Kennel Attendant

The NC State Veterinary Hospital (VH), established in 1983, is one of the highest rated veterinary academic medical centers in the country, serving communities throughout North Carolina as well as many other states. The hospital staffs over twenty clinical services with board certified specialists that are nationally and even internationally renowned, ensuring the VH is on the cutting edge of veterinary medicine. Patients benefit from the combined expertise of multiple specialists utilizing a team approach to patient health care. Each year, nearly 35,000 patients are treated in the VH. The VH provides compassionate care, state of the art specialty health care, expert clinical instruction for 4th year veterinary students from College of Veterinary Medicine, and ongoing investigation of innovative techniques and procedures to further advance the field of veterinary medicine.

Essential Job Duties

This position provides technical assistance to the Small Animal Patient Care Departments in the Randall B Terry Companion Animal Medical Center (TC). This includes General Hospital, Intermediate Care, Intensive Care Unit and Small Animal Emergency Service.

Primary duties of the Kennel Attendant include, but are not limited to the following:

* Acting as the kennel technician for the departments, providing unique internal customer service, housekeeping assistance, data collection, and some patient care.

* Serving as the primary point of contact for all activities relating to hospital disinfection, patient housing cleanliness, patient food supply, bedding supplies, and infectious disease monitoring and control.

* Communicating with students, staff, and clinicians to receive the most up to date information regarding presenting problem, diagnostics being performed as well as projected plan of care for the animal to customize housing needs as well as cleaning needs for each individual patient.

* Performing various procedures, including; mopping, sweeping, disinfection, laundry, management of biohazard, and support of the infectious disease standard operating procedures.

* Providing some patient care by applying basic knowledge of anatomy and physiology specifically pertaining to patient housing and handling.

* Assisting technicians in completing basic treatments in an accurately and timely fashion.

* Working proactively to keep patients clean and comfortable.

* Orienting and evaluating all senior veterinary students as well as post-doctoral interns and residents regarding excellent patient care and infectious disease control standards.

* Recording a variety of data relating to patient care and housing, and service related communications. Providing quick and accurate information regarding each patient to the technicians. Is proficient in entering data into electronic medical record.

* Maintaining a clean working environment to ensure Infectious Disease standards are followed and infection is not spread. Handling all medical/biological and infectious waste appropriately. Following all radiation safety, OSHA, and Environmental Health and Safety standards.

* Keeping all necessary equipment in clean and working order and has all necessary and appropriate stocked supplies including bedding, food, biohazard supplies and cleaning supplies, available for procedures and daily patient husbandry.

Other Responsibilities

Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Minimum Experience/Education

Completion of an accredited training program in the area of assignment; or equivalent combination of training and experience.

Some positions may require additional Training, Certifications, or Licensure.

Other Required Qualifications

* Previous experience as kennel assistant in a canine/feline veterinary setting.

* Ability to work with or around sick animals, potentially hazardous materials, cleaning chemicals, gas anesthetics, zoonotic diseases, and unpleasant odors.

* Ability to communicate professionally and effectively at all times and maintain professionalism in emotionally charged / challenging situations.

* Ability to provide high quality customer service.

* Ability to lift up to 50 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodations.

* Ability to work beyond scheduled work hours when needed.

* Ability to work effectively as a member of a team and be an active participant in problem solving and team advancement.

* Ability to work effectively with computers and electronics.

* Ability to work independently and practice good judgment to ensure high quality care for all patients and request assistance when needed.

* Desire to teach 4th year veterinary students.

Preferred Qualifications

* Experience as a kennel assistant in a clinical setting; preferably at a teaching hospital.

Required License or Certification

N/A

Valid NC Driver's License required No Commercial Driver's License Required? No