Inventory and Purchasing Assistant

PetVet Care Centers•Gaithersburg, MD

40d•$23 - $28•Onsite

About The Position

Veterinary Referral Associates is looking for an Inventory and Purchasing Assistant in our busy 24-hour veterinary emergency and specialty hospital in Gaithersburg, MD. Why This Role Matters: This is a vital behind-the-scenes role that directly impacts patient outcomes and operational efficiency by enabling everyone else to do their jobs effectively. You'll be the supply chain backbone ensuring our veterinarians and technicians never face a "we're out of stock" crisis during critical procedures. Your work directly enables life-saving patient care. Overview: In this role, you will be responsible for managing procurement, inventory control, and distribution of hospital supplies, pharmaceuticals, and equipment to ensure optimal stock levels and uninterrupted patient care operations.

Requirements

Active RVT license in the state of Maryland required
At a minimum, two years of experience in inventory management, purchasing, or supply chain, preferably in a fast-paced medical, veterinary, or retail environment.
Strong organizational skills and the ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
Proficient in computer use, including Microsoft Office (Excel) and industry-specific inventory control and billing software.
Ability to safely lift, carry, push, or move supplies and equipment up to 50 pounds.

Nice To Haves

Advanced knowledge of common veterinary medications, pharmacy procedures, and/or laboratory consumables is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

Manage hospital pharmacy operations including prescription fulfillment, medication ordering, inventory reconciliation, and controlled substance documentation in compliance with federal and state regulations
Order, receive, and distribute pharmaceuticals, medical supplies, lab consumables, and specialty diets across all hospital departments
Maintain accurate inventory records, perform cycle counts, and monitor expiration dates to minimize waste
Ensure proper labeling, storage, and rotation of all products following safety protocols
Anticipate supply needs and place timely orders to prevent operational disruptions
Source competitive pricing and research alternatives for back-ordered items
Coordinate with vendors, suppliers, and veterinary staff on specialty products, complex purchases (including international orders and FDA Compassionate Use applications), and VIP vendor programs
Schedule maintenance, service, and repairs for essential hospital equipment (including pumps, surgical tools, lab machines)
Perform basic troubleshooting and routine maintenance on laboratory equipment
Manage Return Medical Authorizations (RMAs) and proactively communicate equipment status and timelines to staff