Veterinary Support Specialist

spcawc

Raleigh (NC)

On-site

USD 30,000 - 40,000

Full time

14 days+

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Benefits offered by this job

Medical and Dental Insurance

Paid Time Off

Flexible Spending Account

Discount on pet adoptions

Job summary

spcawc is seeking a Veterinary Support Specialist in Raleigh to ensure cleanliness in animal care settings while supporting the veterinary team. This role involves cleaning treatment areas, assisting in basic animal handling, and maintaining biosecurity protocols.

The ideal candidate enjoys working with animals and is detail-oriented, with a commitment to infection control. Employees have growth opportunities into veterinary assistant roles based on their performance.

Qualifications

Experience in an animal care setting or willingness to learn.
Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
Regular attendance is essential.

Responsibilities

Clean and disinfect medical spaces in the shelter.
Assist medical staff with animal restraint.
Restock medical and cleaning supplies.

Skills

Experience with kennel cleaning and sanitation

Animal handling comfort

Attention to detail

Ability to follow instructions

Job description

Veterinary Support Specialist

Department: Medical Team
Reports To: Medical Director
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Work Schedule Expectations: Full-time; may include weekends, holidays, and occasional evenings based on shelter operations

Position Summary

The Veterinary Support Specialist plays a vital role in maintaining a clean, safe, and functional medical environment while providing hands‑on support to the veterinary team. This position is responsible for the daily sanitation and upkeep of all medical and surgical spaces, including treatment kennels, isolation areas, exam rooms, prep areas, and surgical suites. In addition to cleaning and disinfection responsibilities, this role assists the medical team with animal restraint, basic handling, and surgical preparation support. This position is designed as an entry‑level pathway into the medical team, offering opportunities for growth and skill development for individuals interested in advancing into veterinary assisting or technician roles. This role requires comfort working in a high‑volume shelter environment that may include exposure to injured or ill animals.

Primary Responsibilities

Clean and disinfect:
- Treatment kennels
- Treatment isolation kennels
- Panleuk/open isolation rooms
- Exam rooms
- Prep areas
- Surgical suites
Follow strict biosecurity and infection control protocols
Ensure all medical spaces are stocked, organized, and ready for patient care
Properly handle and dispose of medical waste and laundry
Assist in maintaining OSHA and sanitation compliance

Animal Handling & Medical Support

Assist medical staff with safe animal restraint for:
- Exams
- Treatments
- Vaccinations
Assist with basic surgical preparation tasks under supervision
Provide calm, low‑stress handling of animals
Safely move animals between kennels, exam rooms, and treatment areas

Support to Medical Team

Restock medical and cleaning supplies
Prepare kennels and surgical spaces between patients
Assist with laundry and equipment sanitation
Help maintain an efficient workflow for the veterinary team

Qualifications & Essential Functions

Required:

Experience with kennel cleaning and sanitation in an animal care setting or willingness to learn
Comfort working around animals of all sizes and temperaments
Ability to follow detailed cleaning and disinfection protocols
Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and remain on feet for extended periods
Strong attention to detail and reliability
Ability to follow written and verbal instructions
Reliable, punctual, and able to work independently and as part of a team
Regular and predictable attendance is an essential function of this role

Preferred:

Experience in a shelter, clinic, or veterinary environment
Interest in pursuing a veterinary assistant or technician career path
Basic knowledge of animal behavior and handling

Skills & Competencies

Strong work ethic and initiative
Ability to work in a fast‑paced medical environment
Willingness to learn medical procedures and animal handling techniques
Team‑oriented mindset
Excellent time management and organization
Commitment to cleanliness and infection control

Growth Opportunity

This role is intentionally structured to serve as a stepping stone into the medical team. Employees who demonstrate reliability, strong performance, and interest in learning may have opportunities for cross‑training and advancement into veterinary assistant responsibilities, based on operational needs and performance.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds
Frequent standing, walking, bending, kneeling, and reaching
Ability to safely handle animals of varying size, strength, and temperament
Exposure to cleaning chemicals, medical waste, and infectious disease areas
Risk of animal bites or scratches
Frequent repetitive motions
Occasional exposure to loud noise and strong odors
Fast‑paced veterinary medical setting
Regular, in‑person interaction with animals, coworkers, and veterinary staff

Why This Role Matters

A clean, well‑maintained medical space is essential to patient safety, infection control, and surgical success. This position is a foundational part of the medical team and directly contributes to the quality of care provided to every animal.

Additional Information

Benefits and working conditions determined by the employer. The SPCA of Wake County is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected status. This job description is intended to describe the general nature of the work performed and is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities. Duties may change based on operational needs.

Benefits

Medical and Dental: Employer pays 90% of employee coverage (full‑time)
Insurance includes wellness, dental, vision, life, mental health care, prescriptions, emergency & urgent care, chiropractic care, and physical therapy
Telemedicine options, 24/7 access to virtual health & wellness care and virtual behavioral health care

PAID TIME OFF

All part‑time and full‑time staff receive paid time off.
Paid Holidays – 9 paid holidays per year (full‑time)
Vacation Time – 10 paid vacation days per year (full‑time) with scheduled increases at milestone anniversaries of hire date
Sick Time – 6.5 paid sick days per year (full‑time)

FINANCIAL