VETERINARY ASSISTANT

Description

Under the direction of the Animal Adoption Center Manager, is responsible for the welfare and health of all animals inside the facility is in good standing.

Essential Duties

• Assists in administration of pre-sedation medication to animals for surgical purposes, intubate animals for surgery, move animals from one table to another, observe and interact as necessary during surgical procedures assist the attending Veterinarian, and make sure all surgical requirements are met according to Daily Operating Procedures, DEA, Animal Sheltering Board of NM and NM Board of Veterinary Medicine.
• Should also possess knowledge of administration of vaccinations to animals specific to dogs and cats, administration of Micro chipping in dogs and cats, the administration of narcotics, ensuring proper procedures are followed in the safe handling of narcotics, ensure proper surgical recovery procedures are followed and administered.
• Possess the ability, or be able to obtain knowledge, of proper cleaning requirements of surgical suite, medical instruments associated with spay and neuter surgeries, and safe and sanitary operation of autoclave (or comparable machinery).
• Ability to learn or currently possess data collection knowledge thru such software programs as Microsoft Excel or ShelterPro.
• Ability to learn or currently possess knowledge of proper kenneling requirements as delineated thru Animal Sheltering Board of NM and HAAC daily operating procedures.
• Subject to weekend rotations when needed and at the discretion of the Animal Adoption Center Manager.
• Ability to perform all duties of the Animal Adoption Center Manager during their absence, Animal Shelter Attendant or Animal Adoption Center Assistant, as needed and on weekend rotations.

Minimum Qualifications

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Graduation from high school or high school equivalency required.
• Certification for Veterinarian Assistant from accredited trade school or Associates of Science degree preferred.
• Six (6) months of experience in care or handling of domestic animals or related work required.
  

• Skill in handling of a snare, asp, and an animal control stick in order to capture, disable and/or restrain animals.
• Knowledge proper requirement of vaccination administration of cats and dogs.
• Ability to undergo a series of prophylaxis vaccinations.
• Ability to perform euthanasia and become proficient with euthanasia equipment within first 12 months of employment.
• Ability to objectively evaluate animals for adoption based on their health and temperament.
• Ability to work with aggressive, vicious and/or biting animals.
• Ability to become familiar with City and State Proper handing and kenneling requirements and laws.
• Ability to communicate effectively and deal with complaining citizens, who are often frustrated, angry, or irate.
• Ability to work independently and to complete daily activities according to work schedule.
• Ability to use personal computer based software.
• Ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing.
• Ability to understand, follow and transmit written and oral instructions.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with all other city departments, City Attorney, Municipal Court personnel, County Treasurer's office, County Assessor's Office and general public.

• Ability to obtain Euthanasia certification within one year of date of hire and the ability to maintain the certification throughout employment with Environmental Division.
• Valid state issued driver's license.
• Ability to obtain injection portion of National Animal Control Association (NACA) training.
• Ability to obtain certifications required from Rescue organizations (i.e. Rescue Wagon)

Physical Demands & Work Environment

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to talk, hear, or reach with hands and arms from a standing position. The employee is frequently required to sit, stand, walk, run, kneel or twist and use hands and fingers to handle feel or operate objects, tools or controls. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance, stoop, crouch or crawl.

The employee must frequently lift and/or move heavy objects up to 50 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 80 pounds or more. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to adverse weather conditions, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals and animal diseases transmittable to humans. The employee is frequently around animals that are agitated or injured that may attempt to bite or scratch, and occasionally exposed to stinging insects, snakebites, and varmints.

The noise level in the work environment is moderate to loud, depending on duties performed.

• The City of Hobbs will provide 80% to 90% Heath Insurance Coverage from Single to Family coverage.
• Employees are eligible for 100% short-term disability coverage provided by the City of Hobbs.
• Employer PERA contributions 14.8% for general, 28.775% for HPD, 30.9% for HFD.
• CDL pay - $6,000 per year (if applicable).
• PTO accruals start at 12 hours per month (144 hours per year) and progressively increase based on years of service to 20 hours per month (240 hours per year) at year 21.
• Bilingual Pay - $1,500 dollar incentive per year upon completion of yearly proficiency test.
• Education Incentive - ($1,000, $4,000, $6,000 dollars - Associates, Bachelor's, Masters; degree must be relevant to position and above the current minimum requirements of the held position).
• Longevity Pay - Begins at the completion of 10 years of service. Gradually increased.
• Retention Incentive - $600 incentive yearly with years 1-9 of completed service
• 13 Paid Holidays.
• Bereavement Leave - 5 days per calendar year per personnel rules guidelines.
• Military Leave - (120 hours per year for general, 183.75 per year for HPD, 360 hours per year for HFD).