Surgical Veterinary Assistant

Wagwag; Eugene (OR); On-site; USD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid holidays

Competitive wages

Veterinary supplies at cost

PTO after day 91

Job summary

A nonprofit animal welfare organization in Oregon is seeking a full-time Surgical Veterinary Assistant to join their high-volume spay/neuter clinic. This role requires strong communication skills, detail orientation, and previous veterinary assistant experience. The Assistant will be responsible for patient intake, surgical assistance, and maintaining cleanliness in the clinic. Competitive wages and paid holidays are offered, along with a dynamic work environment celebrating community welfare.

Qualifications

• Must have a minimum of one-year experience as a veterinary assistant.
• Experience in a high-quality, high-volume spay/neuter clinic is a plus.
• Ability to perform duties in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Intake and care of surgical patients.
• Assist in pre-, peri-, and post-operative care.
• Maintain a sterile operating room environment.
• Support staff and train new veterinary assistants on protocols.
• Clean, stock, and manage kennel areas per SOPs.

Skills

Detail oriented

Communication skills

Ability to monitor anesthesia

Knowledge of veterinary concepts

Train others

Sterility & patient safety

Anesthesia monitoring basics

Education

High school diploma

Job description

Job Title: Surgical Veterinary Assistant Location: Eugene, Oregon

Supervisor: Veterinarian & Director of Operations & Practice Manager Department : Spay/Neuter Clinic

Surgical Veterinary Assistant

Be a hero for your community and enjoy three-day weekends! Willamette Animal Guild (WAG) is a nonprofit seeking an experienced full-time veterinary assistant (VA) to join our low-cost, high-quality, high-volume spay/neuter (HQHVSN) team. This individual should be highly motivated, detail oriented, observant, and quick on their feet. WAG’s surgical team works 4 days a week, 10 hours per day.

WAG’s S/N clinic is a fast-paced environment averaging 5,000 surgeries per year. We are seeking a dynamic, friendly and self-starting team member to join our community clinic (40 hours per week, Monday-Thursday). WAG surgical staff has limited client contact and will continue to offer curbside service post-pandemic. Applicants must have a minimum of one-year experience as a veterinary assistant. HQHVSN clinic experience is a plus, but not required. Rate of pay based on experience.

Job Summary

Responsible for morning intake of patients, daily care of all surgical patients, assisting doctors and veterinary technicians with pre-, peri- and post-operative care of patients, general cleaning, and training others to utilize our patient care protocols.

Working Relationships

Works closely with clinic veterinarians, clinic veterinary assistants, and other clinic staff

Essential Job Functions

• Knowledge and ability to intake and release patients, including delivering pre-operative instructions by phone in a competent and friendly manner
• Know basic veterinary medical concepts
• Communicate in effective and professional manner with public, trainees and all staff members
• Represent WAG in a professional and courteous manner at all times
• Follow all written and verbally communicated departmental standard operating procedures
• Responsible for preparing patients for surgery, observing all clinic procedures, to ensure sterility and safety of patients
• General duties in the operating room during surgery, assisting with movement of patients, recovery of patients and general flow
• Able to monitor anesthesia, with a clear understanding of abnormal conditions
• Ensure prompt and accurate paperwork procedures are followed each day
• Able to respond appropriately during an emergency, able to take directions from a veterinarian and/or veterinary technician, and maintain competency in CPR procedures
• Train veterinary assistants, new staff members, and trainees to utilize our patient care protocols
• Perform daily cleaning of kennels, and cages, following proper disease control protocol to ensure a sterile environment
• Keep veterinary technician promptly informed of animal behavior, health or concerns
• Stock all kennel/cleaning supplies as needed
• Stock areas and spot-clean kennels throughout the day
• Clean surgical laundry, clean and sonicate surgical instruments and prepare surgical packs as needed
• Clean, fold, and stock kennel laundry throughout the clinic
• Other duties as assigned
• All other duties as assigned

Education, Experience, and Skills

Must have a high school diploma

• Paid holidays: Thanksgiving Day; Memorial Day; Labor Day; Juneteenth; Independence Day; Christmas Eve through New Year, (minimum, scheduled yearly)
• 8 days front-loaded PTO at day 91 (Prorated)
• Veterinary supplies, services and pet food at cost
• Competitive wages

Application Guidelines/Contact

More information about WAG, and the surgical VA position, can be found on our website: wagwag.org/about/job-opportunities/

Willamette Animal Guild is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, or veteran status. If you need assistance or an accommodation during the application process because of a disability, it is available upon request. We are pleased to provide such assistance, and no applicant will be penalized as a result of the request.

Applicants may send current resume and cover letter to: [e-mail] with “VA Position” in the subject line. Thank you!