Community Medicine Veterinary Assistant

Humane Society for Southwest Washington; Vancouver (WA); On-site; USD 29,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental & vision insurance

401(k) matching

Job summary

The Humane Society for Southwest Washington is seeking a Community Medicine Veterinary Assistant in Vancouver, WA. This full-time, nonexempt role supports veterinarians and techs in a high-volume clinic focused on spay/neuter, preventative care, and improving access to veterinary services for underserved communities.

The position requires at least 2 years of veterinary assistant experience, ability to assist with anesthesia, and strong animal handling skills.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 2 years of experience working as a Veterinary Assistant in a veterinary clinic, animal shelter, or high-volume spay/neuter program.
• Experience supporting surgical or anesthesia procedures strongly preferred.
• Experience in shelter medicine or high-volume spay/neuter environments preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced medical environment.
• Strong animal handling skills with dogs and cats of varying temperaments.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.

Responsibilities

• Assist with patient intake, handling, and preparation for surgery and medical appointments.
• Support veterinarians and licensed veterinary technicians with examinations, treatments, and procedures.
• Prepare animals for surgery including patient identification, weighing, pre-operative preparation, and surgical prep.
• Assist with anesthesia induction, monitoring, and recovery under the direction of veterinarians and licensed veterinary technicians.
• Monitor patient safety and report changes in condition promptly.
• Maintain accurate medical records within the clinic database.
• Assist with post-operative monitoring and discharge preparation.
• Support daily clinic flow to maintain efficient patient throughput.
• Prepare and maintain surgical packs, instruments, and treatment areas.
• Clean and disinfect clinical areas, equipment, and kennels according to disease control protocols.
• Assist with inventory management and stocking of clinic supplies.
• Support patient discharge and provide clear instructions to clients.
• Assist with community cat program patients and high-volume spay/neuter services.
• Provide professional and compassionate communication with clients accessing community veterinary services.
• Educate clients on preventative care, surgery preparation, and post-operative instructions.
• Support a welcoming environment for people and pets from diverse backgrounds.
• Work collaboratively with veterinary staff to support efficient clinic operations.
• Assist with training newer veterinary assistants and volunteers as needed.
• Promote a positive, respectful workplace culture focused on teamwork and accountability.
• Represent HSSW in a professional and courteous manner at all times.

Skills

Animal handling

Communication skills

Teamwork

Multitasking

Fast-paced environment

Surgical assisting

Job description

Description

The Humane Society for Southwest Washington is currently seeking a Community Medicine Veterinary Assistant to join our team. This is a full-time, FLSA nonexempt opportunity.

Since 1897, HSSW has been the leader in animal welfare across Southwest Washington. With an annual operating budget of $15 million, we are the largest and most innovative animal welfare organization in the region. Our shelter campuses in Vancouver and Longview, WA serve more than 10,000 animals each year, providing high-quality care, medical services, and the compassion they deserve.

Our community-based approach helps keep pets and people together. Through the Nierenberg Community Veterinary Clinic, the Sandra Richardson Miller Mobile Veterinary Clinic, the Swigert Family Behavior & Training Center, and programs like free pet food and other essential resources, we serve more than 18,000 owned animals annually expanding access to affordable veterinary care, spay/neuter, training, and support.

We also own and operate ReTails Thrift Store, a top shopping destination named Best Thrift Store in Clark County for eight consecutive years, providing vital funding for our mission.

At HSSW, you’ll find an innovative, high-energy culture where your passion for animals and people can make a real difference. We’re looking for team members who want to be part of something bigger: supporting pets, strengthening families, and shaping the future of animal welfare in Southwest Washington. HSSW has been honored as Best Non-Profit for two years running—a recognition of our impact and leadership in the community.

Community Medicine Veterinary Assistant

The Community Medicine Veterinary Assistant provides advanced technical and operational support within the Humane Society for Southwest Washington Community Veterinary Clinic. This role supports veterinarians and licensed veterinary technicians in a high-volume, fast-paced environment focused on spay/neuter surgery, preventative care, and increasing access to veterinary services for underserved communities. This position requires a skilled veterinary assistant who is comfortable working in a surgical setting, assisting with anesthesia and patient care, and supporting efficient clinic operations while maintaining a high standard of compassion and professionalism with clients and animals. This position reports to the Director of Community Medicine Operations and works closely with veterinarians, licensed veterinary technicians, veterinary assistants, and volunteers.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Patient Care and Surgery Support

• Assist with patient intake, handling, and preparation for surgery and medical appointments.
• Support veterinarians and licensed veterinary technicians with examinations, treatments, and procedures.
• Prepare animals for surgery including patient identification, weighing, pre-operative preparation, and surgical prep.
• Assist with anesthesia induction, monitoring, and recovery under the direction of veterinarians and licensed veterinary technicians.
• Monitor patient safety and report changes in condition promptly.
• Maintain accurate medical records within the clinic database.
• Assist with post-operative monitoring and discharge preparation.

Clinic Operations

• Support daily clinic flow to maintain efficient patient throughput.
• Prepare and maintain surgical packs, instruments, and treatment areas.
• Clean and disinfect clinical areas, equipment, and kennels according to disease control protocols.
• Assist with inventory management and stocking of clinic supplies.
• Support patient discharge and provide clear instructions to clients.
• Assist with community cat program patients and high-volume spay/neuter services.

Client Communication

• Provide professional and compassionate communication with clients accessing community veterinary services.
• Educate clients on preventative care, surgery preparation, and post-operative instructions.
• Support a welcoming environment for people and pets from diverse backgrounds.

Team Support

• Work collaboratively with veterinary staff to support efficient clinic operations.
• Assist with training newer veterinary assistants and volunteers as needed.
• Promote a positive, respectful workplace culture focused on teamwork and accountability.
• Represent HSSW in a professional and courteous manner at all times.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 2 years of experience working as a Veterinary Assistant in a veterinary clinic, animal shelter, or high-volume spay/neuter program.
• Experience supporting surgical or anesthesia procedures strongly preferred.
• Experience in shelter medicine or high-volume spay/neuter environments preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced medical environment.
• Strong animal handling skills with dogs and cats of varying temperaments.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
• Ability to multitask and maintain attention to detail in a high-volume environment.
• Commitment to the mission of improving access to veterinary care and supporting the human-animal bond.

Working Conditions

Work is performed in a veterinary clinic environment with frequent exposure to animals, animal bodily fluids, cleaning agents, and medical equipment.

The position requires standing for extended periods, lifting animals and equipment up to approximately 50 pounds, and working in a fast-paced clinical setting.

Employees may be exposed to allergens, animal scratches, bites, zoonotic diseases, and anesthetic gases.

Work schedules may include weekends and early morning shifts depending on clinic operations.

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. This document does not create an employment contract implied or otherwise, other than an “at-will” relationship. HSSW participates in E-Verify.

Compensation

The hourly pay for this position ranges from $20.85 to $25.24 per hour. Starting wage is dependent upon experience.

Employee Benefits and Perks

In addition to serving in an organization with a compassionate and strategic purpose, eligible employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits package and a variety of employee perks.

Benefits include:

• Health insurance effective the first of the month following hire (full-time employees).
• Dental and vision insurance effective the first of the month following hire.
• Matching percentage 401(k) retirement plan beginning the first month after hire, with a 3-year graded vesting schedule and ROTH contribution option.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) available to all employees and household members.
• Section 125 FSA Cafeteria Plan for out-of-pocket health and/or dependent day care expenses.
• Access to affordable life, disability, and accidental supplemental insurance.
• Numerous employee discounts and discounts with partner organizations.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness qualified employer. To learn more about this Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program, go to https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation

Paid Time Off (PTO)

This position accrues PTO at a rate of 1.84 hours for every 40 hours worked.

Additional Paid time includes

• Floating Holidays (full-time employees).
• Bereavement leave.
• Pet bereavement leave.

Culture

Vision: A community where everyone loves and cares for animals.

Mission: Rescue. Return. Restore. Rehome. Reconnect. One animal at a time

Values: Compassion. Collaboration. Excellence. Service. Integrity.

The ultimate team player:

• Displays interest, enthusiasm, and an affinity for working with people.
• Demonstrates an attitude in being of-service, using good judgment, maintaining a positive outlook, and ideally, a sense of humor.
• Works well in teams and demonstrates an attitude and commitment to collaboration with a sincere interest in helping others succeed.
• Is committed to achieving excellence individually and as a part of the team.
• Exhibits adaptability, curiosity, flexibility to change, open to new ideas, and encourages others to recognize changes in work tasks, situations, and environment as an opportunity for transformation.
• Is committed to personal and professional development through life-long learning.

Application Deadline: Open until filled.