Veterinary Assistant

Bernalillo County•Albuquerque, NM

2d•$21 - $30•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, medication and vaccine administration, and animal health and welfare in the shelter. Duties include preparing and sanitizing surgical instruments, assisting with surgical procedures and post-operative care, collecting blood samples, performing basic laboratory tests, and maintaining medical records. The position also supports humane euthanasia procedures and may operate the cremation unit. Work is performed under the direction of a licensed veterinarian, with an emphasis on animal care, cleanliness, and public education. The position requires an associate degree in a related field and one year of experience working with animals in a clinic, shelter, or professional animal establishment. Equivalent combinations of related education and experience may be considered. The employee must obtain and maintain a valid New Mexico Euthanasia Technician license; approval from the Director of Animal Care is required before performing euthanasia tasks. Other requirements include a valid New Mexico driver’s license by the date of hire and completion of assigned FEMA training. The offer is contingent on a post-offer medical examination and background investigation, and the employee must follow County safety guidelines. Duties are performed primarily indoors in a temperature-controlled facility, with some outdoor field work. Outdoor work involves exposure to natural weather conditions and varied, potentially uneven surfaces. The work may involve animals, aggressive animals, bites, disease, odors, dander, animal byproducts, chemicals, vehicles, stairs, and intermittent noise or vibration. The employee may work alone or as part of a team, may be required to be on call in the evenings, weekends, and holidays, and must lift large animals weighing 50 pounds or more up to a height of 48 inches. Equipment includes office and communication equipment, veterinary diagnostic and surgical instruments, animal care and handling equipment, and, as needed, items such as nets, ropes, leashes, snares, tranquilizing equipment, ladders, a horse trailer, a camera, and a County vehicle.

Requirements

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

Responsibilities

Assist veterinary medical staff with surgeries, including anesthesia administration, controlled-substance records, animal intubation, surgical site preparation, and monitoring animals under anesthesia and during 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, sanitize treatment and surgical areas, and restock medical supplies.
Receive animals dropped off for and released after surgical procedures; review post-operative care instructions and medical conditions.
Assist with daily rounds and observations of animal health and welfare in the clinic and shelter; report injuries and irregular behavior; follow up on observations from staff and volunteers; advise the veterinarian about animals needing further care; and assist with emergency triage and treatment.
Help identify possible infectious disease outbreaks and take appropriate preventive action with the veterinarian and other staff.
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 in clinic, transition, and isolation areas; restock supplies; and disinfect medical outdoor exercise areas according to sanitation protocols.
Administer vaccines, implant microchips, and perform 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, ensuring safe and humane handling of animals and drugs during the procedure.
Help maintain medication, vaccine, and medical-supply inventory; ensure products are available and ordered on time; and remove expired products.
Obtain and maintain a Euthanasia Technician license, including required annual continuing education credits through the New Mexico Board of Veterinary Medicine.
Assist with training and teaching students, interns, and other staff.
Perform duties of lower-level classifications when needed in emergent situations, and support team cross-functionality and backup coverage.
Promote humane awareness through animal-care training, education, and outreach programs.
Assist with medical functions for emergency disaster operations.