Veterinary Assistant Community Medicine and Surgery - Part Time (53185)

## Description

Care for pets. Find them homes. Save lives. That’s the mission at **Nevada Humane Society**.

We’re a high-save organization **helping** **nearly 34,000 animals in our community each year and caring for approximately 10,000 across both of our campuses.** through sheltering, adoptions and community-centered programs and services that help find pets loving homes and keep them there. We are seeking a **Veterinary Assistant of Community Medicine and Surgery** to join our team at our **Reno** Campus. In this role, you’ll provide daily care, support positive outcomes, and help match pets with the families who will love them for life.

At NHS, lifesaving work is powered by dedicated professionals. We support our team with competitive pay, meaningful benefits, and a workplace rooted in compassion, teamwork, and purpose.

**POSITION OVERVIEW**

| | | | |

| --- | --- | --- | --- |

| Department: | Community Med & Surgery | Reports To: | Director Community Med & Surgery |

| Supervises: | None | | |

| FLSA/Work Hours Status: | Status varies based on position | DOL Status: | Non-Exempt |

| Base Pay Range: | Base pay range is calculated by position title, and experience. It is determined within the departmental budget. Changes to the range are approved by the CEO. | | |

**WHAT YOU’LL DO**

Our Veterinary Assistant Community Medicine and Surgery plays an important role in advancing Nevada Humane Society’s mission.

As a Veterinary Assistant (VA), you contribute to Nevada Humane Society’s (NHS) mission by supporting the veterinary team in delivering safe, efficient, high-quality, high-volume spay/neuter and medical care. Your work supports the health, welfare, and population control of companion animals and reflects our commitment to care for pets, find them homes, and save lives. In this role, you play a critical part in Community Medicine & Surgery, with responsibilities including animal handling, pre-operative preparation, intra-operative support, post-operative monitoring, and non-surgical care. You are also part of a collaborative and upbeat team that works across all shelter departments to ensure outstanding care for every animal.

# Essential Responsibilities

## Position-Specific Responsibilities

1. Support efficient surgical procedures: Assist with the flow of spay/neuter surgeries within the HQHVSN program, ensuring efficiency, animal safety and comfort, with a focus of surgical preparation and monitoring.
2. Provide essential nursing support: Assist veterinarians and technicians with patient care, including monitoring hospitalized animals, administering medications, and preparing for procedures.
3. Deliver exceptional client service: Educate clients on animal care, provide compassionate support during difficult times, and build strong relationships with the community.
4. Participate in shelter medicine initiatives: Contribute to the overall health and well-being of shelter animals, including disease prevention and control programs.
5. Know basic veterinary medical concepts.
6. Responsible for prepping patients for surgery, observing all clinic procedures to enforce sterility and safety of patients.
7. General duties in the operating room during surgery, assisting with movement of patients, recovery of patients, and general flow.
8. Able to monitor anesthesia, with a clear idea of abnormal conditions.
9. Ensure prompt and accurate paperwork procedures are followed each day.
10. Able to respond appropriately during an emergency, able to take directions from a veterinarian and/or veterinary technician, and maintain competency in CPR procedures
11. Work closely with volunteers and staff in a collaborative manner.
12. Able to work independently, self-identify and prioritize tasks.
13. Ensure adherence to Nevada Humane Society’s policies, standard operating procedures and safety practices.
14. Collaborate effectively with all departments regarding animal medical needs.

• **BENEFITS & PERKS**
• **In Nevada**

Nevada employers often provide competitive benefits, but **NHS stands out** with

• Employer-paid medical & vision premium option (Full-Time Employees)
• Pet-centric benefits not typical in most benefit packages
• Paid Time Off (PTO) accrual starting on day one rather than waiting periods.
• This puts NHS **at or above local and national trends** for comprehensive total compensation and unique personal perks

**Full-Time Employees Are Eligible For:**

• Nine paid holidays • 90% employer-paid buy-up options and low-cost dental plans
• Eligibility for the Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program

**All Employees are eligible for:**

• Low-cost supplemental plans including Life Insurance, Accident, and Short-Term Disability
• Pet-focused perks such as free vaccines, spay/neuter, and end-of-life services for employee-owned pets
• Free and reduced-cost pet adoptions
• Up to 50% off major brand and prescription pet food delivered directly to the shelter

**WHY NORTHERN NEVADA?**

Northern Nevada offers an exceptional blend of **career opportunity, quality of life, and outdoor adventure**, making it an ideal place for professionals who value meaningful work and true work–life balance. Anchored by Reno and Carson City, the region continues to attract people who want to make an impact while enjoying everything life outside of work has to offer.

**A Community That Works — and Plays**

Northern Nevada is home to

• Approximately 300 days of sunshine each year


• Easy access to Lake Tahoe, Pyramid Lake, and the Sierra Nevada mountains


• World-class skiing, hiking, biking, paddling, and year-round recreation just minutes away


Here, it’s possible to start your morning on a trail, spend your day doing meaningful work, and unwind by the river or in the mountains after hours.

With no state income tax, abundant sunshine, a diverse economy, and unmatched access to outdoor recreation, Northern Nevada is an ideal home for animal welfare professionals seeking both purpose and balance.

## Qualifications

# Experience and Qualification Requirements

## Position-Specific Requirements

1. 1. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
2. Strong organizational and time-management abilities.
3. Able to work a flexible schedule, five days a week, including weekends, with some shift up to 10-hours.

## General Requirements

1. 18 years of age or older.
2. Ability to work autonomously, manage multiple tasks, and meet deadlines efficiently.
3. Staying updated on community developments, particularly in animal welfare.
4. High degree of accuracy and meticulous attention to detail.
5. Excellent verbal, written, and observational skills.
6. Self-starter with a goal-oriented mindset, willing to exceed prescribed work and time schedules to meet deadlines.
7. Possession of a valid Driver’s License with valid registration and insurance for personal vehicles, essential for positions requiring driving.
8. Demonstrated commitment to the welfare of animals and alignment with the mission of the NHS.
9. Consistently treat animals with compassion and respect, both professionally and personally, and promote these values to others.
10. Strict adherence to all local regulations concerning the ownership and care of personal animals.
11. Comprehensive understanding of pet behavior and care, with the capability to handle various animals safely and responsibly.
12. Maintaining a consistently positive and professional demeanor is essential.
13. A sincere interest in the NHS’s mission and vision.

## Position-Specific Desired Experience

1. Experience in HQHVSN practices.
2. Experience in an animal shelter or veterinary clinic settings

## General Desired Experience

1. Experience in same or related position in a nonprofit setting-preferably animal welfare.
2. Record of continually increasing responsibilities with measurable results.

##