Veterinary Assistant (Level 1) Hiring Event

DoveLewis Veterinary Emergency and Specialty Hospital; Portland (OR); On-site; USD 10,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player in veterinary care is seeking dedicated Veterinary Assistants to join their Outpatient Services Team. This role offers a fantastic opportunity for those early in their veterinary career to gain hands-on experience in a supportive environment. You will assist with animal restraint, lab work, and client interactions while working on a rotating schedule that offers work-life balance. Join a nonprofit that is passionate about making a difference in the community and provides comprehensive health benefits, a nurturing workplace, and opportunities for skill development in emergency and critical care. If you love animals and are ready to take the next step in your career, this position is perfect for you.

Benefits

Health benefits (medical, dental, vision)

Life insurance

Flexible spending accounts

Paid leave

Holiday pay

Student debt assistance

Qualifications

• 1+ year of animal care experience preferred.
• Genuine love and respect for animals.

Responsibilities

• Assist veterinarians with animal restraint and maintaining a sterile environment.
• Provide excellent client service and manage patient triage.

Skills

Animal handling

Client service

Knowledge of animal behavior

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Job Opportunity: Veterinary Assistant Level 1 at DoveLewis

DoveLewis Veterinary Emergency and Specialty Hospital is hosting a hiring event for full-time Level 1 Veterinary Assistants to join our Outpatient Services Team (ER, ICU, Urgent Care). We are hiring for Day and Overnight shifts.

The hiring event will be on Thursday, 5/15, with 30-minute interview slots from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm. Invitations will be sent on Thursday, 5/8. The event will be at our new hospital, DoveLewis South, located at 1932 NW Pettygrove St, Portland, OR 97209. Interested candidates should complete an application.

If you're early in your veterinary career, a Veterinary Assistant Level 1 (VA1) position might be ideal for you!

About the Position:

As a Veterinary Assistant Level 1 (VA1), you will provide excellent client service and assist veterinarians and technicians with animal restraint, maintaining a sterile environment, laundry, stocking, lab work, aftercare for deceased animals, surgery prep, and other tasks. This role builds on kennel assistant skills, with increased responsibilities in client interactions, animal restraint, lab assistance, and patient triage and discharge. It’s suitable for those with some veterinary or animal handling experience or high-level customer service skills, such as groomers.

Wage Range:

$19.95-$22 per hour, with additional pay for overnight and weekend shifts.

Schedule:

Assistants work 3/4 rotating 10-hour shifts, providing a consistent schedule with 3 or 4 days off weekly. We currently hire for A Side (Sunday-Monday-Tuesday and alternate Saturday) and B Side (Wednesday-Thursday-Friday and alternate Saturday). Shifts are 6 am-4 pm or 8 pm-6 am, totaling 70 hours per pay period (about 35 hours weekly).

DoveLewis operates 24/7/365, requiring availability for some weekends and holidays.

Candidate Requirements:

• Genuine love and respect for animals and understanding of the human-animal bond.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Oregon driver’s license preferred for transport duties.
• Knowledge of animal behavior and safe handling.
• At least 1 year of animal care experience (veterinary, kennel, shelter, grooming, or daycare) preferred and required for VA1.
• Experience or education can be combined as a substitute.

Benefits:

• Opportunities to develop emergency and critical care skills at a teaching hospital.
• Health benefits: medical, dental, vision, mental health support, preventive care, LGBTQIA-friendly providers, family options.
• Life insurance, flexible spending accounts, paid leave, holiday pay, bereavement leave, 403(b), student debt assistance.
• Work in a nonprofit that makes a community impact daily.

Application Process:

Complete the online application and upload your resume. Resumes without an application will not be considered.

DoveLewis is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and a drug-free workplace. Pre-employment screening is required.