Senior Veterinary Assistant

About the role

The Senior Veterinary Assistant (SVA) is a key member of the ASPCA's Community Medicine team, supporting spay/neuter surgery and primary pet care for cats and dogs in the service areas of New York, Miami and Los Angeles. The SVA drives the mobile clinic from the logistics center to each day's clinic location, works alongside the veterinarian and veterinary technician, and reports directly to the Medical Staff and Flow Manager.

This is an on-site position at the ASPCA Mobile Clinics across the five boroughs of New York City, with occasional flexibility to report to other ASPCA locations. The schedule is typically 10 hours a day (including driving time), four days a week between Monday and Friday, with occasional work beyond the scheduled day.

Key responsibilities

• Care for cats and dogs presenting for spay/neuter surgery, up to calculated clinic capacity
• Use low-stress handling techniques during exams, treatments, injections, venipuncture and intubation
• Monitor vital signs of sedated and anesthetized patients before, during and after surgery
• Assist with patient exams, take medical histories, perform diagnostic tests and prepare medications
• Prepare the pre-operative area and operating room, and keep anesthesia machines, pulse oximeters and scales functional
• Clean, sonicate, pack and sterilize surgical instruments and endotracheal tubes; clean and disinfect animal areas with PPE
• Greet clients, explain intake forms, vaccine protocols and anesthetic risks, and relay the veterinarian's information to them
• Safely drive and park the mobile clinic, operate and troubleshoot its generator, and enter medical data into digital databases
• Support special cases such as animals in hoarding situations, follow OSHA and DOT protocols, and take part in training of CM staff and students

Required profile

• Valid driver's license and a safe driving history; must pass a DOT medical exam
• Able to lift and carry 40+ pounds repeatedly and stand for 10+ hours
• Excellent customer service, animal handling and teamwork skills
• Fear Free Shelter certification required within 60 days of hire
• Strong interest in animal welfare and serving underserved communities

Required skills

• Experience using a computer and navigating software applications
• Ability to work independently and calmly under challenging conditions

What we offer

• Pay of $25.00-$26.44 per hour for new hires, depending on qualifications and experience
• Health coverage, employer-paid dental, optional vision, life insurance and long-term disability
• Vacation, sick and bereavement time, paid parental leave, paid holidays and personal time off
• 401(k) with employer matching up to 4%
• Professional development, on-the-job training, coaching and mentorship