What are the responsibilities and job description for the Animal Care Lead and Veterinary Assistant - Belle Chasse position at Louisiana SPCA?
Job Description
Job Description
Description :
Veterinary Technician
Overview of Job : Description
The Animal Care Lead and Veterinary Assistant is a dual-role position that combines leadership in animal care with hands-on veterinary assistance. This individual is responsible for expediating and organizing, with the support of the Supervisor, the smooth operation of daily animal care routines and supporting the shelter veterinarian in medical exams. The role plays a crucial part in ensuring the health, safety, and well-being of animals within the shelter while fostering a collaborative team environment. This position offers an opportunity to work closely with both the animal care and veterinary teams, enhancing the quality of life for animals and ensuring efficient care protocols.
Key Responsibilities
- Organize staff and daily animal care operations, including feeding, cleaning, and enrichment activities for shelter animals.
- Provide guidance, mentorship, and training to animal care staff and volunteers, ensuring the team is well-equipped to provide top-tier care.
- Maintain and track detailed records of animal care activities, providing updates and reporting concerns to management as needed.
- Ensure adherence to cleaning, disease prevention, and sanitation protocols to maintain a healthy and safe environment for all animals.
- Monitor animal health, behavior, and overall condition, quickly reporting any concerns and collaborating with the veterinary team for treatment.
- Assist the shelter veterinarian in performing medical procedures, examinations, and treatments for shelter animals.
- Administer medications, vaccinations, and other treatments as prescribed by the shelter veterinarian.
- Conduct intake exams and health assessments for new arrivals to ensure proper care planning.
- Collaborate with the medical team to develop care plans tailored to the needs of incoming animals.
- Communicate medical and care instructions to adopters, fosters, and staff members to ensure the continuity of care.
- Train staff and volunteers on animal care procedures, enrichment activities, and animal handling techniques.
- Promote skill development within the team to enhance operational efficiency and animal well-being.
- Address inquiries and concerns from adopters, fosters, and the public, providing professional and compassionate responses.
- Ensure animal housing areas are safe, clean, and well-maintained to provide a comfortable environment for the animals.
- Monitor and manage inventory levels for medical supplies, food, and cleaning materials, coordinating restocking efforts as needed.
- Oversee animal medical care within the shelter, ensuring timely and appropriate treatment is administered.
- Train animal care staff in medical administration and performing intake examinations to maintain high standards of care.
- Manage the medical care of foster animals, ensuring timely communication and accurate supply distribution.
- Ensure strict compliance with shelter cleaning and husbandry protocols to prevent the spread of disease among the animals.
- Prepare medical equipment and facilities for daily operations and assist with the maintenance of medical tools.
- Conduct or facilitate behavior assessments to support intake, medical planning, and adoption decisions.
Obtain certification to perform humane euthanasia, and train staff responsible for performing humane euthanasia based on best practices
Requirements : Requirements
Education and / or Experience :
Minimum Qualifications, Skills, and Knowledge :
Working Conditions :
The role requires working in an environment with high noise levels and potential exposure to animal bites and scratches.
Must be able to work with industrial cleaning supplies and disinfectants.
Ability to work around animals and allergens.
Compensation : 17-18.25 an hour
Benefits include but are not limited to :
Health Insurance, Life Insurance, 401K match
Paid Time Off (PTO) and paid holidays
Qualification and assistance for Public Service Loan Forgiveness
Employee discount on Veterinary Services and Hill’s Science Diet Pro Feeding Program
Focusing on equity and inclusion :
The Animal Care Lead and Veterinary Assistant will contribute to creating a culture of compassion and care, ensuring all animals receive the highest quality of treatment while fostering an inclusive environment for staff, volunteers, and the community.
Salary : $17 - $18
