Henrico

• Assisting the veterinarian and veterinary technician with animal restraint (including for x-ray and ultrasound), cleaning/walking, patient surgical prep, including assisting with placing IV catheters, shaving, sterile prep, post-operative care, running lab work, cleaning surgical instruments, autoclaving instruments, filling medications, turnover of surgical suite, patient monitoring, and helping to maintain charts.
• Basic working knowledge of the care, animal handling, feeding, dietary and environmental needs of dogs, cats, other companion animals; basic working knowledge and understanding of routine health issues, relevant appropriate treatments for common health issues, medicines and medical techniques, and related healthcare supplies; sound judgement and critical thinking skills; ability to work safely with a wide variety of companion animals with varying life experiences impacting their demeanor and condition; politically astute with a sound working knowledge of with local and State codes, laws and regulations pertaining to the humane treatment of shelter animals; ability to work a flexible schedule which may include days, evening, nights, weekends and holidays as assigned.
• Sound computer skills with the ability to use a computer and typical business software, proprietary software and applications, and various wireless technologies and peripherals for communications and to complete assigned tasks.
• Ability to effectively communicate and interact professionally with compassion and tact. Builds positive relationships with diverse audiences, stakeholders, community partners, and the public while contributing independently and as a collaborative team member.
• Adheres to strict protocols governing the humane treatment of shelter animals; utilizes keen observation skills and sound judgment to feed, provide care, and handle animals safely; uses tact and discretion when interacting with target audiences, stakeholders, community groups, and the general public.
• Non-supervisory. Serves as a primary point of contact for interactions between the public and Shelter.
• Typically works indoors with dogs, cats, and other companion animals with varying degrees of physical and behavioral issues; requires the ability to clean and maintain cages, runs, and related shelter areas; works in varying weather, temperature, and sanitary conditions. Conditions vary based on assigned duties at related clinics, activities, and events.
• Visual and hearing acuity sufficient to recognize potential safety hazards and take appropriate action to ensure the safety of self and others. Physical ability sufficient to safely perform physically demanding work, including, but not limited to, heavy lifting, squatting, stooping, bending, twisting, stretching, crawling, reaching overhead, and working in awkward positions without choice or variety; may handle and manage animals with aggressive or other behavioral issues as needed; frequently high-stress environment.

The expected hourly rate for this position will be $21.42.

This position is a 29-hour/week position. Weekend hours are required. 

A criminal history check and fingerprinting are conducted on all persons conditionally offered employment, including a conditional offer of initial employment, or a conditional offer to promote, demote, or laterally transfer an employee. 

Serves as non-essential personnel required to work a flexible schedule, including days, evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays.

Important: Communications regarding your application will come from recruitment@henrico.gov and notifications@henrico.avature.net (our applicant tracking system). Please add both addresses to your safe sender list and check your spam or junk folder regularly.

Graduation from high school or equivalent, with additional training in coursework in animal care preferred, and previous relevant work experience in a shelter or veterinarian facility preferred; OR, any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.

Applicants considered for employment must successfully complete the following background investigations/tests:

• Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Criminal History Investigation
• State Police Criminal History Investigation
• Child Protective Services (CPS) Investigation (Dept. of Social Services, JRJDC, Juvenile Detention Home)