Animal Care Specialist I - Veterinary Assistant

Manatee County Government, Work That Matters; Bradenton (FL); On-site; USD 10,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dedicated Animal Care Specialist I - Veterinary Assistant to join their team. This role is essential in supporting the health and well-being of animals in a shelter environment. You will work closely with veterinarians and shelter staff, conducting health checks, assisting in medical procedures, and ensuring the cleanliness of animal areas. The position requires a strong desire to work with animals and excellent customer service skills, making it a rewarding opportunity for those passionate about animal welfare. Join a mission-driven team to make a difference in the lives of animals and the community.

Qualifications

• 6 months of veterinary experience required.
• Strong desire to work with animals.

Responsibilities

• Conduct daily health checks on animals.
• Assist in veterinary procedures and maintain health records.
• Provide excellent customer service to visitors.

Skills

Veterinary Experience

Customer Service

Animal Handling

Communication Skills

Education

High School Diploma or Equivalent

Tools

Computer Applications

Job description

Animal Care Specialist I - Veterinary Assistant

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Animal Care Specialist I - Veterinary Assistant

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General Information

Work Location: Bishop Animal Shelter 5718 21st Avenue West, Bradenton, Florida 34209

Work Hours: 40 hours per week, including variable daytime, evening and weekend hours based on operational need

Expected Starting Hourly Range: $18.40 - $23.00

Plays a direct role in achieving Manatee County’s no-kill mission and goal by providing hands-on care for animals in the shelter, working with internal departments to find those animals homes wherever possible, and serving as ambassadors for county residents, volunteers, and adopters who visit the shelter. Contributes to the health, wellbeing, and general care of dogs and cats. Plays a unique role as the direct day-to-day connector between the animals in our care and our residents.

Working Conditions

Primarily animal shelter or outdoor field environment. Regularly performs moderately strenuous work in varying and adverse weather conditions, including rain, extreme heat and humidity, and long exposure to sunlight. Daily exposure to dogs, cats, and other animals of all sizes, temperaments, and medical status. High noise environment while performing certain responsibilities. Lifting and carrying equipment up to 50 pounds alone and up to 100 pounds with assistance. Periodically required to drive county vehicles as part of the duties of the job. Able to climb and descend equipment and ladders. Able to bend, stoop, crawl, and reach. Position requires visual acuity and depth perception, as well as ability to hear and identify sounds. Periodic high stress situations that may involve angry or frustrated citizens. Regularly required to work other than normal business hours including nights, holidays, and weekends.

Job Description

Essential Functions

These are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position.

The Veterinary Assistant plays a crucial role in supporting the veterinary care provided to animals within the shelter environment. Working closely with veterinarians, veterinary technicians and shelter staff, the Veterinary Assistant ensures the well-being and health of animals under the shelter's care.

The role involves conducting daily health checks on incoming animals and closely monitoring their health and behavior while in the shelter. It includes identifying and reporting signs of illness or distress to the veterinary team and assisting veterinarians and veterinary technicians during medical procedures, surgeries and examinations. Responsibilities also include preparing surgical suite, handling and restraining animals safely, administering medications, and maintaining accurate health records. The position requires administering vaccinations, tracking vaccination schedules, providing post-surgery care, and other duties related to the medical department. Ensuring cleanliness and sanitation of animal areas and collaborating with shelter staff to enhance the animals' well-being and adoptability are also essential duties. Assists with all aspects of the adoption process. Provide excellent customer service to visitors, volunteers, and adopters.

Positively interacts with volunteers and promotes a team environment. Greets visitors to the shelter, answers questions, and assists visitors with their needs. Delivers excellent, non-judgmental customer service to all visitors, adopters, fosters, and transfer partners in a friendly, informative and professional manner. Provides basic and routine care for animals per department guidelines, including feeding, watering, and light grooming. Supports animals with medical issues, which may include zoonotic disease, by medicating, treating, preparing special diets, observing and reporting, and assisting in the maintenance of required records. Provides socialization, enrichment, and exercise for animals as directed. These activities include but are not limited to dog walking, training and playgroup. Identifies behavioral issues and shares observations with team members and leaders. Follows behavior or training plans developed for specific animals. Assist Foster Coordinator with foster appointments, supplies, return surveys and inputting information to the database. Cleans work areas and preserves physical appearance of buildings and grounds, including scooping, raking, sweeping, mopping, and trash removal. Notes maintenance or repairs needed and reports per protocol. Follows policies, procedures, and task lists for daily lifesaving outcome assignments, including accurate and timely communications, work completion, data entry, and recordkeeping. Strictly adheres to established safety procedures to protect self, co-workers, and the general public. Attends job-specific training classes as assigned by supervisor; this includes but is not limited to Defensive Dog Handling and Dogs Playing for Life. Support Front Desk function processing adoptions, licenses, money handling and provide good customer service. Respond to customer service inbox and provide information about services provided by the facility. Take lost & found reports and follow-up when a match has been found. Works emergency situations (including weather and other extreme conditions) as required, including work in the Emergency Operations Center and pet friendly shelters.

Minimum Qualifications

High school diploma or equivalent. Six (6) months' work of veterinary experience with an animal shelter or similar organization required for Intake Coordinator and Vet Assistant positions. Strong desire to work with animals. Previous customer service experience desired.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

Able to comprehend and follow oral and written instructions and complete tasks within assigned timeframes. Able to resolve routine situations and problems. Basic knowledge and understanding of open adoption processes. Ability to work with, leash, kennel, walk, and handle dogs, including those with health and/or behavior conditions/concerns including shyness, fearfulness, and aggression; basic ability to identify and speak to medical and behavioral characteristics of dogs. Basic knowledge and understanding of regulatory compliance necessary to successfully perform job duties. Basic knowledge and understanding of computer applications and software programs required to perform job duties. Good written and verbal communication skills and interpersonal skills to be able to interact professionally and effectively with co-workers, management, adopters, volunteers, and other stakeholders. Able to engage professionally during challenging conversations and accurately educate the public. Capable of working under close supervision.

Veterans Preference

In accordance with Florida Statute 295.07, F.S., Chapter 55A-7, priority consideration in employment will be given to eligible veterans and spouses of disabled veterans. Applicants claiming preference must provide a DD Form 214 or other acceptable documentation with their application. We are committed to honoring the service and sacrifices of our veterans and their families.

EEO/ADA Statement

Manatee County Government is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you require any accommodations to participate in the recruitment process, please contact Human Resources at 941-748-4501 x 3865.

Drug-Free Workplace

Manatee County Government is a drug-free workplace in accordance with Federal and Florida Law.

Emergency Response/Recovery Activities

All employees may be required to work before, during, or after an emergency. During an emergency, employees may temporarily be assigned to work and perform duties outside the normal scope of their position, location, and work schedule to fit the needs of the County and its citizens.