Head of Animal Behavior and Enrichment

$71,968 - $76,960/Yr

ASPCA - New York, NY

Full-time - Entry Level

New York, NY

501-1,000 employees

Religious, Grantmaking, Civic, Professional, and Similar Organizations

About the position

The ASPCA's Community Medicine (CM) team is dedicated to providing veterinary care to underserved communities through stationary and mobile clinics. This position involves working closely with veterinarians and assistants to deliver essential medical services to pets and rescue animals, focusing on spay/neuter surgeries and preventive care. The role emphasizes compassion, teamwork, and a commitment to animal welfare, ensuring that all pets receive quality care regardless of their owners' financial situations.

Responsibilities

• Care for 35-40 cats and dogs per day in spay/neuter surgery
• Administer injections including anesthetics, pain medications, vaccinations, and other medications
• Intubate animals, place intravenous catheters, perform venipuncture, and administer fluids as needed
• Monitor vital signs of sedated and anesthetized patients in pre-operative, operative, and post-operative phases
• Provide treatments and supportive care according to the CM Standard Operating Procedures and as directed by attending Veterinarian
• Provide a safe and compassionate environment for animals in our care, our staff, and for our clients by using low-stress handling techniques
• Assist with patient exams, take medical history, perform diagnostic testing, and prepare medications to go home with the client/patient
• Maintain all necessary controlled substance drug logs and patient records
• Stay current in knowledge of emergency drugs and protocols
• Ensure anesthetic machines, pulse oximeters, scales, and other equipment are functional and report equipment that is not working properly
• Assist with humane euthanasia in accordance with ASPCA policy and CM protocols
• Work with coworkers to clean and disinfect animal areas, equipment, instruments, and facility while utilizing appropriate personal protective equipment
• Provide support and medical services in special cases as needed, including evaluation of animals living in hoarding situations
• Communicate with all clients in a non-judgmental, effective, and professional manner
• Communicate basic veterinary medical concepts to clients, including, but not limited to vaccine protocols and anesthetic risks
• Explain information provided by the veterinarian about an animal's condition to clients
• Enter medical information into digital databases as appropriate
• Represent ASPCA in a professional and courteous manner
• Adhere to all protocols put forth by Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
• Follow all written and verbally communicated CM Standard Operating Procedures
• Collaborate and foster good communication with ASPCA colleagues
• Participate in veterinary/medical training of CM staff, ASPCA staff, and veterinary and technical students by coaching, discussion, and demonstration
• Attend staff meetings and training sessions
• Perform other duties as assigned

Requirements

• Must have graduated from an accredited school of veterinary science technology (2 or 4 year program) or the equivalent as determined by the New York State Education Department
• Must have current New York State Veterinary Technician License (or ability to obtain within 30 days of employment)
• Surgery/Anesthesia experience preferred
• Excellent animal handling skills (cats, dogs)
• Excellent customer service skills
• Experience using a computer and navigating software applications
• Ability to lift and carry 40-plus pounds repeatedly throughout the day with assistance
• Ability to work standing for 8 or more hours
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Ability to work efficiently and calmly under challenging conditions
• Strong interest in animal welfare and serving underserved communities
• Fear Free Veterinary certification is required within 60 days of hire

Nice-to-haves

• Bilingual (fluent in English and Spanish) preferred

Benefits

• Paid vacation time
• Paid sick time
• Three paid continuing education days and a CE stipend
• Ten paid holidays
• Paid personal time
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Pre-tax dependent care and health flexible spending accounts (FSAs)
• 401(k) plan with generous employer contributions after one year of service
• Employer-paid life and long-term disability insurance