Veterinary Assistant, Shelter Medicine

Department of Veterinary Medicine & Surgery

The College of Veterinary Medicine at MU is on a mission to educate and train outstanding clinicians and scientists, generate new knowledge, engage stakeholders, and foster economic growth, all of which promote and protect the health and welfare of animals and people. Simply put, our mission is to Teach, Heal, Discover and Serve.

We are seeking a Veterinary Assistant to join our Shelter Medicine Service. The Shelter Medicine Service provides exceptional care to shelter animals in need and excellent learning opportunities for veterinary students. Shelter animals throughout mid-Missouri benefit every day from the medical services we provide at our dedicated surgical facility in north Columbia close to our primary shelter partner, Central Missouri Humane Society. The faculty, staff, and students of the service:

• Provide surgical and medical services to shelter and owned animals from the community receiving assistance from our partner shelter organizations.
• Spay and neuter around 4,000 animals each year.
• Perform additional non-elective procedures needed by shelter and community animals including amputations, enucleations, fracture repairs, mass removals, and more.
• Keep shelter animals healthy by providing vaccination, deworming and health exams.
• Save lives by preventing disease outbreaks.

Typical responsibilities of this position include, but are not limited to:

• Assisting with low-stress restraint and handling of dogs, cats, and rabbits.
• Organizing, inventory, ordering, and stocking of surgical supplies.
• Performing as well as supervising students with the following responsibilities: anesthesia monitoring, patient prep, surgery room setup, and patient recovery.
• Calculating, drawing up, and administering medications under the supervision of faculty veterinarians.
• Collecting samples (e.g., blood, urine and fecal) and performing basic diagnostic procedures under the supervision of faculty veterinarians.
• Cleaning, calibrating, and performing checks to ensure surgical and diagnostic equipment is operating properly.
• Maintaining the facility including surgical instrument cleaning, pack wrapping, laundry, sweeping, mopping, bathroom cleaning, washing patient dishes and endotracheal tubes, and cage cleaning.
• Completing medical records as well as scanning and e-mailing paper records to shelter partners and updating electronic medical records.
• Assisting with veterinary student orientation, instruction, and evaluation.
• Other duties as assigned.
  

This is a full-time, 40 hour per week position. Normal work hours are during the day, Monday through Friday.

High school diploma or equivalent experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired is necessary.

Previous experience monitoring and assisting with anesthesia in a veterinary clinic setting is preferred.

Successful candidate will exhibit the following skills and core competencies:

• Excellent communication skills and the ability to successfully interact with both internal and external customers and stakeholders.
• A high degree of organization and attention to detail including critical thinking and observational skills.
• Strong time management skills and the ability to prioritize tasks depending on needs.
• Computer skills to maintain veterinary medical records.
• Willingness to learn and grow professionally, as well as be a supportive and collegial team member.

Salary Range: $15.00 per hour
Grade: GGS-004
University Title: Veterinary Assistant

Internal applicants can determine their University title by accessing the Talent Profile tile in myHR.

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, paid time off, short- and long-term disability, paid parental leave, paid caregiver leave, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/totalrewards/benefits.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

To request ADA accommodations, please call the Director of Accessibility and ADA at 573-884-7278.