Veterinary Assistant Shelter Surgery (Full-Time)

Reports to Manager of Internal Veterinary Services

The Richmond SPCA is a non-profit organization located in the heart of Richmond Virginia. As a leader in the field of animal welfare we are cultivating a community committed to saving protecting and enriching animal lives with a mission to provide education and resources to achieve and sustain a no-kill community. Annually we rescue rehabilitate and find homes for about 4000 homeless animals while also providing our region with vital safety net programs designed to keep thousands of pets in loving homes and out of shelters. Our values of collaboration creativity honesty inclusion and respect guide not only what we do but how we do it.

Our Internal Veterinary Services (IVS) team provides lifesaving medical care to more than 80% of the dogs cats and small mammals who enter our shelter. Surgical Veterinary Assistants are essential members of our IVS team and are responsible for supporting efficient surgical operations and providing surgical prep and recovery care for a high volume of homeless pets undergoing surgery prior to adoption.

Essential Functions

• Assist with high-volume shelter surgery via surgical prep and recovery of shelter pets (cats dogs small mammals) which includes:
• Handling (leash-walking lifting and carrying)
• Restraint
• Placing and securing animals in kennels/carriers
• Assist in maintaining efficient surgical operations by working closely with the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT) and team Leads
• Clean workspace and surgical areas including cleaning kennels sweeping dusting mopping emptying trash restocking supplies
• Follow established surgical protocols patient care standards safety guidelines equipment handling procedures and documentation requirements to ensure consistent efficient and compliant surgical operations
• Perform clerical work and invoicing promptly and accurately as needed
• Enter patient information into patient charts in a professional and appropriate manner
• Maintain confidentiality as requested
• Deliver education and counseling to employees as appropriate
• Other related duties as assigned

Qualifications Skills and Expectations

• Effective professional and empathetic communication (written and verbal) with the public volunteers and all Richmond SPCA employees
• Attitude that contributes to a welcoming accessible compassionate and respectful atmosphere
• Ability to multi-task follow directions (written and verbal) adapt and accommodate changing demands
• Ability to respond appropriately during an emergency and to take direction from licensed veterinary staff and/or management
• Provide productive feedback to management
• Ability to recognize a need for assistance and ask for help
• Strong work ethic reliability punctuality
• Uncompromising commitment to the wellbeing of every pet in our care
• Resourcefulness and ability to work independently in a mature professional and productive capacity
• Team-oriented mindset with a willingness to communicate
• Strong time management and prioritization skills
• Participate in required trainings and meetings
• Computer skills and ability to learn new computer systems; knowledge of DaySmart Vet and PetPoint is a plus
• Experience working in the veterinary field preferred but not required

• Ability to work in a high volume fast-paced environment
• Comfort handling/learning to handle dogs cats and small mammals including fearful or fractious patients
• Daytime availability with the ability to work on weekends and holidays(typically scheduled Sundays through Thursdays)
• Be 18 years of age or older
• Have reliable transportation including during inclement weather*

* The Richmond SPCA must provide for the care feeding and medicating of shelter animals even in the event of public emergencies critical or hazardous conditions or an inclement weather closure. This position is considered Essential Personnel which means that if scheduled you would be required to work even when the Richmond SPCA may be closed to the public.

Physical Job Requirements

• Able to routinely lift 50 pounds
• Able to push/pull a large cart
• Able to work with animals (including those who are sick or injured or who have behavior challenges)
• Able to bend kneel stoop use stairs and use your arms in a repetitive manner
• Able to physically restrain a dog weighing up to 50 pounds
• Able to be on your feet for 8 hours at a time
• Have physical strength to perform cleaning duties effectively and efficiently

Work Environment

• Supportive collaborative team environment that encourages and celebrates creativity and resourcefulness
• Rapid pace with limited exposure to potential hazards including animal waste cat litter pet dander various chemicals and disinfectants
• High levels of noise at times
• Potential for animal bites and scratches and zoonotic disease (transmitted from animals to people)
• Duties are primarily performed in a surgical suite shared by the IVS and Susan M. Markel Veterinary Hospital surgical teams

Richmond SPCA employees are eligible to become clients of our low-cost full-service Susan M. Markel Veterinary Hospital and have access to an Employee Assistance Program. Employees who average 15 hours per week are eligible for voluntary (employee-paid) benefits including accident insurance hospital indemnity and critical illness insurance. Employees who average 20 hours a week can participate in our 401(k) retirement plan and have access to paid wellness leave.

Full-time employees are eligible for insurance benefits including medical dental and vision life insurance short-term and long-term disability and paid personal leave.

The Richmond SPCA is a qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.