Lead Veterinary Assistant

Contact at organisation: Kristine Wallace, Guide Dogs of America

Phone: 818-833-6439

Email: kdwallace@guidedogsofamerica.org

Job Type: Full Time Non-Exempt Position
Salary: $24.72 per hour
Location: Sylmar Campus

Benefits include:

• Medical, Dental, Life Insurance
• Pension & 401k
• Vacation & Paid Holidays
• Casual Work Environment
• Pet Friendly
• Mission-driven non-profit organization
•  7.5-acre park-like campus grounds

Reports To: Manager of Animal Health

Job Purpose: Under the direction of the Manager of Animal Health and Veterinarian, and in accordance with GDA protocols, help ensure that GDA’s Veterinary Department operates safely and efficiently and that all dogs have their needs met in a timely and competent manner.

Essential Functions:

• Assists Veterinarian and RVT in the care and treatment of program dogs
• As directed by or under the supervision of Veterinarian or RVT, performs or assists with the performance of routine procedures, including ear flushes, wound care, bandage changes, splints, prepping surgical sites, venipunctures, catheterizations, laboratory tests, fluid therapy and other supportive care, administering vaccines and other medications, taking radiographs including, preparing for OFAs and Penn Hips, and providing emergency first aid to sick/injured animals if necessary
• Holds, restrains, weighs dogs
• Monitors the health and status of dogs and reports any concerns or changes to the Manager of Animal Health
• Prepares surgical packs and sterilizes instruments, surgical gowns, and equipment for surgical and dental procedures
• Checks dogs in/out for boarding, veterinary visits, procedures, hospitalizations etc. following standard procedures
• Assists with dispensing medications as prescribed
• Assists Manager of Animal Health with organizing, stocking and maintaining inventory of medical supplies
• Helps ensure a safe, humane, clean, and sterile environment for the dogs
• Cleans, sanitizes and disinfects countertops, x-ray area and equipment, surgery suite, sinks, recovery room, outdoor recovery runs and floors
• Assists with cleaning, sanitizing and disinfecting of kennels, sweeping and cleaning of indoor and outdoor yards, laundry, trash, dishes and other cleaning duties as assigned
• Feeds, bathes, exercises, and grooms dogs
• Assists with canine socialization and enrichment activities
• Assists with handling phone calls, emails, scheduling, and other tasks as assigned
• Supervises dogs in community areas with other dogs
• Transports dogs as needed to veterinarians, Mt Sac or other program locations
• Working weekends, nights, holidays, and/or early mornings may be required
• Other duties as assigned

Essential Physical Requirements:

• Ability to lift 50 lbs. and up to 80 lbs. with assistance
• Ability to stand for long periods of time
• Ability to use hands and arms in handling, positioning, and manipulating different items and dogs
• Ability to walk, push, pull, reach overhead, crouch, stoop, kneel, and bend to the floor
• Ability to exert 20-50 lbs. of force including pushing or moving objects
• Ability to wear protective gear including masks, gloves, goggles, boots
• Visual acuity required to see and read dog’s behaviors, printed documents, and computer screen
• Hearing ability required to interact with dogs, staff, clients, and volunteers
• Ability to work in a kennel environment with multiple dogs
• Ability to tolerate elevated noise levels
• Ability to tolerate multiple interruptions
• Ability to work in small areas

Qualifications:

• 18+ years of age
• Valid driver’s license and insurable
• High School diploma or GED
• Must have experience and be able to demonstrate competency in the performance of canine health care tasks including administering vaccines and other medications, performing venipunctures, catheterizations, laboratory tests, fluid therapy and other supportive care, taking radiographs, and preparing for OFAs and Penn Hips
• Minimum 3 years of experience working with canines in a veterinary clinic or kennel facility
• Must possess excellent interpersonal skills and have the ability to interact with all types of people/personalities
• Proficient in Microsoft 365, SharePoint, Outlook, Excel; experience with veterinary software such as Cornerstone a plus
• Multitasking and organizational skills a high priority
• Detail oriented with the ability to prioritize
• Experience in a non-profit environment a plus
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Work well as part of a team and in a team environment