Job Title: Shelter Medicine Veterinary Assistant II

Department: Shelter Medicine

Reports To: Chief of Shelter Medicine

Job Type: Full-time

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Salary Range (C1): Salary Range: $20.50 - $28.18 per hour; Hiring Range: $20.50 - $24.50 per hour DOE

Overview:

The Sacramento SPCA is a vibrant, well-established and respected non-profit animal welfare organization. Through our nationally-ranked high-volume spay and neuter clinic (we are ranked as one of the top 10 clinics in the country!), successful adoption program, behavior and training programs and commitment to excellent animal care, the Sacramento SPCA is giving more than shelter and saving animals one life at a time. 

General Summary:
While the daily duties are similar to the Registered Veterinarian Technician (RVT) the duties remain limited to non-RVT specific job tasks regulated by the California Department of Consumer Affairs, Veterinary Medical Board. This position assists the Shelter Medicine veterinarian(s) and RVTs in the primary care and treatment of shelter animals, pre-operative and post-operative in-house surgery animals and follows all procedures and practices with the Sacramento SPCA’s guidelines to meet the highest standards possible.

Essential Job Functions

• Examines animals under the direct or indirect supervision of the shelter veterinarian(s).
• Inputs medical records and findings into the designated medical software program.
• Takes temperature, pulse and respiration. Collects and prepares blood, urine, and feces samples.
• Performs diagnostic tests, including x-rays, blood work, urinalysis, swabs, etc.
• Perform Venipuncture and place IV catheters.
• Creates medication charts and prepares medications for shelter animals.
• Performs or assists with the euthanasia and disposal of animals in accordance with established laws and Sacramento SPCA policy.
• Under direct supervision of the shelter veterinarian(s) or RVTs, administers pharmaceuticals such as medications and vaccines by intramuscular, intravenous and subcutaneous injection, topical or enteral administration.
• Schedules and assists shelter veterinarian(s) with procedures and surgeries and recheck visits.
• Responds to calls from shelter staff when the shelter medicine veterinarian(s) is/are unavailable including injured animals, owner surrenders with health issues, reclaimed animals that need spay neuter status verified, adopters that have questions about an animal’s health status, medical consultations, etc.
• Consults with veterinarians, supervisors and the Director of Animal Services on more serious cases that require more expensive or long term treatment and/or euthanasia.
• Consults on disease outbreaks with veterinarians, operations, managers and supervisors.
• Assists with writing protocols, training staff on diagnostics and minor procedures.
• Follow all state, local and federal laws regarding the documentation of medical records and tracking of controlled substances
• Attends in-house meetings with supervisors on protocols, animal health and the organization, etc. Assists in tours, lectures, public education programs, special events and fundraising activities as needed.
• Must be punctual and maintain regular, predictable attendance.
• Must be committed to a high standard of safety and be willing and able to comply with all safety laws and all of the employer’s safety policies and rules and must be willing to report safety violations and potential safety violations to appropriate supervisory or management personnel.
• Must be able to fulfill the necessary requirements to obtain a Veterinary Assistant Controlled Substances Permit.
• Must be able to maintain a Veterinary Assistant Controlled Substance Permit throughout employment.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Additional Duties and Responsibilities:

• Schedule spay/neuter, dental and other surgical procedures and complete appropriate paperwork for medical and surgical related activities .
• Assists in tours, lectures, public education programs, special events, and fundraising activities as needed.
• Assists in training and guiding new staff and selected volunteers.
• Willingness and ability to be shadowed by co-workers from other departments, students and other select members of the public, and represent our organization in a professional manner. 
• Provides accurate information and friendly professional service to the public, co-workers and volunteers in a responsive, positive, courteous, truthful and tactful manner.
• Demonstrates a full understanding of the organization and interacts and assists other departments as needed.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of domestic animals including breeds, behavior, appropriate care and housing, common health problems, disease symptoms and handling techniques.
• Knowledge of aseptic surgical techniques, animal care and husbandry.
• Knowledge of anesthesia techniques.
• Knowledge of sterilization and surgical pack preparation procedures.
• Knowledge of state and local codes, ordinances and regulations governing quarantine, impounding, care, and disposal of animals.
• Ability to identify normal and abnormal animal behavior and symptoms of rabies and other animal disorders.
• Ability to control and safely handle pharmaceuticals used in the care and handling of animals and disinfectants in the cleaning and disinfecting of animal habitats.
• Ability to get along and work effectively with the public, management, fellow employees, volunteers, and other agencies and groups.
• Must possess a valid California driver’s license, clear driving record at least one year prior to application.

Education and Experience:

• High school graduate or GED equivalent with six months of experience assisting a licensed veterinarian in providing medical treatment to animals, including surgical procedures and medical examinations, in an animal shelter, hospital, or similar environment.
• Three plus years of experience assisting a licensed veterinarian in providing medical treatment to animals, including surgical procedures and medical examinations, in an animal shelter, hospital, or similar environment.
• RVT eligible or working towards RVT eligibility preferred, but not required

Physical Requirements:

• Any allergic condition that would be aggravated from exposure or through contact with animals or chemicals used to sanitize facilities, vehicles or equipment, may be a disqualification.
• Must stand, walk, bend, stoop, and sit regularly to perform duties. Have the ability to perform strenuous physical activity, including lifting and carrying objects weighing up to 50 pounds alone or up to 100 pounds with the help of fellow employees for short distances.
• May be exposed to hostile or abusive members of the public. Must be able to deal with an often times emotion-charged public and carry a fast paced and changing work load which at times can be stressful.
• By nature of the industry, there may be occasional exposure to dead, injured, sick, unruly, vicious, and/or dangerous animals in addition to exposure to parasites and to infectious diseases. 
• Must be available and willing to work such weekends, holidays, overtime, and attend mandatory training and meetings as the employer determines are necessary or desirable to meet its business needs.

Note: The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees, but are not a complete list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. Either employer or employee may terminate the employment relationship at any time with or without notice and with or without cause.