Come work at MHS!
Midlands Humane Society is a great place to work. When job openings arise, they might be for working with animals one on one as an Animal Care Technician or working with the public and animals as a Customer Care and Adoption Counselor.
Would you love to work with animals? Does it sound amazing to help them get and stay healthy as they search for their forever homes? You may want to consider a job as an Animal Care Technician. Each day you get to work one on one and experience lots of 'hands-on' time with cats, dogs and small critters.
Are you a people person, but also enjoy being around animals? Consider applying to become a Customer Care Representative and Adoption Counselor.
When positions are available, the descriptions will be listed here. If you don't see anything below the line; we don't currently have any positions available.
Licensed Veterinary Technician
Direct Report: Head Veterinarian
Hours: Full-time
Starting Wage: $19 - $ 22 /hour (dependent on experience)
JOB DESCRIPTION:
The Veterinary Technician provides medical and surgical nursing skills to the Midlands Humane Society’s shelter animals. The Veterinary Technician works with the Animal Care Technicians, the Shelter Manager, the Veterinarian, and the Executive Director to fulfill the mission of the organization and provide for the welfare of animals in its care. The Veterinary Technician must have a love of animals and be willing to provide maximum care services to our animal clientele.
This position description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees are required to follow any other job-related duties assigned by their supervisor. This document does not create an employment contract implied or otherwise, and does not alter the “at‐ will” relationship. The MHS is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Duties:
- Perform medication rounds for shelter animals
- Administer prescribed pain medications, antibiotics, antiparasitics and vaccines
- Relieve animal suffering and comfort the sick
- Provide supplemental feeding to puppies and kittens too young for adoption
- Assist the MHS veterinarian in disease surveillance
- Collect specimens and perform diagnostics as prescribed by the MHS veterinarian – common diagnostics include:
- Fecal exams
- Skin scrapes and cytology
- Blood smears, PCV/T.S.
- In-house chemistry panels
- DTMs, Wood’s Lamp and trichograms
- Heartworm, FeLV and FIV tests
- Urinalysis
- Parvo tests
- Submit various diagnostics to off-site laboratories
- Provide enrichment and stress reduction for animals through humane handling
- Perform medical rounds with the MHS veterinarian as directed
- Ensure prompt and accurate medical record entry
- Assist in examination of shelter animals
- Perform initial intake exams and vaccination/deworming of surrendered and stray animals
- Administer pre-medication, induce anesthesia and intubate surgical patients
- Direct other staff and volunteers assisting with surgical patients
- Monitor anesthetized patients
- Assist in animal emergency triage and resuscitation
- Place IV catheters
- Prepare animals for surgery
- Perform dental cleaning and non-surgical extraction as allowed for by state regulations
- Recover anesthesia patients with the assistance of trained volunteers and staff
- Handle and record controlled substances for large volumes of surgical patients
- Assist in training new staff members, volunteers, veterinary students, and interns
- Perform safe and humane euthanasia when necessary
- Act as a resource for adopters answering pre and post adoption medical questions
- Maintain clean treatment, housing, and examination areas
- Periodically review, provide input and adhere to shelter protocols
- Assist in the cleaning and sterilization of surgical equipment
- Transport animals offsite for diagnostics and/or procedures as indicated
- Assist with ordering of medical and shelter supplies
- Perform any other duties as may be assigned by the Head Veterinarian or Management Team
Qualifications:
- Minimum: Associate of Applied Science Degree in Veterinary Technology from an accredited program
- Must be a licensed veterinary technician in the state of Iowa
- Consideration will be given to veterinary technicians currently licensed in another state with a background in shelter/rescue work – must be able to obtain Iowa veterinary technician license
- Must adhere to applicable state and federal laws governing the practice of veterinary medicine
- Display affection and compassion for animals and concern for their welfare
- Must adhere to highest ethical standards; possess trustworthiness, exercise maturity and sound independent judgment while maintaining a professional manner and personal appearance
- Ability to clearly communicate verbally and in writing
- Must have valid driver’s license with acceptable driving record and be able to provide proof of vehicle insurance
- Be comfortable and skilled working with a culturally diverse staff and community
- Must be considerate, respectful and display a helpful demeanor to all employees, volunteers, and customers
- Must be able to work cordially, safely and efficiently in face-paced, stressful conditions
- Must possess the ability to cope with loss of animal life from illness, injury, and euthanasia
- Display strong organizational skills and resourcefulness
- Ability to safely and humanely handle animals
- Ability to respectfully give and receive feedback
- Ability to work independently and part of a team
- Ability to be flexible and resilient in ever-changing conditions
- Ability to work in close proximity of others
- Valid driver’s license and be a legal citizen of the United States.
Desired:
- One year veterinary technical experience preferred
- Previous experience in a shelter and/or high volume spay/neuter
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office products and Outlook. Experience with web-based applications and their utilization preferred.
Work Conditions:
- The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions within the work environment.
- Minimum 40 hours per week; may periodically exceed 40 hrs. One to two holiday shifts are required per year.
- Must be willing to work irregular hours and overtime including nights, weekends and holidays.
- Due to the small size of staff, must be able to assume responsibilities of subordinates during times of heavy workload or turnover.
- The noise level in the office environment is usually quiet, though barking or whining of animals may be escalated at certain times in certain areas of the building.
- High exposure to animals whose reactions to the shelter environment cannot be predicted.
- Temperatures in the shelter environment are varied, though usually moderate, and dependent on season.
- Potential exposure to zoonotic diseases and hazardous chemicals.
- Ability to work around animals without severe allergic reactions.
- Ability to lift 50 pounds.
- Ability to handle all types of animals.
- Ability to work around animals without allergic reactions.
- Valid driver’s license and be a legal citizen of the United States.
- Be able to stand, walk, sit, stoop, kneel and crouch.
- Must be able to frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and occasionally up to 100 pounds with assistance.
- Must be able and willing to work with sick, injured, or dangerous animals.
Job Type: Full-time
Salary: $19.00 - $22.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
Schedule:
- Holidays
- Monday to Friday
- Weekend availability
Ability to commute/relocate:
Council Bluffs, IA 51503: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)
Experience:
Veterinary experience: 1 year (Preferred)
**Background check and pre-employment drug screen are required.
Please send your cover letter and resume to jjarrell@midlandshumanesociety.org
Animal Care Technician
The animal care shelter technician is responsible for the daily maintenance and care of the animals and animal areas of the shelter. The specialist must have a love of animals and be willing to provide maximum care services to our animal clientele.
Principal Duties
- Perform daily sanitation of dog kennels and cattery areas according to the Midlands Humane Society policies and procedures
- General cleaning including, but not limited to, laundry, mopping, and dishes
- Assure all animals are cared for regarding food, water, bedding and appropriate living conditions
- Humane and safe animal handling
- Retrieval of animals for owner reclaims
- Record and report any behavior and medical observations
- Record and report problems with animals or the building
- Other duties as assigned
- Reports to the Shelter Manager
Essential Qualifications
- High school diploma or GED
- Must be 18 years or older
- Use of all extremities
- Ability to lift 50 pounds unassisted
- Good coordination
- Be comfortable and skilled working with animals
- Ability to safely and humanely handle all types of animals
- Ability to work around animals without allergic reaction
- Affection for animals, concern for their welfare, and a willingness to accommodate animals in the workplace
- Must be able to follow direction
- Must be able to clearly communicate verbally and in writing
Working Conditions & Hours
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions within the work environment.
- The noise level varies and is dependent on location in the building. Noise protection is provided.
- High exposure to animals whose reactions to the shelter environment cannot be predicted.
- Temperatures in the shelter environment are varied, though usually moderate, and dependent on season.
- Potential exposure to zoonotic diseases and hazardous chemicals.
This is a 20-25 hours per week position that includes morning, afternoon, weekend, and holiday hours. Schedule does vary.
Job Type: Part Time
Starting Wage: $12.50 per hour
Benefits: 401(k)
Schedule:
- Holidays
- Weekdays
- Weekends
Direct Report: Director of Animal Care
**Background check and pre-employment drug screen are required.
