Senior Veterinarian Assistant

Lead, assist, and participate in providing humane veterinary and husbandry services to a variety of animals within Animal Services; apply knowledge of humane animal care, handling, behavior, husbandry and veterinary hospital practices; work toward the goal of increased placement of adoptable animals; ensure and oversee quality of work and adherence to established policies and procedures; perform, or assist in the performance of, euthanasia procedures;

perform the more technical and complex tasks relative to assigned area of responsibility.

This is a safety sensitive position subject to random drug/alcohol testing.

• Assist Veterinarian in the medical examination, treatment, surgery, emergency care and postmortem examination of animals; prepare instruments for surgery; prepare and catalog postmortem specimens; prepare animals for surgery by shaving, scrubbing and disinfecting surgical site; prepare anesthetics, vaccines and antibiotics; ensure animals are handled and restrained humanely during all procedures.
• Coordinate the activities of other shelter personnel involved in the delivery of emergency or critical care for shelter animals.
• Perform and oversee laboratory tests, such as hematology, parasitology and urinalysis, or prepare specimens for laboratory analysis.
• Oversee the veterinary hospital and laboratory sanitation, including sanitizing and maintaining the surgery, treatment and lab/necropsy areas, etc.
• Ensure that medical test results and other related records are accurately recorded and entered in the animal history.
• Maintain inventory of veterinary supplies, drugs and equipment; organize and prepare equipment for use and order appropriate supplies from approved sources, utilizing approved methods.
• Monitor, record and report the health and well‑being of assigned animals; provide daily care for animals assigned to clinic and quarantine including feeding and cleaning.
• Administer medications as directed by the veterinarian.
• Establish protocols for intake and discharge of animal for surgery and vaccine clinics.
• Assist in the identification of sick, injured or diseased animals; take precautions to prevent the spread of disease to other animals or humans; recommend veterinary care; administer first aid, medications or other treatment.
• Provide emergency or critical veterinary care for shelter animals.
• Assist Veterinarian in veterinary medical procedures including patient management, treatments, specimen collection, surgical assistance and examination of animals.
• Perform or assist in the performance of, humane animal euthanasia procedures; assist in selection of or concurrence with Euthanasia decisions; verify designated animals to be euthanized; ensure safe and humane handling of animals during procedure.
• Interact with the public regarding treatment protocols, respond to an resolve customer problems and inquiries.
• Work with volunteers and assist in the development and implementation of a foster program.
• Coordinate with Kennel Supervisor and Animal Handlers for the scheduling of surgery and medical examination of animals.
• Monitor and evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures; recommend, within departmental policy, appropriate service and staffing levels.
• Maintain positive relationships with community through volunteer scheduling and training and ensure effective placement and recognition is in place.
• Lead, train and review the work of lower level Veterinary staff.
• Lead member of Euthanasia Standards PIP team which determines actions necessary for shelter improvement with regard to humane handling of animal euthanasia.
• Determine and evaluate new equipment needs. Responsible for maintenance and repair of equipment and facility including maintenance of blood work machine and supplies, cleaning equipment, surgical and anesthetic equipment.
• Scheduling of spay/neuter procedures (in‑house and public), with regular problem solving for citizens with medical/veterinary concerns and issues through management of 311 cases.
• Inform and update Chief Veterinarian of any unusual activities, significant problems or concerns.

• Attend and participate…