactions with children who may or may not be well-behaved, occasional contact with the public in an emotionally charged environment
• Animal handling required; while all adoptable animals have health and behavior screening, by nature of the industry, there may be occasional exposure to dead, injured, sick, unruly, vicious, and/or dangerous animals in addition to possible exposure to parasites and infectious diseases
• May require driving of company vehicles. Must maintain a valid driver’s license and good driving record. Drivers information will be submitted to the carrier
  • Regular use driving of company vehicles; employee’s must be at least the age of 18
  • Occasional use driving of company vehicles; employees under the age of 18 must be preapproved by the carrier
• Work day includes walking, standing, sitting, bending, squatting, lifting (occasionally up to 50 lbs), answering telephones, and using a computer, work with a variety of cleaning agents, and work in an environment with daily changes in climate

HOURS, SALARY & BENEFITS:

Hours: Full Time 40 hours/week, Ability to work with Veterinarian and Clinic schedule; Ability to work one weekend day and some holidays

Wage Range: $20.00-$22.00/hour depending on experience, proficiency/efficiency in job tasks and ability to work cooperatively while fostering the mission of the organization

Benefits: Mountain Humane offers a comprehensive benefits package for all full-time employees, including: generous paid time off allotment for vacation and personal reasons, 100% employer paid medical insurance for staff (with the option of upgrading the plan for a small contribution), access to a 403(b) retirement account with a 3% matching employer contribution, access to reduced cost veterinary care and pet supplies (including dog/cat food) for all employee-owned pets, a 40% discount at The Barkin’ thrift store in Hailey, and 20% off of a membership to the YMCA. Mountain Humane also provides funding for professional development opportunities and temporary financial assistance for commuting employees.