Current Career Opportunities at Tails Humane Society

Are you an animal lover that is looking to make a difference in the lives of homeless animals? Why not consider joining the team at Tails Humane Society!  We are currently hiring for the following positions:

Vet Assistant:The Tails spay/neuter clinic is currently hiring a part time Vet Assistant. Applicants must be available on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday and interested in working in a high volume, fast paced clinic. Qualified applicants can email their resume to Michelle at mgroeper@tailshumanesociety.org. For more information, please see our job description below.

Veterinarian: Tails Humane Society in DeKalb Illinois is seeking a part time Veterinarian who will be dedicated to providing care to shelter animals, herd health management and disease prevention.  This position is also responsible for high quality/volume public and shelter animal spay/neuter surgeries as well as other surgical procedures.

Vet Assistant

Reports to:  Veterinarian

Part-time position (24 hours on average)

Summary: Responsible for daily care of all surgical patients, assisting veterinarian and veterinary technicians with pre-, peri- and post-operative care of patients, maintaining a clean and orderly clinic.

The responsibilities described herein reflect the general details considered necessary to describe the principle functions of the position, however, should not be construed as a complete description of all the requirements that may be inherent in the position.

Job Responsibilities

• Take directives from veterinary staff; follow clinic procedures and protocols
• Responsible for prepping patients for surgery, including administering pre-anesthetic medication
• General duties in the operating room during surgery include assisting with movement of patients, recovery of patients and general flow
• Ability to monitor anesthesia and recognize abnormal conditions
• Ensure prompt and accurate paperwork procedures are followed each day
• Able to respond appropriately during an emergency, maintain competency in CPR procedures
• Must be able to learn/understand basic veterinary medical concepts, including but not limited to vaccine protocols and anesthetic risks
• Knowledge and ability to intake and release patients in a competent and friendly manner; this will include obtaining animal’s medical history, deliver post-operative instructions
• Ability to communicate basic veterinary concepts to owners and be able to give information relayed by the vet
• Ability to handle 25-30 (on average) dogs and cats per day
• Position is based mostly within the medical department but will also include assisting in the care of shelter animals
• Must work well independently and also as part of a team to perform responsibilities listed
• Must be able to learn/recognize characteristics of animal behavior (for example: be able to identify aggressive or fearful behavior)
• Must be able to use appropriate safety equipment for fractious or feral animals (will train)

 QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma or GED equivalent
• Experience in a veterinary clinic, veterinary hospital and/or animal shelter or control facility
• Knowledge of basic veterinary medical concepts
• Ability to read/write/communicate in English, Spanish bilingual a plus
• Ability to perform physical work involving bending, scrubbing, mopping, walking, reaching, squatting, lifting up to 50 pounds with reasonable accommodation
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Positive attitude and professional demeanor
• A strong commitment to the welfare and proper treatment of animals
• Ability to work independently in a fast paced team environment, handle fluctuating priorities and multiple projects
• Ability to work occasionally on evenings and weekends

WORK CONDITIONS: Work performed in a high noise level area.  May be exposed to industrial cleaning chemicals, fumes, dust, animal feces, zoonotic (human to animal) diseases, bites and scratches.  Safety procedures must be adhered to at all times.

EXPECTATIONS: The responsibilities described herein reflect the general details considered necessary to describe the principle functions of the position, however, should not be construed as a complete description of all the requirements that may be inherent in the position.

For consideration, please email your resume to Michelle at mgroeper@tailshumanesociety.org

Veterinarian

Reports to:  Executive Director

Supervises:  Vet Techs, Vet Assistants, Clinic Assistant

Part Time

Summary: The Tails Humane Society Shelter Veterinarian is dedicated to providing care to shelter animals (dogs and cats, small companion animals), herd health management and disease prevention, and is responsible for high quality/volume public and shelter animal spay/neuter surgeries as well as other surgical procedures.

Job Responsibilities

• Oversee all aspects of veterinary care, including pre and post operative care, anesthetic administration and monitoring, emergency care, restraint and treatment
• Perform pre-surgical exams, spay/neuter surgeries, oversee the administration of vaccinations and microchipping for public clients through the Tails Spay/Neuter Clinic
• Manage spay/neuter complications and be available for medical consultation with clients and adopters as needed
• Must be comfortable with pediatric spay/neuters at 8 weeks of age, in-heat spays, spay of pregnant cats, large dog surgeries, cryptorchid neuters and hernia repairs.
• Provide medical care for all Tails animals, including spay/neuter surgeries, vaccinations and microchipping, medical treatment for illnesses and any other necessary medical services
• Provide basic dental services
• Perform examination and treatment of shelter animals, euthanasia and necropsies as needed
• Must understand and practice herd health principles as well as individual animal care
• Serve as a resource to assist shelter staff with protocols for sanitary measures, feeding, disease prevention and general care to promote quality healthcare for the shelter animals
• Develop and maintain an inventory management process to ensure medical supplies are used in the most efficient manner possible.
• Work with the executive director to create, review and adapt proper policies and procedures for the shelter and clinic
• Assist with interviewing and selecting medical support staff and evaluate their performance
• Oversee/manage the medical support staff on a daily basis
• Work with veterinary interns (when at the clinic) to ensure proper practices are followed and the students receive appropriate educational opportunities.

Requirements:

• Must possess a DVM degree and be licensed to practice in the State of Illinois
• Must obtain and/or maintain a DEA Certificate for all controlled drug ordering and use
• Ensure that all state and federal regulations are followed regarding the storage, use and disposal of controlled substances
• Must have background in small animal medicine
• Previous experience in a full service high volume, high quality spay/neuter environment preferred
• Previous shelter medicine experience preferred
• Provide quality treatment within the operating capacity and budget of the organization
• Stay abreast of veterinary concerns and trends in the animal welfare movement
• Ability to perform a minimum of 20 surgeries per surgery day, with the expectation of reaching 25 per day
• Ability to maintain clear written and verbal communication with internal staff on all levels
• Must be open to a flexible schedule including occasional on-call evenings/weekends and some special events
• Maintain a clean and healthy environment for the animals
• Ability to enlist the help of, and work with, other local veterinarians during periods of peak animal numbers or in cases where specialized medical attention is required

Questions or resumes can be emailed to Michelle Groeper, Tails Director, at mgroeper@tailshumanesociety.org.