• Surgery Assistant

    Animal Rescue League of Iowa (Des Moines, IA)


    Title: Surgery Assistant

     

    FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

     

    Department: Surgery

     

    Reports to: Surgery Technician Supervisor

    Job Summary

    To advance the mission and programs of the Animal Rescue League of Iowa (ARL) by providing assistance and support to veterinarians and surgical technicians providing care for animals undergoing surgery or treatment at the Animal Rescue League of Iowa.

     

    Essential Duties and Responsibilities

     

    + Handle animals and provide basic and excellent care while under the care of the ARL.

    + Utilize appropriate safety equipment for fractious or feral animals.

    + Ensure animals are safely restrained for various procedures using kindness and fear free techniques.

    + Perform veterinary assistant duties at the ARL.

    + Maintain accurate records for medical/surgery.

    + Monitor anesthesia and recovery of pets while alerting the veterinarians or surgery technicians of any abnormal signs or symptoms.

    + Closely observe animals that underwent procedures/surgeries for complications or difficult recoveries and report to the veterinarian or surgical technician, when needed.

    + Set up surgical suite(s) with instruments and supplies, as directed.

    + Ensure the prep area and surgical suites are clean, stocked, and organized at all times.

    + Assist with moving animals and the general flow while under medical care.

    + Cultivate positive customer relations through professional, courteous, and educational interactions while actively promoting our mission, services, programs, and events.

    + Participate in stress and disease reduction efforts through purposeful and compassionate handling of animals in shelter environment.

    + Ensure a safe work environment by following all safety guidelines and modeling safe work practices.

    + Demonstrate knowledge of and adherence to ARL policies and procedures.

    + Assist with responding to emergencies, taking direction from the veterinarian or surgical technician, including performing animal CPR, when necessary.

    + Perform other duties, as assigned.

    Supervisory Duties

    + N/A

     

    Education & Work Experience

     

    + High School diploma or GED, required.

    + 3 years of experience in animal care and handling, preferred.

    Qualifications

    + Competent in animal CPR procedures, preferred.

    + Must be able to function in a fast-paced and stressful environment.

    + Must possess excellent customer service, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills and be able to resolve conflict effectively.

    + Must be able to work well independently and as a team.

    + Ability to performance basic mathematical skills.

    + Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite.

     

    Physical Requirements/Working Conditions

     

    + Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.

    + Must not be allergic to cats/dogs or other species handled by the ARL.

    + Must be able to bend and kneel repeatedly.

    + Must have reasonable degree of agility to move through tightly cramped areas in various situations.

    + Must be able to use a ladder and/or step stool.

    + Work may expose employee to odors, diseases of animals that are possibly contagious, bites, scratches, animal waste, and moderate noise level.

    + Must be able to stand and sit for long periods of time.

     

    M-F 8a-4p.