Join Our Compassionate Team as a Veterinary Surgery Assistant!
About Us: At Woods Humane Society our vision is simple but profound: we are dedicated to providing excellent care to animals in our shelter and delivering accessible and affordable spay/neuter services to our community's beloved pets. We approach each and every animal with compassion and understanding, making it our mission to ensure their well-being and happiness. We're a passionate and close-knit team that values collaboration, learning from one another, and striving to make every day a good one.
Job Summary: Under the direction of the Veterinary Services Manager, the Veterinary Surgery Assistant supports veterinary operations, including surgical services and the medical care of animals within the shelter. Responsibilities include assisting with surgical procedures and patient preparation, monitoring animals under anesthesia, providing post-operative care, assisting with examinations and treatments, administering medications and vaccinations, performing diagnostic and medical support tasks, and maintaining accurate medical records. This role is essential to maintaining safe and efficient veterinary operations and supporting the health and well-being of animals in our care.
Required Education and Experience:
- High school diploma or equivalent;
- Minimum of one (1) year experience in a in a fast-paced veterinary clinic or shelter setting within the past five (5) years.
- Must have basic knowledge of animal welfare, including gentle restraint techniques with the ability to recognize signs of animal behavior, illness, disease and injury;
- Fear Free Veterinary Certification required within thirty (30) days of hire - (Employer Sponsored);
- Veterinary Assistant Controlled Substance Permit required within 6 months of hire – (Employer Sponsored);
- Possession of a valid unrestricted California driver’s license with required auto insurance.
Preferred Experience:
- High-Volume, High-Quality Spay/Neuter (HVHQSN) experience;
- Animal shelter or shelter medicine experience;
- Experience with veterinary surgical preparation and common veterinary medical procedures;
Primary Responsibilities:
- Assist with surgical procedures and the medical care and treatment of dogs and cats;
- Prepare patients, instruments, equipment, and supplies for surgical procedures;
- Monitor animals under anesthesia, including monitoring and recording vital signs and communicating changes or concerns with the medical team;
- Provide post-operative care and monitor patients during anesthetic recovery;
- Assist with veterinary examinations, treatments, diagnostic procedures, and follow-up care;
- Assist or perform veterinary medical tasks including microchip implantation, blood draws, diagnostic sample collection, and administration of medications and vaccinations;
- Observe animals for signs of illness, injury, pain, or changes in medical condition and communicate concerns with appropriate medical staff;
- Humanely restrain or move animals for examinations, treatments, surgical procedures, or other medical care;
- Assist in maintaining clean and aseptic surgical and medical environments;
- Maintain accurate and timely medical records and coordinate with staff regarding animal medical status and ongoing care needs;
- Assist in managing inventory and admitting/discharging patients;
- Perform daily cleaning, disinfection, equipment maintenance, and laundry duties;
- Perform other administrative and veterinary support tasks as needed;
Working Environment: Work is conducted within an animal shelter environment. This may involve exposure to environmental factors, including temperature fluctuations, elevated noise levels, zoonotic diseases, animal waste, potentially hazardous chemicals or materials requiring OSHA Safety Data Sheets, anesthetics, sharp objects, as well as the possibility of interacting with hostile individuals and handling dangerous or aggressive animals.
Physical Requirements:
· Must be able to stand, walk, sit, talk, hear and see, stoop, bend, squat, kneel, grasp, put fingers together firmly and reach above and below shoulder level and lift; push, lift or pull 50 pounds for situations of restraining or moving animals and lifting supplies, materials and equipment;
· Repetitively use hands to move animals around and operate computers;
· Flex the neck upward and downward; twist the neck and the waist;
· Specific vision abilities required are close and mid-range vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, and ability to focus;
· Appropriately and humanely restrain cats and dogs; control dogs on a leash; work with a variety of animals in multiple settings both in and out of the clinic/shelter;
· Be able to tolerate extended periods of 4 to 6 hours of performing moderately strenuous activities, standing, lifting, stretching and bending;
· Work in an environment with daily changes in climate;
· Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
· May require long hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, to ensure the shelter’s operation and address emergencies or issues outside of regular working hours.
Pay Range: $19.00–$23.15 per hour. Starting pay within the range is based on relevant experience, qualifications, skills, and other job-related factors.
Schedule: **Both Full Time & Part Time available
Full Time: 40 hours per week, Monday – Friday with occasional weekend/holiday availability.
Part Time: Approximately 25–28 hours per week, scheduled across 4–5 days. Flexible scheduling available during normal business hours, Monday through Friday, with occasional weekend and holiday availability required.
Location:Primary work location is in the San Luis Obispo Clinic. Must be able to travel to Atascadero Clinic as necessary.
Please note that the provided information is not the comprehensive job description.For a detailed overview and further specifics, kindly visit our website. https://woodshumanesociety.org/get-involved/employment-opportunities/
Once a conditional offer of employment has been extended, we conduct comprehensive background checks on all applicants.
Woods Humane Society is an equal opportunity employer, and we welcome candidates from all backgrounds to apply. We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace. All employees of Woods Humane Society have a responsibility to treat others with dignity and respect at all times.
Pay: $19.00 - $23.15 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k) matching
- 403(b)
- Dental insurance
- Employee discount
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Application Question(s):
- Do you have basic knowledge of animal welfare, including gentle restraint techniques with the ability to recognize signs of animal behavior, illness, disease, and injury?
- Do you have at least one year experience in a fast-paced veterinary clinic or shelter setting within the past 5 years?
Work Location: In person
