Shelter Medicine Coordinator

The Shelter Medicine Coordinator plays a key role in providing medical care for both shelter and foster animals at one of the oldest animal welfare organizations in the country.  Responsibilities include administering vaccinations and medications, maintaining medical records, performing euthanasia, and preparing for daily shelter rounds. The coordinator also facilitates foster placements, offers ongoing support to foster families, conducts physical exams for incoming animals, and schedules follow-up appointments for medical care or vaccinations. In addition, the coordinator supports the shelter veterinarian and shelter staff in delivering medical treatment, starting animals on medications for common illnesses following established protocols, performing advanced medical procedures, and prescreening animals to determine if further veterinary care is needed. Strong multitasking skills are essential for success in this role.  

The East Bay SPCA (EBSPCA) is a 501(c) 3 non-profit committed to the welfare of dogs and cats in Alameda and Contra Costa Counties. We strive to eliminate animal cruelty, neglect and overpopulation by providing programs and education that support people and companion animals.  The EBSPCA is one of the nation’s oldest humane organizations, in operation since 1874, and receives no funding from any national organizations. You can find more information about EBSPCA on our website at www.eastbayspca.org.     

Category: Full-time; Non-exempt, 9/80 Schedule  

Location: Oakland (and Dublin as needed)  

Reports to: Shelter Medicine Manager  

Benefits: East Bay SPCA offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support the well-being and future of our employees. Medical and dental benefits are fully covered, along with optional vision coverage. Employees can plan for their future with a 401(K) Retirement Plan featuring a 3% company contribution, life insurance, short-term and long-term disability insurance, and an Employee Assistance Program. The company also provides generous paid time off, starting at 120 hours per year, increasing to 160 hours after 5 years, and 200 hours after 10 years, plus 80 paid holiday hours annually and an additional personal holiday after one year. Employees enjoy extra perks such as the Pets at Work Program, waived pet adoption fees, discounted veterinary care, behavior and training classes, up to $75/month public transit/vanpool commuter reimbursement, and various industry discounts, including Pet Food Express.  

Responsibilities  

• Monitoring the health of the animals on an ongoing basis and rapidly identifying any health problems or conditions (medical or behavioral) and immediately reporting it to a supervisor 
• Vaccinate animals and perform diagnostic tests under the direct supervision of the staff veterinarian or shelter supervisor/manager  
• Medicate animals as prescribed by the staff veterinarian   
• Perform higher level medical procedures such as venipunctures, skin scrapes, or cystocentesis with or without the assistance of an ultrasound  
• Responds promptly to all incoming correspondence, serving as a primary point of contact for foster and medical questions or concerns 
• Coordinate foster animals returning to the shelter for vaccinations, surgery or veterinarian care  
• Examine incoming animals; perform intake for those with more serious medical conditions  
• Evaluates the overall age, health and behavior of foster animals entering the East Bay SPCA foster program  
• Assists in the coordination of the care of animals requiring placement into foster care and behavior or medical rehabilitation  
• Follow protocols for starting animals on medication for common illnesses  
• Determine if medical attention is required for both animals in our care as well as those in foster homes  
• Conduct daily walkthroughs of shelter to examine all animals in our care to ensure the health and location of the animals in isolation and adoption areas  
• Read/Fill prescriptions as approved by the staff veterinarian  
• Schedule medical procedures as requested  
• Restrain animals as needed for the staff veterinarian and/shelter staff  
• Providing staff education and support as needed  
• Assist in stocking and maintaining inventory of shelter medical supplies  
• Perform diagnostic lab work - including use of microscope for parasites   
• Perform humane euthanasia  
• Providing staff education and support as needed  
• Maintains accurate and accessible records in Shelter Buddy for the foster program  
• Assist with the supervision and directing of foster program volunteers  
• Assists with the coordination, transfers and intake of foster animals  
• Schedule and facilitate field trips and sleepovers with fosters  
• Interacts with clients and coworkers appropriately and efficiently  
• Properly and accurately prepare all animal records in preparation for spay/neuter, examination, or other veterinary services as needed  
• Maintain medical records for shelter animals  
• Assist in maintaining a clean and disinfected examination area  
• Interacts with clients and coworkers appropriately and efficiently  
• Perform all other duties assigned by the Shelter Medicine Manager and Shelter Veterinarian as needed  

Qualifications  

• High school graduate or equivalent; college courses and/or graduate in relevant field preferred  
• At least one year experience working in an animal shelter or veterinary clinic   
• Proven organizational skills and effective written and verbal communication  
• Ability to multi-task and thrive in a dynamic, fast paced environment  
• Ability to work both independently and as a team  
• Confident and competent animal handler; basic understanding of canine/feline behavior  
• Must obtain Veterinary Assistant Controlled Substance Permit within six months of employment  
• Must obtain California Certified Euthanasia Technician within six months of employment  
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications; familiarity with Shelter Buddy shelter software program desired  
• Fosters positive teamwork; work cooperatively and effectively all departments and staff  
• Pre-employment background check and drug screening required  
• Reliable transportation, a valid CA driver’s license and evidence of insurability required  

Working Conditions  

• Work is primarily performed in an animal shelter environment with exposure to detergents, cleaning products, wet and humid environments, and seasonal outdoor conditions  
• Must be willing to work occasional irregular hours, weekends, and holidays  
• Animal contact and related injuries, including bites and scratches, may occur. Will occasionally handle sick, injured, and deceased animals  
• Noise exposure varies and often includes uncontrolled barking and other animal vocalizations  
• Animal waste contact, smells, and visual exposure are prevalent  
• Must be able to lift 50 pounds frequently and occasionally lift up to 75 pounds with assistance. Must be able to push and/or pull over 50 pounds occasionally  
• Frequent standing, walking, typing, bending, twisting, crouching, kneeling, and stooping