Animal Health Assistant NF-03

U.S. Army Medical Command • Vandenberg AFB, CA

2d • Onsite

About The Position

This position is located at the Vandenberg AFB Veterinary Treatment Facility. The Animal Health Assistant may assist the veterinarian during surgical procedures, monitor patients under anesthesia, and serve as a scrubbed surgical assistant. They will continuously inform medical staff of patient condition changes during surgery. Additionally, the assistant prepares and administers vaccinations and medications, dispenses prescription medication, and provides client education on husbandry, preventive care, and disease prevention. This role requires applying knowledge to solve common husbandry problems and providing individualized wellness counseling.

Requirements

• Direct Deposit and Social Security Card is required.
• Meet qualification/eligibility/background requirements for this position.
• Satisfactorily complete an employment verification (E-Verify) check.
• A one year probationary period may be required.
• Ability to work occasional Saturdays for special events.
• 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.
• Position requires exposure to intermittent excessive noise.
• A successful background investigation submission to the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA) must be met no later than 30 calendar days after entry on duty or placement in the position for internal candidates.
• Appointment is subject to the completion of a favorable suitability determination.
• Must be able to receive all mandated immunizations to work in a direct-patient capacity and/or veterinary environment IAW AR 40-562 chap 4-1.
• 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.

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.

Responsibilities

• Assist veterinarian to prepare for and during surgical procedures, to include preparing surgery packs, scalpel blades, and suture material.
• Monitor 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.
• Order supplies, maintain sufficient stock levels, complete monthly inventory counts and document expiration dates of in stock medications and vaccines.

Benefits

• Sunday premium pay for regularly scheduled employees and night differential pay may be authorized by the Garrison Commander.
• Regular full-time and part-time employees are eligible for enrollment in health and life insurance, participation in 401k and retirement plans, and paid personal time off and federal holidays.
• NAF flexible employees, working in the United States or a U.S. citizen or spouse or child of a U.S. citizen working for a NAFI in a foreign area, are eligible to participate in the NAF 401(k) plan.
• Some flexible employees may also be eligible to receive health insurance.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed