What are the responsibilities and job description for the Veterinary Assistant position at Midcoast Humane?
Our veterinary assistants and technicians are crucial to the success of our lifesaving programs, providing hands-on care and treatment to the thousands of animals who come through our doors every year. The ideal candidate is passionate about creating the best experience for the public, adopters, and volunteers who visit Midcoast Humane, all while making a difference for the community’s most vulnerable pets. This is a full-time, non exempt position and reports to the Medical Director or another individual designated by the organization. This position typically works five days a week with an 8-hour shift each day. One weekend day and some holidays are required.
Essential Job Functions:
- Work closely with all fosters, adopters, animal program teams, and other clinic staff to provide excellent care to all patients.
- Provide veterinary technical services to all scheduled appointments in the Midcoast Humane clinic.
- In conjunction with other clinic staff members, is responsible for the treatment and care to all hospitalized animals under the care of the Midcoast Humane clinic.
- Responsible for filling all prescriptions in a timely manner for the clinic.
Qualifications, Skills and Expectations:
- A minimum of 6 months of experience working as a veterinary technician
- Proficiency in standard veterinary technician skills, including but not limited to proper Fear Free handling and restraint techniques, blood draws and diagnostics, skin scrapes, cytologies, TPR, SQ/IM/IV injections, and catheter placement
- Must possess moderate to expert veterinary pharmacy knowledge
- Must have basic knowledge of common dog and cat illnesses, injuries, conditions, and diagnostics and run basic medical tests
- Ability to do precise drug calculations and create accurate prescription labels
- Ability to work independently in a busy and dynamic environment
- Current Valid Driver’s License desired for occasional transport needs
- Understand current Midcoast Humane medical protocols
- Must embody Midcoast Humane’s Core Values
- Commitment to Midcoast Huamne's customer experience expectations
- Willing and committed to working well with volunteers and staff in all roles
Emotional/Mental Requirements
- Must be able to work under stressful conditions and work efficiently and effectively under those conditions
- Must be able to respond quickly to a variety of medical situations (with training)
- Must be able to cope with death either due to surgical complication or euthanasia
- Ability to rapidly and accurately process information
- Ability to delegate tasks
- Ability to recognize a need for assistance and ask for help
- Ability to work independently and as part of team
- Ability to make decisions
- Ability to cope with frustrating situations and remain calm
Physical Job Requirements:
- Must be able to routinely lift 40-50 pounds
- Must be able to safely work around cats and dogs with varying temperaments, including those that are diseased, injured, and/or potentially aggressive
Work Environment:
- Work is normally performed in and around both the Brunswick and Edgecomb locations, with exposure to environmental conditions that include working with and near animals
- Must be comfortable working indoors and outdoors, around unpleasant smells, loud noises, and a variety of standard cleaning supplies and chemicals
- Rapid pace with potential for animal bites and scratches and diseases that can be transmitted from animals to people as well as exposure to unpleasant odors and noises
- Must be comfortable witnessing veterinary surgical procedures
- Uses own transportation to travel and transport
Job Types: Full-time, Part-time
Pay: $19.00 - $22.00 per hour
Expected hours: 40 per week
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Schedule:
- 8 hour shift
- Holidays
- Weekends as needed
Experience:
- Veterinary experience: 2 years (Preferred)
Ability to Relocate:
- Brunswick, ME 04011: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location: In person
Job Types: Full-time, Part-time
Pay: $17.00 - $22.00 per hour
Expected hours: 40 per week
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Employee discount
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Schedule:
- Day shift
Work Location: In person
Salary : $17 - $22