About the position
The Cat Spay/Neuter Program Associate (MSA) at the Humane Society of El Paso plays a crucial role in the management and execution of spay and neuter surgeries for community cats. This part-time, temporary position involves working under the supervision of the Medical Services Coordinator and the Program Manager. The MSA is responsible for scheduling and receiving community cats for surgery, monitoring their recovery, and ensuring they are discharged safely after the procedure. The role requires collaboration with clinic staff and a contract veterinarian during surgeries, ensuring that all procedures are conducted smoothly and efficiently. The MSA will handle various administrative and operational tasks, including answering calls and emails related to surgery appointments, coordinating the lending and return of cat traps, and reviewing paperwork associated with the surgeries. Attention to detail is essential, as the MSA must label cat traps accurately and assist in maintaining a clean and safe environment in the recovery room. The position demands a strong understanding of animal behavior and care, as well as the ability to communicate effectively with pet owners regarding recovery instructions. This role is physically demanding, requiring the MSA to lift and carry up to 20 pounds regularly and to be on their feet for extended periods. The work environment is dynamic, taking place in an animal shelter setting where exposure to various conditions, including noise and potential zoonotic diseases, is common. The MSA must be prepared to handle a range of situations, including working with injured or unruly animals, and must maintain a professional demeanor at all times. This position is vital for the success of the spay/neuter program and contributes significantly to the welfare of community cats in the El Paso area.
Responsibilities
- Schedule and receive community cats for spay or neuter surgery.
- Monitor cats during recovery and discharge them after recovery.
- Answer calls and emails regarding cat spay/neuter surgeries.
- Set up appointments for cat spay/neuter surgeries.
- Coordinate the lending and return of cat traps.
- Receive community cats programmed for surgery.
- Review paperwork and label the cat traps.
- Assist the clinic staff and contract veterinarian during spay and neuter surgeries.
- Monitor community cats in the recovery room after surgeries.
- Discharge community cats and provide recovery instructions to customers.
- Decontaminate recovery rooms.
- Perform other assignments as needed.
Requirements
- High School Diploma or GED required.
- Experience in animal behavior, health, and handling required.
- Completion of a Veterinary Assistant (VA) or Veterinary Technician (VT) program, or 2 years equivalent experience working in a veterinary clinic, animal welfare organization, or animal control agency.
- Prefer at least 1 year of VA or VT experience working in an animal shelter or veterinary clinic.
- Bilingual in English and Spanish is preferred.
- Knowledge of animal behavior, handling, and care is essential.
- Knowledge of shelter medicine and clinical veterinary medicine is required.
- Ability to communicate and document effectively.
- Ability to create and maintain a safe work environment.
- Ability to properly use, clean, and maintain medical tools and technologies.
- Detail-oriented and able to multitask.
Nice-to-haves
- Bilingual in English and Spanish is preferred.
- Experience working in a veterinary clinic or animal welfare organization.
Benefits
- Competitive hourly wage of $9.00 - $9.50 per hour.
- Opportunity to gain experience in veterinary medicine and animal welfare.
