Veterinary Assistant

Description: Have you always been interested in transforming your love for animals into a career? Join our team to get great hands-on experience!  Provide examinations, patient care, and surgical services for animals belonging to Ruff Start Rescue. You’ll have access to a variety of learning and development opportunities, along with hands-on learning, providing an excellent opportunity to advance your career. Work alongside the DVM and certified technicians to give treatments to the rescue animals based on their recommendations. 

Essential Job Functions:

• Enter required data into medical records legibly, whether paper or computer-based. 
• Help with set up, check-in, recovery, checkout, and cleaning
• Perform physical exam; accurately counts heart rate, capillary refill time, mucous membranes, temperature, respiratory rate, and effort.
• Support veterinarians and certified technicians to ensure quality veterinary care, advocate for pets, and educate clients.
• Performs standard in-house laboratory diagnostics
• Understands basic pharmacology of commonly used medications
• Administers medications via appropriate routes and duration
• Understands aseptic techniques during surgical and non-surgical procedures
• Assists with nail trims and blood draw.

Qualifications:

• The ability to lift 50 lbs and bend, stoop, kneel, squat, twist, reach, and climb steps.
• Preferred candidates must have at least 1 year of experience in anesthesiology and surgery support. 
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, are a must. 
• The right candidate will be able to work independently effectively and will be self-motivated.
• Must be able to handle the physical and emotional aspects of work in an animal shelter environment, including the use of and assisting with euthanasia

Personal Characteristics:

• Able to demonstrate honesty, integrity, and discretion. With the ability to handle sensitive and confidential situations.
• Strong interpersonal skills - outgoing, patient, professional, and able to get along well with various people are a must. 
• Ability to show compassion and empathize with the foster families. 
• Work as a team player, supporting the organization's overall goals. 
• Possibility-driven, proactive, personable, energetic, collaborative, and tactful.
• Brings a strong drive for results, while maintaining a calm approach to managing change and working through unexpected or challenging situations.

• Well Organized.

• A deep and abiding passion to professionally advocate Ruff Start Rescue's position on key animal welfare and No-Kill issues.

Benefits:

• Health insurance will be available for employees on the first day after 90 days. RSR will pay 50% of the employee's monthly premium.
• A Retirement plan with up to a 3% employee contribution available after a 90-day trial period is offered to employees making over $5,000 annually.
• Optional insurance options availabl.
• Year 1: 10 days
• Years 2–3: 15 days
• Years 4–5: 20 days
• Years 6–7: 25 days

• Paid Time Off (Pto):

• Year 8+: 30 days (PTO is prorated from anniversary date upon moving into a new bracket)
• 7 paid holidays annually; observed on the closest workday if falling on a weekend.

• Paid Parental Leave

• RSR all offers Professional Development $200 annually. 
• Optional insurance options availabl.
• Year 1: 10 days
• Years 2–3: 15 days
• Years 4–5: 20 days
• Years 6–7: 25 days

Availability:   Monday - Friday 8 am-5 pm (times and days may vary due to workload) Ability and willingness to allow for a flexible schedule are essential.

Hourly rate: $17$21

Reports to: Practice Manager

Applicants, Please note: Send cover letter, resume, and three professional references to apply@ruffstartrescue.org. Interested applicants who do not include both items in their submission will not be considered for this position.