Manager, Veterinary Services Staff

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:  

Functional Duties (35%)  

• Sets the standard for high quality, compassionate care, low-stress handling, and cross team collaboration 

• Holds LVTs and Veterinary Assistants to a high standard of performance, care, handling, and collaboration  

• Maintains excellent working knowledge of veterinary orders and protocols and monitors staff adherence, providing coaching as needed 

• Conduct regular trainings for team members  

• Demonstrates proficiency in technical skills, including but not limited to venipuncture, catheter placement, administration of oral and topical medications, diagnostic testing procedures, and obtaining radiographs 

• Monitors the care and treatment schedules of every animal to ensure timely delivery of care  

• Observes animals closely for signs of illness, injury, and/or poor medical welfare, documenting and communicating concerns effectively and appropriately  

• Assists in the collection of animal cruelty evidence from living and deceased animals through clinical forensic examinations and necropsies  

• Maintains chain of custody and follows procedures and protocols for forensic evidence storage, transfer, and disposition  

• Communicates openly with colleagues in other areas, sharing behavioral and environmental observations clearly, using objective language  

• Serve as translator between the veterinary team and non-medical staff, volunteers and fosters, explaining the medical condition of animals in clear, easy to understand terms  

• Assists with humane euthanasia as needed 

People and Program Management (50%) 

• Maintains master list of veterinarian orders and protocols, working with the Senior Director, Veterinary Services to ensure all protocols are clear, up-to-date, and used as intended 

• Collaborate with behavior and sheltering colleagues to ensure holistic, balanced care for animals and facilitate open and ample communication across teams 

• Ensure team adheres to standard operating procedures, protocols, and regulatory requirements, and maintain accurate records of compliance activities, including the controlled substances log 

• Arrange tasks and resources effectively to optimize workflow and ensure efficiency 

• Set clear, achievable team goals, inspiring and motivating team members to perform at their best 

• Directly and immediately address conflict and concerns as the arise, ensuring difficult conversations are productive, respectful, and meaningful  

• Monitor and evaluate employee performance, fostering growth by providing coaching, regular and timely feedback, and formal appraisals 

• Work with R&R Center leadership and the People Team to recruit, hire, and onboard new employees, and contribute to workforce planning 

• Collaborate with R&R Center leadership and the Learning & Development Team to identify training needs and provide opportunities for professional development, tracking the continuing education needs for each direct report  

• Collaborate with R&R Center leadership to develop, implement, and evaluate employee recognition milestones and engagement initiatives 

• Gather quantitative and qualitative data to assess performance and outcomes of internal processes, using results to recommend changes  

Operational and Administrative Duties (15%)  

• Represents the Veterinary Team on cross-team daily round, collaborating with behavioral and sheltering colleagues to ensure the welfare of every animal in care 

• Work with R&R Center leadership to create, review, and update standard operating procedures and operational documents to align with all regulatory requirements   

• Attend and meaningfully contribute to all relevant R&R Center and ASPCA meetings  

• Accurately track and report time worked, time off, and work-related expenses    

• Responsibly steward R&R Center assets  

Core Values 

Exemplifies the ASPCA’s Core Values: 

• Has Commitment and dedication to improving the lives of animals 

• Demonstrates Ownership and feels responsible for outcomes 

• Believes in Team – that we are stronger together 

• Seeks to Elevate others and reimagine what is possible 

• Focuses on Impact, specifically making change for animals 

Requirements 

Education and Work Experience 

• Licensed as a Veterinary Technician by the NYS Department of Education preferred 

• Minimum of 3 year of management experience in a veterinary setting, developing and delivering staff training 

• At least 3 years of experience working in a hands-on role as a Veterinary Assistant or Veterinary Technician 

• Strong technical skills, including but not limited to venipuncture, catheter placement, administration of oral and topical medications, diagnostic testing procedures, and obtaining radiographs  

• Animal shelter experience strongly preferred  

• Fear Free® Veterinary certification (approximately 9 hours) required or completed within 60 days or hire 

Qualifications 

• Valid driver’s license and ability to pass a motor vehicle history check demonstrating safe driving 

• Ability and willingness to travel up to 10% of the time  

• Able to work a flexible schedule, including days, evenings, weekends, and holidays  

• Fluent in the use of MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint; familiarity with shelter software systems or Salesforce a plus  

• Excellent written and oral communication skills 

• Able to regularly witness animals suffering medically and/or behaviorally 

• Comfortable with humane euthanasia in theory and in practice  

• Displays concern for the safety and well-being of self, animals and others, especially under stress 

• Fosters collaboration by creating strong connections with colleagues at all levels and in all areas 

• Builds strong work relationships based on trust, respect, and listening to understand 

• Freely and generously shares knowledge, skills, and expertise with others  

• Demonstrates genuine interest in the thoughts, ideas, and expertise of others  

• Proactively problem-solves and takes appropriate initiative to implement solutions  

• Flexible; can easily adapt to changes and help others do the same  

• Resilient; bounces back from difficult and disappointing situations quickly 

• Strong and adaptable people manager 

• Artfully flexes management and coaching styles to best support diverse individuals  

• Cultivates a climate in which diverse perspectives are solicited, encouraged, valued, and respected  

• Ability to set a clear direction and inspire others to work towards shared goals 

• Sets a high standard by leading with transparency, integrity, honesty and strong ethical principles 

• Unafraid of hard conversations and approaches them openly, quickly, and kindly  

• Views conflict as generative, using disagreement to drive innovation, improve communication, clarify and articulate values, and build stronger relationships  

• Values training and education for self and team, ensuring ample access to learning opportunities Work takes place in a variety of environments and weather conditions, including indoor climate-controlled spaces and outdoors where surfaces may be wet or uneven and extreme heat, cold, or precipitation is possible  

• Work occurs in noisy environments  

• Work involves exposure to chemical and biological hazards such as medications, cleaning products, urine, feces, blood, and sharp objects  

• Ability to work in a physically demanding environment that requires standing, walking, bending, squatting, and/or kneeling for extended periods of time 

• Ability to lift and carry animals (50 pounds unassisted, 100 pounds with assistance) and equipment, such as food bags, bedding, and cleaning supplies 

• Comfort and ability to handle and restrain animals safely and humanely, particularly in stressful situations  

• Ability to wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment, including but not limited to disposable coveralls, respirators or face masks, and booties