The Veterinary Assistant will report to the Clinic Supervisor.

Job Overview

The Veterinary Assistant will work in the hospital with sick, injured, and orphaned wildlife. Supporting the Clinic Supervisor, the position will provide emergency response support, manage distribution of medical care and treatment, and provide technical support during veterinary procedures.

Energetic professional who does not mind wearing multiple hats. Experienced in handling a wide range of responsibilities. Well organized, flexible and enjoys the challenges of supporting a wildlife center comprised of diverse people.

 Responsibilities and Duties

Veterinary technical support

• Work with the triage team to admit and care for sick and injured animals, including euthanasia; under the supervision of veterinarian, dispense and apply treatments and medications as indicated
• Perform laboratory and other diagnostic tests, inclusive of equipment maintenance
• Keep medical records appropriately including logs for surgery, medical notes, case dispositions, euthanasia, controlled substances, and other logs pertaining to veterinary or general care of animal patients, consistent with SFWC’s policies and all State and Federal regulations. Update treatment sheet.

Animal care, husbandry, and rehabilitation

• Ensure the performance of safe/humane handling of animals during treatments and other standard practices, including instructing volunteers, interns, and externs.
• Support the rehabilitation process inclusive of cleaning, feeding, treatments, and daily husbandry as needed.

Lead and train volunteers as well as student externs and interns

• Assist with development of training materials as relates to center medical operations, veterinary technical practices, and the volunteer program
• Help train, coach, motivate, and support other Center staff, volunteers, interns, and externs in medical techniques used in the delivery of prescribed medication.

Administration

• Coordinate with Clinic Supervisor in managing inventories and purchasing veterinary supplies, medical diets, foods, and formulas.
• Assist with equipment upkeep and maintenance records; update medical and rehabilitation SOPs

Cleaning and organization

• Ensure maintenance of cleanliness and orderliness of all medical areas
• Ensure veterinary supplies and equipment are kept in repaired, functional, organized, and orderly manner and easy to find, access and use.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field
• Veterinary experience highly desired
• Experienced in humane animal restraint and capture
• Experience with animal care and husbandry
• Knowledge of anesthesia and radiology
• Knowledge of species indigenous to South Florida area highly desired.
• Must be comfortable performing euthanasia
• Ability to move/lift 50lbs, bend frequently, and stand throughout workday
• Ability to follow written directions and record observations
• Reliable attendance is essential to providing optimum animal care
• Keenly observant - ability to identify changes in animal behavior or medical status
• Excellent verbal and written communications, detailed recordkeeping
• Well organized and detail oriented
• Effectiveness in teaching and coaching required
• Must have or obtain and maintain an up-to-date rabies prophylaxis and titer.
• Must be able to work outdoors in variable and sometimes extreme weather conditions.

Please submit cover letter, resume for interest in this position to:

csegarra@southfloridawildlifecenter.org

Work Hours

The Center operates 365 days per year, as such staff can be scheduled to work weekends on a regular or recurring basis. Scheduled hours are typically 7:30 to 6:30, with one-hour non-paid lunch, overtime pre-approved, as necessary. Since all staff are considered ambassadors of the Center, there may be requirements to participate in direct customer interactions, after hours functions, or offsite activities and events.