Location: Vineland, NJ
Reports to: Medical Team Manager
Full Time, Non-Exempt
Who We Are
For over a century, Associated Humane Societies has provided refuge, compassion, and care to abused, abandoned, and neglected animals across New Jersey. Founded in 1906, AHS is the largest animal sheltering system in New Jersey, operating shelters in Newark, Tinton Falls, Forked River, and Vineland.
Our Forked River campus is also home to Popcorn Park, a sanctuary established in 1977 for abandoned, injured, ill, elderly, exploited, and abused animals, including domestic and exotic wildlife, birds, and farm animals.
At AHS, we believe both our staff and the animals in our care deserve to feel safe, supported, and valued. Animal welfare work is challenging, meaningful, and deeply rewarding. We are committed to fostering a compassionate, collaborative, and growth-oriented environment where employees can continue learning while making a direct impact on the lives of animals every day.
What We Do
AHS is seeking an energetic, compassionate, and detail-oriented Veterinary Technician to join our Medical Team in Newark. In this critical role, you will help ensure the health and wellbeing of shelter animals while supporting their journey toward adoption and new homes.
Working alongside our veterinary team, you will assist with medical treatments, surgical procedures, daily animal observations, record keeping, and maintaining a clean and organized medical environment. Healthy animals are essential to AHS’ lifesaving mission — and your work will directly contribute to saving lives.
Essential Responsibilities
- Administer medications and treatments with empathy, care, and compassion
- Observe shelter animals for signs of illness or injury
- Perform intake examinations on incoming shelter animals
- Assess daily medical requests through Shelter Buddy reports
- Assist veterinarians with examinations and surgical procedures
- Prepare animals aseptically for surgery, monitor anesthesia, and safely recover surgical patients
- Maintain accurate and timely medical records for treatments and surgeries
- Prepare discharge paperwork and medications for adopted animals
- Maintain, clean, sterilize, and organize surgical equipment and supplies
- Launder bedding, towels, surgical gowns, and related materials
- Thoroughly clean and disinfect the Medical Department daily
- Feed and provide daily care for animals housed within the Medical Department
- Communicate all concerns regarding animal health, behavior, or welfare promptly and professionally
- Collaborate closely with all AHS departments to ensure the best outcomes for shelter residents
- Utilize ShelterLuv to document medical concerns, treatments, and updates
- Run weekly reports to identify animals requiring updated treatments and ensure records are current
- Review volunteer medical request sheets and follow up as needed
- Monitor inventory levels and order supplies when necessary
- Deep clean and restock the Medical Department regularly
- Perform routine maintenance on medical equipment including IDEXX machines, ultrasonic cleaners, and autoclaves
- Continue learning and sharing veterinary knowledge and best practices with team members
Qualifications & Skills
- Veterinary Technician certification preferred
- Veterinary Assistant certification helpful
- Strong interest in animal care, shelter medicine, and rescue work
- Commitment to the mission and values of AHS
- Knowledge of proper animal handling, aseptic technique, and shelter medicine protocols
- Familiarity with common shelter diseases, medications, and medical terminology
- Ability to obtain vital signs including temperature, heart rate, and respiratory rate
- Comfortable using Shelter Buddy and other shelter technology systems
- Ability to operate medical and surgical equipment used in a shelter environment
- Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills
- Ability to work independently while remaining collaborative and team-oriented
- Ability to self-motivate, seek additional learning opportunities, and continuously improve skills
- Ability to mobilize others around AHS’ mission with positivity and professionalism
- Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and travel for meetings or conferences as needed
Physical Requirements
- Ability to work both indoors and outdoors in an often noisy environment
- Ability to stand for extended periods with frequent bending, lifting, and walking
- Ability to lift up to 50 pounds
Our Commitment
Associated Humane Societies strongly believes in diversity and is committed to building an inclusive workplace that reflects a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences. We are excited to meet compassionate individuals who are ready to help make a difference for animals in need every day.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $18.00 - $25.00 per hour
Work Location: In person
