Veterinarian Surgical Assistant

Animal Shelter Personnel

Animal shelter personnel are employees of the Animal Service Center of the Mesilla Valley not the City of Las Cruces.

Perform duties to support the surgical / medical department and document health care of the Animal Services Center of the Mesilla Valley (ASCMV) shelter animals.

Environmental factors : Work is performed around a variety of animal species with potential for physical harm from animal bites, kicks, and surgical instruments.

Physical factors : Moderate to heavy physical demands; occasional heavy lifting up to 100 pounds; some moving and lifting of supplies and equipment.

Work situation factors : Position involves completing demands, performing multiple tasks, working to deadlines, occasional work beyond normal business hours, and responding to customer issues; may be assigned to a nontraditional work schedule based on operational need. Position is subject to drug testing in accordance with applicable State and Federal regulations and ASCMV policies.

Meeting or exceeding the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an invitation to participate in the process. Position will be advertised continuous until filled. Full time, regular non-exempt position.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Surgical preparation, anesthetic induction under veterinary supervision, endotracheal intubation, monitoring anesthesia and recovery; drug dose calculations; vaccine administration; data entry; customer service and education; maintaining surgical inventory and drug logs.
• Perform routine medical treatments including administration of oral and injectable treatments, as well as cleaning and bandaging wounds. Obtain and record vital signs. Perform blood draws for lab samples and in-house testing, accurately fill prescriptions.
• Feed, clean, and monitor animals. Disinfect animal enclosures between occupants. Clean and disinfect, surgery and prep areas, laboratory space.
• Maintain clean environment and workspace. Clean and sterilize surgical instruments, packs, drapes, and equipment. Receive, log, track, and store medical equipment, supplies, and medications.
• Intake animals for surgical drop off, obtain pertinent medical history.
• Input data into computerized program, in addition to basic knowledge of word processing and spreadsheet software. Establish and maintain animal medical records.
• Maintain written logs of consumption, medical treatment, parasitological, observation, and other necessary data. Answer questions about the Center, as required.
• In the event of not enough surgeries scheduled to fill a 40-hour week, may be expected to perform other duties.
• Perform other duties as assigned or requested.

Minimum Qualifications

Equivalent to a high school diploma and one (1) year of animal health care experience under the supervision of a veterinarian. A combination of education, experience, and training may be applied in accordance with ASCMV policy.

Licenses / Certifications : Valid driver's license is required. Position requires an acceptable driving record in accordance with ASCMV policy.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of : Application of good knowledge of domestic animal health care; handling and feeding of animals; laboratory methods and techniques; quarantine and safety principles and methods; sterilization processes.

Skills in : Surgical preparation and feeding animal's regular and special diet foods; performing assigned routine veterinary procedures.

Ability to : Maintain accurate logs and records of animal care and observation; establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, officials, customer departments, contractors, regulatory agencies, and the general public.