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Surgery Assistant

Reports to: Surgery Supervisor

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt, Full-Time

Your Mission: Provide Lifesaving Support Behind the Scenes

Are you passionate about providing hands-on care to animals and supporting veterinary teams that save lives every day? As a Surgery Assistant at the Animal Rescue League of Iowa, you’ll play a vital role in ensuring the safety, comfort, and well-being of animals undergoing surgery or medical treatment. Whether you’re preparing animals for surgery, assisting during procedures, or monitoring their recovery, your attention to detail and calm presence will help provide the highest standard of care. This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment and is committed to compassionate animal handling.

What You’ll Do

As a Surgery Assistant, you'll play an essential role in daily clinic operations and supporting the veterinary team throughout the surgical process. You’ll safely handle animals using fear-free, humane techniques, and restrain them for procedures and treatments with compassion and care. You’ll be responsible for monitoring anesthesia and recovery and will promptly report any abnormalities to veterinarians or surgery technicians. Preparing the surgical suite with the necessary instruments and supplies, as well as ensuring that all prep and procedure areas remain clean, stocked, and organized, will be part of your daily responsibilities. You’ll assist with moving animals through various stages of medical care, maintain accurate surgery and medical records, and help respond to emergencies when needed, including performing CPR under the direction of veterinary staff. Through all interactions, you’ll provide professional, educational, and mission-aligned customer service that supports a culture of care, safety, and excellence.

What You Bring

You bring at least three years of experience working in animal care or handling, with the ability to stay focused and calm during high-pressure situations. While a veterinary assistant certification or CPR training is preferred, it is not required. A high school diploma or GED is required. You are highly attentive to detail and can juggle multiple responsibilities with accuracy and care. You communicate clearly and kindly with both animals and people, and you're comfortable learning new tools and procedures. You bring a team-focused mindset, a willingness to learn, and a deep commitment to animal welfare.

Working Conditions

This role involves standing for long periods, lifting up to 50 lbs, and performing tasks that require bending, kneeling, and using ladders or step stools. You’ll work in environments that may involve animal waste, pet dander, loud noise, and exposure to minor injuries such as scratches or bites.

Why Work at the ARL?

The ARL is Iowa’s largest nonprofit animal shelter, and every day, our work saves lives. As a Surgery Assistant, you'll be on the front lines of that work—providing critical support to our veterinary team and helping animals recover, heal, and move one step closer to their forever homes.We offer a culture rooted in compassion, community, and collaboration—where every role matters and every person can make a difference.

Employment in this position is at-will, meaning that either the employee or the ARL may terminate the employment relationship at any time.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and/or applicable state regulations, the Animal Rescue League will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages prospective employees and incumbents to discuss potential accommodations.

M-F 8a-4p.