Overview
Veterinary Assistant Jobs in Saint Paul, MN at Feline Rescue
Description of Role:
The Veterinary Assistant is a crucial member of the Veterinary Services team within Feline Rescue, which also includes the Veterinary Director (DVM), the Veterinary Technician Manager, Veterinary Technicians, and trained medical volunteers. The Veterinary Assistant will work under the direction of the Veterinary Director and Veterinary Technician Manager to assist with cat handling, restraint, medical treatments, surgery, lab work, foster communication, appointment scheduling, cleaning, reception duties, and other administrative tasks.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Assist with surgery and recovery by setting up equipment, assisting technicians with sedation, intubation, and catheterization, practicing aseptic techniques, providing subcutaneous fluids, monitoring patient recovery, cleaning surgery and surgery kennels at the end of the day. At least two days per week will be dedicated towards assisting in surgery.
Utilize low-stress restraint and handling techniques to assist with physical exams and treatments on cats in intake, shelter, and foster populations.
Participate in medical rounds at the shelter and intake areas to monitor cat health.
Assist veterinary technicians and the Veterinary Director to record and enter accurate digital medical records in the Animal Shelter Manger (ASM) software, including anesthesia records, exam notes, diagnostics, treatments, and prescriptions.
Occasionally communicate via email to assist with scheduling foster cat appointments, arranging volunteer transportation, and completing other foster communication needs under the direction of other Veterinary Services staff.
Answer door when doorbell rings to accept deliveries, foster cat drop-offs, medication pick-ups, and other needs.
Help prepare and maintain surgical and dental suites by wrapping surgical packs, running autoclave, and maintaining surgical equipment.
Clean and maintain exam rooms, surgery, recovery, and other Veterinary Services areas, including keeping medical inventory items stocked and well-organized.
Fill prescriptions as directed by the supervising veterinarian, including data entry, medication preparation, and providing instructions to foster caregivers.
Collaborate and communicate with veterinary staff, leadership, volunteers, and external partners to maintain cleanliness standards and ensure the well-being of our cats.
Adhere to proper procedures for handling and disposal of sharps, biohazard, and hazardous waste to maintain safety standards within the facility.
Develop and maintain trusting relationships with volunteers, providing support, guidance, and training as needed to ensure effective collaboration in cat care efforts.
Required skills/experience:
Passion for helping cats.
1+ years working, interning, or volunteering in a hands-on animal care role in a veterinary clinic or shelter setting (or equivalent related experience or education).
1+ years working, interning, or volunteering in an administrative role (or equivalent related experience or education).
Strong written and verbal interpersonal communication skills.
Professional, approachable demeanor.
Adept in critical thinking and priority management when work volume is high.
Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
Ability to take direction and implement standardized protocols into daily workflow.
Proficiency in documentation and basic Office365 programs (Outlook, Excel, scheduling software).
Preferred skills/experience:
1+ years working as a veterinary assistant in a veterinary clinic or animal shelter.
Experience assisting with surgery in a veterinary clinic or animal shelter.
Cat handling experience and practiced knowledge of low-stress feline restraint techniques.
Knowledge of feline-specific health, medicine, behavior, and nutrition.
2- or 4-year degree in any post-secondary field of education.
Work Environment:
Most duties performed on-site within standard operating hours (8AM-6PM Monday through Friday).
Physical requirements include standing for long periods, lifting and moving animals, bending, reaching, squatting, kneeling, lifting up to 50 pounds, and sitting at computer stations.
Exposure to cleaning agents, allergens, and zoonotic diseases.
Work may be subject to frequent interruptions and loud/frequent noise.
Potential exposure to dangerous or fractious animals, bites, and scratches.
Requires close attention to detail and ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
Newly hired personnel will receive training on shelter protocols, medical procedures, and software systems as needed to fulfill job duties effectively.
Time Commitment & Compensation:
This is a full-time hourly position, offering 36-40 hours per week with the option to work either Monday-Thursday or Tuesday-Friday. Workdays begin at 8AM and end at either 5PM (on non-surgery days) or 6PM (on surgery days). Compensation is $18-22/hr, depending on experience.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $18.00 – $22.00 per hour
Expected hours: 36 – 40 per week
Benefits:
401(k)
401(k) matching
Dental insurance
Health insurance
Paid time off
Schedule:
10 hour shift
4×10
5×8
8 hour shift
Ability to Relocate:
Saint Paul, MN 55104: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location: In person
Title: Veterinary Assistant
Company: Feline Rescue
Location: Saint Paul, MN
