Surgery Veterinary Assistant

Humane Society of Huron Valley; Ann Arbor (MI); On-site; USD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Humane Society of Huron Valley is seeking a Surgery Veterinary Assistant to support our surgeons and help manage the daily flow of surgeries and animal care in the clinic.

You will assist with post-operative care, medication administration, radiographs, and client education while maintaining patient safety in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Must have animal handling experience and be energetic and caring.
• Must be licensed by the State of Michigan or trained as veterinary assistant with veterinary team.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work under pressure and as part of a team.

Responsibilities

• Prepare animals for surgery and maintain a fast-paced flow with emphasis on patient safety.
• Follow Humane Alliance guidelines for high-quality, high-volume spay/neuter surgeries.
• Run bloodwork and maintain clinic equipment including blood machines and anesthetic gear.

Skills

Animal handling

Communication skills

Teamwork

Tools

Autoclave

Blood machines

Anesthetic equipment

Job description

Join the Humane Society of Huron Valley's mission to improve the lives of animals in need by becoming our Surgery Veterinary Assistant! As a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, we're committed to providing compassionate care to animals in our community.

As a Surgery Veterinary Assistant, you'll play a crucial role in our animal welfare efforts by assisting our skilled veterinary team in providing surgical care to animals in need. From routine spay and neuter surgeries to more complex procedures, you'll be part of a team that ensures the health and well-being of our animals.

In addition to your surgical duties, you'll also have the opportunity to assist with post-operative care, administer medications, and provide general support to our veterinary team. Your hard work and dedication will directly contribute to the well-being of the animals in our care.

At the Humane Society of Huron Valley, we believe in creating a supportive and collaborative work environment where every team member's contributions are valued. We're proud of the meaningful work we do in the community and the positive impact we have on the lives of animals.

Position Title: Surgery Veterinary Assistant

Supervisor: Clinic Assistant Manager (and indirectly Clinic Director & veterinarians)

Classification: Non-exempt, Hourly

SUMMARY

Playing a crucial role as support to our surgeons, the Surgery Veterinary Assistant is responsible for daily operations and flow of surgeries and animal care in the clinic. It takes a highly responsible person who thrives in a fast-paced environment; shows enduring compassion for animals; has a customer-service focus, an eye for detail, and the ability to be flexible.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

May be licensed by the State of Michigan, or considered a veterinary assistant as trained by the veterinary technician or veterinarians. Animal handling experience is required. Must be an energetic and caring individual with excellent communication skills; a quick but accurate and safety-focused pace; and a calm demeanor even when in the face of duress. Must also have great organizational skills and ability to work individually as well as part of a team.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Responsible for preparing animals for surgery, maintaining a necessary fast-paced flow of surgeries, and monitoring animals during recovery from surgery, all with a detailed approach to patient safety.
• Follow and understand the Humane Alliance guidelines for safe and efficient high-quality high-volume, spay/neuter procedures.
• Responsible for running bloodwork, maintaining clinic equipment including blood machines, autoclave, and anesthetic equipment.
• Organize and maintain the surgery log, calculate drug doses, prepare animals for surgery, and monitor anesthesia during surgery.
• Provide support to the veterinarian/surgeon, including taking radiographs, animal restraint, cytology, fecal floats, dispensing vaccines and medications as directed.
• Transport anesthetized animals in preparation for or following surgery.
• Open and close the clinic prep area, cages, and blood machines. Cleaning surgical instruments and making surgical packs. General cleaning and maintenance of the area.
• Discuss health and surgery related issues with clients as directed by the veterinarian.
• Enter data from all surgeries correctly, completely and in a timely manner.
• Assist with other anesthesia-related, but non-surgical procedures as directed.
• Attend clinic and all staff meetings.
• Other duties as assigned, including answering phone, educating clients, and clinic support as needed.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing this job, you will have extended periods of standing and lifting. You must be able to lift up to 40 pounds regularly in order to transport animals, equipment and more. Use of your hands and digits is required to operate equipment, and normal hearing and talking is required to communicate with surgeons and others encountered during the course of work. You will be exposed to the surgery and euthanasia setting as well as the occasional kennel/shelter setting. You will be exposed to disinfectant solutions while cleaning. You will be consistently exposed to animals and animal allergens. You may also be subject to potential danger including parasites and infectious diseases, animal bites and scratches.

MENTAL DEMANDS

While performing this job, you will be regularly required to use written and oral communication skills; observe and interpret situations; analyze and solve problems; learn and apply new information and skills; perform repetitive work on multiple, concurrent tasks; fulfill intensive deadlines; and interact with staff, the public, volunteers and others encountered in the course of work. You may be continually interrupted while you work. You will be exposed to others’ pain and suffering, and must be able to handle occasional volatile situations.

Please note: This job description reflects the assignment of essential functions; it does not prescribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The Humane Society of Huron Valley (HSHV) is an equal opportunity employer (EOE).