Veterinarian Assistant UN

Assist, and participate in providing humane veterinary and husbandry services to a variety of animals within Animal Services; apply knowledge of humane animal care, handling, behavior, husbandry and veterinary hospital practices; work toward the goal of increased placement of adoptable animals; ensure quality of work and adherence to established policies and procedures; perform, or assist in the performance of, euthanasia procedures; perform the more technical and complex tasks relative to assigned area of responsibility.

This is a safety sensitive position subject to random drug/alcohol testing.

This is an unclassified at-will position.

Job descriptions are intended to present a general list of tasks/duties performed by employees within this job classification. Job Descriptions are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Essentialfunctions may include, but are not limited to the functions listed below. Mustbe able to perform the essential functions of the job with or without areasonable accommodation.

• Assist Veterinarian in the medical examination, treatment, surgery, emergency care and postmortem examination of animals; prepare instruments for surgery; prepare and catalog postmortem specimens; prepare animals for surgery by shaving, scrubbing and disinfecting surgical site; prepare anesthetics, vaccines and antibiotics; ensure animals are handled and restrained humanely during all procedures.
• Coordinate the activities of other shelter personnel involved in the delivery of emergency or critical care for shelter animals.
• Perform laboratory tests, such as hematology, parasitology and urinalysis, or prepare specimens for laboratory analysis.
• Provide veterinary hospital and laboratory sanitation, including sanitizing and maintaining the surgery, treatment and lab/necropsy areas, etc.
• Maintain animal history and other related records.
• Maintain inventory of veterinary supplies, drugs and equipment; organize and prepare equipment for use and order appropriate supplies from approved sources, utilizing approved methods.
• Monitor, record and report the health and well-being of assigned animals; provide daily care for animals assigned to clinic and quarantine including feeding and cleaning.
• Administer medications as directed by the veterinarian.
• Follow accepted procedures for processing animals into and out of the Clinic.
• Assist in the identification of sick, injured or diseased animals; take precautions to prevent the spread of disease to other animals or humans; recommend veterinary care; administer first aid, medications or other treatment.
• Provide emergency or critical veterinary care for shelter animals.
• Make scheduled rounds of shelter to inspect animals; record observations and follow up treatment.
• Perform or assist in the performance of, humane animal euthanasia procedures; assist in selection of or concurrence with Euthanasia decisions; verify designated animals to be euthanized; ensure safe and humane handling of animals during procedure.
• Interact with the public regarding treatment protocols and answer questions.
• Work with volunteers and assist in the implementation of a foster program.
• Coordinate with Kennel Supervisor and Animal Handlers for the scheduling of surgery and medical examination of animals.
• Participate in the education and training of Animal Care staff, volunteers and the public in animal health and shelter related issues.

SUPPLEMENTAL FUNCTIONS:

• Attend and participate in professional group meetings; stay abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of humane animal handling and Veterinary Science.
• Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.

Education directly related to the minimum requirements below may be substituted for experience on a year for year basis.

High school diploma or GED; and

Two (2) years of Veterinary Assistant or animal handling work experience in an animal services facility, animal clinic, animal hospital or in a private veterinary practice setting.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Possession of a valid New Mexico Driver's License.

Possession of a City Operator's Permit (COP) within six (6) months from date of hire.

Possession of a valid Veterinary Assistant Certificate preferred.

Possession of a valid euthanasia technician license issued by the State of New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department within six (6) months from date of hire.

Environmental:

Animal shelter environment; exposure to a variety of domestic and wild animals, animal body fluids, waste and infectious materials; outdoor and or inclement weather conditions; may be exposed to hostile or abusive members of the public; exposure to noise. Must be able to work weekends, nights and holidays.

Physical:

Essential and supplemental functions may require maintaining physical condition necessary for moderate to heavy lifting; bending, stooping, kneeling, crawling; sitting or standing for prolonged periods; walking…