Veterinary Assistant, ASPCA Spay/Neuter Alliance

ASPCA • Asheville, NC

4d • $22 - $23 • Onsite

About The Position

The ASPCA Spay/Neuter Alliance (ASNA) is seeking a Veterinary Assistant to join their team. ASNA is a leading training center for high-quality, high-volume companion animal sterilization, altering an average of 20,000 animals annually and training thousands of veterinary professionals since 2005. The Veterinary Assistant plays a crucial role in supporting daily medical and surgical operations. This position is fast-paced, physically and mentally demanding, and requires excellent multi-tasking, communication, and teamwork skills. The role involves providing patient care, assisting veterinarians and technicians, facility upkeep, and client interaction. This position reports to the Manager, Medical Assistants (MMA) and is based in Asheville, North Carolina.

Requirements

• Exemplifies the ASPCA’s Core Values: Has Commitment and dedication to improving the lives of animals, Demonstrates Ownership and feels responsible for outcomes, Believes in Team – that we are stronger together, Seeks to Elevate others and reimagine what is possible, Focuses on Impact, specifically making change for animals
• Possess outstanding interpersonal communication skills
• Ability to multitask and deal professionally with high levels of stress in an environment of changing daily operational priorities
• Ability to work in both a team environment and independently
• Ability to work in physically and mentally challenging conditions
• Possess companion animal handling experience
• Ability to understand that patient death is a regrettable but an inevitable part of the medical profession and adopt a healthy coping strategy for such events
• Provide a valid driver’s license upon hire and pass a motor vehicle history check demonstrating a safe driving record
• Possess working knowledge of basic computer/technology skills including email and Microsoft Word
• Ability to lift 35 lbs/16 kgs without assistance and over this weight with assistance, and the ability to consistently stand, bend, lift, and climb during the course of a regular work shift
• High school diploma, GED, or equivalent
• English (Required)

Nice To Haves

• 1 year experience in professional companion animal handling in a clinical setting
• Fear Free Shelter certification within 60 days of hire

Responsibilities

• Participate in relationships and communications with private sector veterinarians, professional associations, professional advisors, vendors, transport partners, public clients, mentees, and internal ASPCA departments and professionals
• Be well versed in ASNA/ASPCA protocols, procedures, and standards of care
• Participate in onboarding and training ASNA veterinary assistants and other staff
• Provide a safe and compassionate environment for staff, clients, and animals in ASNA care
• Master low-stress animal handling skills and implement these handling techniques consistently in all interactions with animals
• Instill the guiding principle that everyone can, and should, actively support the animals’ behavioral and mental health in everything they do
• Participate in mentoring visiting trainees relative to veterinary and kennel assistant duties
• Practice and encourage open and transparent communications in all interactions, seek out regular feedback from team and peers, and receive feedback in the constructive spirit intended
• Participate in overall ASNA facilities upkeep and maintenance including cleaning, inventory and stocking, and organization
• Drive transport vehicles as needed
• Perform the daily and supportive medical duties of a veterinary assistant which include but are not limited to: Flow of daily operations and surgical teams, Preparation of surgical patients, Anesthesia monitoring, Patient recovery, Patient emergency support, Oral, topical, and injectable medication administration, Surgical packs preparation, Equipment operation and maintenance, Inventory control, Upkeep and maintenance of medical, surgical, and kennel areas
• Perform all duties of a kennel assistant as needed
• Commit to operating in alignment with our Core Values of Commitment, Ownership, Team, Elevate, and Impact!
• Adhere to all policies related to operational and environmental safety of patients, staff, and visitors related directly to medical operations
• Serve in any surgical, medical, or training role as needed and support all daily operational processes to complete the day’s surgeries and training program goals successfully and safely
• Fully engage and participate in the self-performance management process including annual reviews, regular feedback sessions, required compliance training, and goal setting
• Maintain all licensures and credentials pertinent to the position
• Actively seek individual development opportunities in relation to job function
• Travel up to 5% as needed
• Under the supervision of the MMA, and in respect to role responsibilities, encourage and advocate for: Smooth and efficient operation of ASNA surgical, medical, and training programs, Program policies and strategies that support ASNA’s high standards of quality and best practices, All aspects of operations be enforced with campus wide consistency and adhere to all federal, state, and local regulations, A positive learning environment across campus supportive of ASNA culture
• Participate in assigned ASNA department and program specific projects, cross-departmental working groups, and any other assigned commitments to support ASPCA’s 2030 goals
• Perform all other duties as assigned by the MMA or the ASNA Senior Leadership Team

Benefits

• Affordable health coverage, including medical, employer-paid dental, and optional vision coverage.
• Flexible time off that includes vacation time, sick and bereavement time, paid parental leave, 10 company paid holidays, and paid personal time off that allows you even more flexibility to observe the days that mean the most to you.
• Competitive financial incentives and retirement savings including a 401(k) plan with generous employer contributions — we match dollar for dollar up to 4% and provide an additional 4% contribution toward your future each year.
• Robust professional development opportunities including classes, on-the-job training, coaching and mentorship with industry-leading peers, internal mobility, opportunities to support in the field, and so much more.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED