Job Title: Veterinary Assistant I
Department: Veterinary Services 09
Job Classification: Full\-Time, Hourly, Non\-Exempt
Job Relationships: Reports to Veterinary Services Manager
General Purpose: Provides veterinary assistance and administrative support for the Clinic
The Veterinary Assistant I provides clinical and administrative support for the Veterinary Services Department. Weekly schedules are full\-time (40 hrs) and include a weekend shift. Schedules are subject to change according to business need. Shift hours can range from 7am to 7pm. Emergency hours may be implemented during emergency situations. Overtime and holiday shifts required as needed.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
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- Restrains animals for veterinarians or other staff members for various procedures such as exams, intubation, venipuncture, injections and more
- Helps maintain the flow of patients
- Records needed inventory items, stock all areas, and monitor items for expiration dates
- Assists with prepping animals for surgery
- Prepares and stocks the treatment area and surgical suite for patient anesthesia, surgical preparation and sterilization.
- Assists with maintaining a clean environment by cleaning the surgical suite and treatment areas
- Cleans, sterilizes and prepares surgical instruments, packs and endotracheal tubes; cleans surgical laundry
- Assists with care of animals in the shelter by cleaning cages, feeding, and other tasks as necessary
- Maintains accurate computer and paper records for medications and treatments, enters data into Chameleon database regarding medications, vaccinations, and treatments; runs reports
- Administers vaccinations, medications, and other treatments to shelter animals
- Restrain animals for radiographs
- Performs euthanasia as assigned
- Drives on behalf of the Organization on occasion
- Adheres to the Standards of Professional Conduct and maintains solid attendance and punctuality
- Other duties as assigned
- Participates in meetings and on committees as assigned
Other Duties:
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February 2025
Job Qualifications:
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Education/Experience: Minimum of 6 months applicable work experience in a veterinary clinic and/or animal shelter setting or completion of a Veterinary Assistant certification or associate degree program required. Minimum of 6 months applicable direct animal handling experience required. Previous Veterinary Assistant experience a plus. Euthanasia experience a plus. Previous surgical assistant experience preferred. Experience maintaining computerized medical records; Chameleon software, or other animal shelter software, experience preferred. Must be at least 21 years of age (required for insurance purposes). Proven bilingual English/Spanish reading, writing, understanding and speaking a plus and includes a wage premium.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Strong verbal and written communication skills required. Detail\-oriented and able to exercise good judgment when dealing with animal\-related concerns. Knowledge of basic animal health care; knowledge of animal breeds and colors. Proven emotional intelligence, integrity and work ethic skills required. Able to work both independently and in a team setting. Able to remain calm and level\-headed in a sometimes stressful and emotional work environment. Able to use sound judgment when dealing with confidential information. Able to multi\-task and prioritize job duties in a busy and constantly changing work environment. Able to work overtime as needed and during emergency situations.
Other: Valid Colorado Driver’s License and insurable driving record; have and maintain personal driving insurance meeting Colorado standards. Willing to be rabies vaccinated and have intermittent titer testing.
Working Conditions:
Work Environment: Most work is performed in the clinic or shelter setting; office space is a shared space; potential for exposure to zoonotic diseases and cleaning chemicals; potential for exposure to dangerous and fractious animals; potential exposure to high noise levels when in kennel area; potential exposure to hazardous chemicals, anesthetic gases, ionizing radiation (x\-rays), and sharp objects; potential for animal bites and scratches while handling animals; potential exposure to hay and dust; potential exposure to deceased animals; potential for exposure to various weather conditions when working outside in kennels and pens.
Physical Activities: Handling animals of varying types and temperaments. Lifting of up to 50 pounds without assistance and more with assistance; potential for standing on feet for 8 hours or more a day; driving a vehicle; cleaning cages (scrubbing); kneeling; bending; squatting; data entry using a computer; walking dogs on a leash; performing physical examinations on animals; animal restraint; handling syringes and needles. Audibly listening and verbally communicating.
*NOTE: This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities or qualifications associated with the job. NOCO Humane conducts background checks, DMV checks and requires drug testing of all employment candidates.*
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. Benefits for full\-time employees include options for medical and life, dental, vision and supplemental accident insurance; STD/LTD insurance; a matching 403b plan; paid time off (PTO) accrual; 9 paid holidays and more. Benefits for part\-time employees include paid time off (PTO); a matching 403b plan and more.