Animal Health Assistant (Developmental) NF-02/03

U.S. Army Medical Command • Fort Meade, MD

4d • Onsite

About The Position

This position is located at the Fort Meade Veterinary Treatment Facility. The Animal Health Assistant (Developmental) role involves assisting veterinarians with surgical procedures, preparing surgical packs, monitoring patients during surgery, and serving as a scrubbed surgical assistant. The position also includes administering vaccinations and medications, dispensing prescription medication, and providing client education on husbandry, preventive care, disease prevention, and lifestyle risks. The role requires applying knowledge of common topics to assist clients with husbandry problems and providing individualized wellness counseling.

Requirements

• Work experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the above duties which could have been gained at a pet store, farm work, animal shelter etc.
• Basic requirements include knowledge of approved restraint techniques of animals in accordance with the guidelines of the AVMA - American Veterinary Medical Association or equivalent (e.g. VMSB - Veterinary Medical Standardization Board etc.).
• Knowledge of proper vaccines and syringe handling.
• A minimum of six (6) months demonstrated experience directly related to the duties required in the position that must have been gained through practical application in a Veterinary Medical setting and which demonstrates the knowledge, clinical skills, and abilities essential to perform successfully in accordance with the guidelines of the AVMA - American Veterinary Medical Association or equivalent (e.g. VMSB - Veterinary Medical Standardization Board etc.).
• Demonstrated experience include: proficiency in basic medical terminology; utilizes correct sterile techniques; apply appropriate restraint techniques to perform a variety of routine medical and diagnostic procedures (to include proper radiological techniques); proficiency in recording medical history and treatment in ccSOAP (Chief Complaint Subjective Objective Assessment Plan); explains product information and/or treatment plan to clients as directed by the Veterinarian; determine preventive wellness plan to include required medical treatments and vaccinations requirements based on patient medical history; utilize in-house laboratory equipment to perform diagnostics tests; conduct routine maintenance on in-house laboratory equipment; completes lab request form for reference laboratories; prepares samples for shipment to outside laboratories.
• Must not have an aversion to animals, blood, bodily fluids, animal tissues, strong odors, needles, or sharp instruments.
• Ability to lift animals and supplies up to 45 pounds, and on occasion greater than 45 pounds with the help of others.
• Long periods of standing, walking, restraining, kneeling, and reaching, etc.
• Must have use of fingers; Both hand and both legs are required.
• Resumes must be two pages (or less).
• Resumes should clearly demonstrate the applicant's relevant experience, skills, knowledge and abilities as they pertain to this position.

Nice To Haves

• Possess or have the ability to reactivate/obtain a registration, license, or certification as a veterinary assistant or higher through an accredited program (e.g. as identified on the www.NAVTA.net website
• Possess basic supply management experience which includes: ordering supplies, maintaining sufficient stock levels, completing monthly inventory counts and documenting expiration dates of in stock medications and vaccines.
• Demonstrated experience including proficiency in basic medical terminology; application of appropriate restraint techniques to perform a variety of routine medical and diagnostic procedures (to include proper radiological techniques); proficiency in recording medical history and treatment in ccSOAP (Chief Complaint Subjective Objective Assessment Plan); explains product information and/or treatment plan to clients as directed by the Veterinarian.

Responsibilities

• Assist veterinarian to prepare for and during surgical procedures, to include preparing surgery packs, scalpel blades, and suture material, monitoring a patient using an anesthetic machine.
• Serve as scrubbed surgical assistant.
• Continuously inform medical staff of the changes in general condition of patient during surgical procedures.
• Prepare and administer vaccinations, oral and topical medications to patient as prescribed by the veterinarian.
• Prepare and dispense prescription medication according to veterinarian instructions.
• Apply knowledge of common topics to assist clients in solving common husbandry problems.
• Apply knowledge of preventive care, disease prevention, lifestyle risks, and veterinary care to provide individualized wellness counseling to clients.

Benefits

• Enrollment in health and life insurance
• Participation in 401k and retirement plans
• Paid personal time off
• Paid federal holidays
• Access to on-base facilities, including fitness centers and libraries
• Opportunities for professional development, including training, education, and certification programs

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed