Veterinary Assistant

Bernalillo County•Albuquerque, NM

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Veterinary Assistant supports licensed veterinarians and veterinary technicians in providing medical and surgical care to animals. The role assists with basic treatment, medications and vaccines, surgical procedures and post-operative care, sample collection and basic laboratory testing, and maintaining medical records. It also supports humane euthanasia procedures and may involve operating the cremation unit. Work is performed under the direction of a licensed veterinarian, emphasizing animal care, cleanliness, and public education. The position works primarily indoors in a temperature-controlled facility, with outdoor duties possible during field operations or investigations. The employee may work alone or with a team and may be exposed to animals, aggressive animals, bites, disease, odors, animal dander and byproducts, chemicals, weather, and other listed work hazards. On-call work may be required in the evenings, on weekends, and on holidays. The role requires lifting large animals weighing 50 pounds or more to a height of 48 inches.

Requirements

Associate degree in a related field.
One year of experience working with animals in a clinic, shelter, or professional animal establishment; an equivalent combination of related education and/or experience may be considered.
Must obtain and maintain a valid Euthanasia Technician license issued by the New Mexico Board of Veterinary Medicine.
Must obtain approval from the Director of Animal Care before performing euthanasia tasks.
Must possess a valid New Mexico driver’s license by the date of hire and maintain it while employed.
Must successfully complete a post-offer employment medical examination and background investigation.
Must adhere to County safety guidelines and complete all FEMA training assigned to the position.
Must complete required supervisor training, if applicable.
Ability to lift large animals weighing 50 pounds or more to a height of 48 inches.

Responsibilities

Assist veterinary medical staff with surgeries, including anesthesia administration, controlled-substance recording, intubation, surgical-site preparation, and observation during anesthesia and recovery.
Set up the surgical suite; record oxygen and temperature logs; and check and maintain equipment before surgery.
Clean surgical instruments, prepare surgical packs, operate sterilization equipment, clean and disinfect treatment and surgical areas, and restock medical supplies.
Receive animals brought in for surgical procedures and animals being released; review post-operative care instructions and medical conditions.
Assist with daily rounds and observation of animal health and welfare in the clinic and shelter; report injuries or unusual behavior and follow up on health observations from staff and volunteers.
Assist with triage and treatment of emergency patients and help identify potential infectious disease outbreaks and appropriate preventive action.
Medicate and treat hospitalized animals, log controlled substances, and perform basic laboratory procedures, sample collection, and testing as directed.
Enter and maintain animal health, treatment, test, surgery, and medication records in the database.
Provide daily husbandry and care for animals in clinic, transition, and isolation areas; restock supplies; and disinfect medical outdoor exercise areas according to sanitation protocols.
Administer vaccines, implant microchips, and conduct initial screening examinations for new arrivals, foster animals, and recheck appointments.
Obtain radiographic studies under the veterinarian’s direction and follow radiation safety protocols.
Perform and assist with euthanasia while ensuring safe and humane handling of animals and drugs; obtain Director of Animal Care approval before performing euthanasia tasks.
Maintain medication, vaccine, and medical-supply inventory, remove expired products, and support timely ordering.
Obtain and maintain a New Mexico Euthanasia Technician license, including required annual continuing education credits.
Assist with training and teaching students, interns, and other staff.
Perform duties of lower-level classifications as needed in emergencies and provide cross-functional and backup support with department staff.
Promote humane animal care and treatment through training, education, and outreach programs.
Assist with medical functions during emergency disaster operations.
Use veterinary diagnostic and surgical instruments and animal care and handling equipment safely and humanely; operate a county vehicle as needed.