Veterinary Assistant II, ALMC

Oregon Humane Society; Portland (OR); On-site; USD 29,797 - 31,808; Full time

Job summary

The Oregon Humane Society is seeking a full-time Veterinary Assistant at the Portland Campus. This role is crucial for providing medical care to animals, preparing for surgeries, and maintaining hospital cleanliness.

Qualified candidates should have a high school diploma and experience in animal care within a veterinary or shelter environment. Proficiency in communication and the ability to work under pressure is essential. Join us in a mission-driven environment focused on animal welfare.

Qualifications

• Provide direct care to animals in a veterinary setting.
• Hold or obtain Radiology Safety Certification within a year of hiring.
• Communicate effectively with a diverse population.

Responsibilities

• Assist with patient exams and daily medical care.
• Prepare surgical suites and administer pre-anesthesia drugs.
• Monitor and collect blood and other samples.

Skills

Animal care

Communication skills

Veterinary procedures

Medical record keeping

Education

High school graduate or GED

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Overview

Job Location: Portland Campus - Portland, OR 97211

Position Type: Full Time

Salary Range: $21.63 - $23.09 Hourly

About Oregon Humane: Founded in 1868, Oregon Humane is the Northwest's oldest and largest animal welfare organization with one of the highest adoption rates in the nation. We are an Oregon-based nonprofit that relies on donor support for adoption, education, medical and humane law enforcement programs. Visit oregonhumane.org to learn more.

The Team

Veterinary Assistants work collaboratively with the medical and operations leadership team to ensure the clinic’s overall performance in accordance with medical standards and the OVMEB veterinary practice act.

The Position

The veterinary assistant is a vital member of the animal surgical and medical care team. Responsibilities include assisting with and performing patient exams, providing daily medical care to patients in the hospital facility, providing anesthesia, laboratory, pharmacy and radiology support, preparing patients for surgery and helping to maintain the hospital facility at the highest level of cleanliness and order. The VA also engages with the public and Oregon Humane Shelter Staff to provide consultation and information. All Oregon Humane staff contribute to the mission and stay current on issues related to animal welfare and Oregon Humane programs.

Essential Responsibilities

• Work daily with animals of varying size and temperament. Handle individual animals in a caring and respectful manner. Provide compassionate care for patients.
• Prep and set up surgical suites, administer pre-anesthesia drugs, and ensure that all surgical and medical areas are clean and organized.
• Perform the circulator role for surgical and dental procedures. Record and report physical signs of patients before, during, and after surgery. Enter medical notes and treatment notes into medical records in a timely and accurate manner.
• Ensure that animals with infectious diseases are handled safely according to infectious medicine protocols.
• Clean and sanitize cages and hospital facilities, including exam rooms, treatment rooms and surgical suites.
• Monitor the medical consultation phone as assigned. Perform pre-adoption medical consultations as needed.
• Administer medications, topically and orally.
• Readily adjust to change and contribute to the success of new programs, projects, and/or initiatives.
• Fill prescriptions.
• Place IV catheters on a consistent basis.
• Monitor and collect blood, urine, and fecal samples. Prepare and run laboratory tests and in-house blood work. Prepare and send lab and blood samples for external analysis.
• Perform radiological services.
• Prepare and transport patients for surgery, dentistry, radiology, and other prescribed procedures.
• Take incoming patients to appropriate areas. Prepare patients for dismissal according to established discharge protocols.
• Receive and stock medical supply shipments. Maintain inventory and storage areas in a neat and orderly manner.
• Provide clean bedding, water and litter pans for patients. Feed and water hospitalized patients as needed.
• Assist with public education events such as presentations and in-shelter types of education.
• Perform any other duty as requested by management.
• Participate and assist with critical and emergency response situations.

Qualifications

• High school graduate or GED equivalent.
• 2-5 years related work experience providing direct care to animals in a veterinary medicine center or animal shelter environment.
• Hold or obtain Radiology Safety Certification within one year from the date of hire and maintain certification.
• Able to communicate with a diverse population in a consistently informative, respectful and professional manner.
• Knowledge and experience working with a wide variety of dog and cat breeds.
• Available to work weekends, evenings, and holidays as needed.
• Able to exercise sound judgment and maintain a professional demeanor during all interactions with the public, partner agencies, donors, staff and volunteers.
• Proficiency using the Microsoft Office Suite, including Outlook, Word, Excel.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Work Environment Conditions & Physical Requirements

This position interacts and collaborates with all levels of the organization, including staff, executive team, donors, general public, external vendors, volunteers, and supporters. Work is performed in an office and medical center/animal shelter environment. Travel between campuses may be required. Working at both campuses may be required. Occasional weekend and evening work may be required. Animal contact and related injuries may occur. Noise varies with animal vocalizations. The pace is active and demanding with multitasking and changing priorities. Occasional contact with upset individuals may occur.

• Occasional lifting and moving of objects up to 50 lbs.
• Occasional pushing and pulling of items up to 100 lbs.
• Occasional movement of items above shoulder level.
• Prolonged standing, sitting, and/or stooping may occur.
• Occasional climbing and bending.
• Ability to lift, move, restrain, guide, or manage an animal up to 150 lbs occasionally.
• Ability to respond and perform life-saving techniques in an emergency.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Achieving our mission begins with how we build our team and work together. We are committed to diversity of origins, beliefs, backgrounds and ways of thinking, and to learning, listening and evolving to become more diverse, equitable and inclusive.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Oregon Humane is an equal opportunity employer that does not tolerate discrimination on any basis. We actively seek diverse backgrounds, perspectives and skills to have sustained impact. We do not discriminate on race, color, gender identity, religion, age, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, disability, marital status, military veteran status or any other protected group. We strive for an environment of respect and psychological safety where equal employment opportunities are available to all.

At-Will Employment

This position description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties performed by the employee. Employees may be required to follow other job-related duties as required by their supervisor. This document does not create an employment contract implied or otherwise, other than an “at-will” relationship.