Vet Assistant

Humane Society of St. Thomas; Charlotte Amalie (United States Virgin Islands); Presencial; USD 21.000 - 28.000; Jornada completa

Descripción de la vacante

Humane Society of St. Thomas HSSTT seeks a Vet Assistant to support the medical team with hands-on animal care, anesthesia monitoring, and post‑op recovery. You will maintain treatment areas, assist with surgeries, and ensure accurate records in a shelter setting.

The role emphasizes compassion for animals, strict biosecurity, and teamwork with volunteers. Flexible full‑time or part‑time hours may be available to cover adoptions and emergencies.

Formación

• High school diploma or equivalent; post-secondary animal science coursework preferred.
• Previous veterinary clinic, shelter, or medical setting experience strongly preferred.
• Ability to safely handle and restrain animals; attention to detail and recordkeeping.
• Strong communication skills and ability to work collaboratively.

Responsabilidades

• Assist intake and medical evaluation of new animals with accurate record entry.
• Prepare animals for procedures; restrain, shave, clean areas, and set up IVs.
• Assist during surgery and monitor anesthesia; support post‑op recovery.
• Administer medications and vaccines under supervision; monitor health.
• Maintain clinic cleanliness, stock supplies, and handle laboratory duties.

Conocimientos

Communication

Recordkeeping

Animal handling

Educación

High school diploma or equivalent

Herramientas

Shelter software

Microsoft Office Suite

Descripción del empleo

Humane Society of St. Thomas HSSTT believes that every companys most valuable asset is a skilled and motivated workforce. Performance evaluations are conducted to provide both supervisors and employees with the opportunity to discuss job tasks, identify and correct weaknesses, encourage and recognize strengths, and discuss approaches for meeting goals. HSSTT is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Job Title: Vet Assistant Department: Shelter Med Reports To: Shelter Veterinarian Last Modified 10/11/25 The Veterinary Assistant supports the medical team by performing hands‑on animal care, assisting with surgical and medical procedures, maintaining treatment areas, and ensuring accurate recordkeeping. This role is crucial for maintaining high standards of animal health, welfare, and cleanliness in a shelter environment. HSSTT is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist with intake and medical evaluation of new animals (weighing, basic physical exam, record entry)
• Prepare animals for surgery or other procedures: restraining, shaving, cleaning surgical areas, placing IVs / preparing fluids
• Assist during surgery and monitor anesthesia, post‑op recovery, and cleaning surgical suites
• Administer medications, vaccines, and treatments (oral, injectable, topical) under supervision
• Monitor animals for signs of illness or complications, escalating to veterinary staff as needed
• Clean, disinfect, and maintain clinic and treatment rooms, surgical instruments, and medical equipment
• Maintain and restock medical supplies and inventory, order supplies as instructed
• Assist with lab work: collecting samples (blood, urine, feces), running in‑house tests, preparing specimens for outside labs
• Assist with euthanasia procedures when necessary (under supervision)
• Train, supervise, or assist volunteers and interns in medical support tasks

Recordkeeping and Documentation

• Maintain accurate medical records and data entry
• Maintain accurate and up‑to‑date animal records.
• Enter data in shelter software, generate reports, track medical supplies and inventory

Other Responsibilities

• Respond to medical emergencies and provide first‑aid triage
• Ensure clinic cleanliness
• Advise potential adopters or fosters on medical conditions and required care
• Participate in spay/neuter, vaccine clinics, and outreach as needed
• Other tasks or special projects as assigned

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent (post-secondary coursework in animal science or veterinary/biological fields preferred)
• Previous experience in a veterinary clinic, shelter, or medical setting is strongly preferred
• Ability to safely handle and restrain cats, dogs, and other animals (including stressed, injured, or fractious individuals)
• Strong attention to detail, excellent recordkeeping skills, comfort with computers
• Good communication skills (written and verbal) and ability to work collaboratively
• Ability to follow protocols strictlyespecially for biosecurity, safety, and sterilization
• Knowledge of animal behavior, basic health, and humane handling.
• Requires the emotional capacity to handle euthanasia related issues including communication about these issues to the public.
• Must have a passion for animals and support the mission of the HSSTT.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to work in a fast‑paced, emotionally challenging environment.
• Proficient in shelter software and Microsoft Office Suite a plus
• Bilingual skills (Spanish, etc.) a plus.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, and stoop for extended periods.
• Comfortable working with animals of all species, sizes, and temperaments.

Schedule

• Full‑time or part‑time (may include weekends and holidays)
• Flexibili y in hours to accommodate adoptions, intakes, or emergencies

Disclaimer

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed