Shelter Surgeon

Position Overview

Focused on high quality, high volume (HQHV) spay/neuter. Provides spay, neuter, and other surgeries for animals in the APL Clinic, Community Clinic and AWC. Provides daily clinical supervision of veterinary technicians, students, and assistants before, after, and during surgery. Stays up to date, and makes recommendations, on current best surgical practices. Provides medical care and recommendations for treatment of shelter animals. Educates volunteers, students and staff on proper animal care and surgery follow-up.

Reports to Medical Director. Provides clinical supervision of Veterinary Technicians, Assistants, and students.

Provides surgical services and daily care to animals at the Cleveland Animal Protective League
Examines (non-feral) animals pre-op to determine their ability to withstand surgery.
Performs surgical sterilization (able to performs an average of 35 surgeries a day).
Performs other surgical procedures as needed.
Provides other clinical care to animals as needed, including inoculations
Alerts supervisor to animals in need of further diagnostics and provides recommendations for follow up care.
Provides daily clinical supervision of veterinary technicians, students, and assistants before, during, and after surgery. Provides instruction and direction. Alerts Medical Director to any serious performance concerns.
Supervises daily cleaning and animal handling for adherence to protocol in the clinic for prevention of infectious /zoonotic disease.
Supervises daily handling and recording of controlled substances by veterinary technicians. Audits drug log for usage and accuracy.
Continues research and maintenance of safe and efficacious medical protocol regarding anesthesia and surgery.
Completes post-op recheck exams and orders medical treatments as necessary to ensure complete surgical recovery.
Assumes role of Medical Director in the absence/unavailability of the Medical Director and/or a Shelter Veterinarian, including performing medical rounds, prescribing treatments for, and making recommendations for disposition of shelter animals.

Provides professional client, staff, and volunteer care
Represents the APL in a professional and courteous manner at all times. Provides quality service to customers, volunteers, and staff recognizing their individual contributions to the success of our organization
Actively supports associate staff and volunteers and promotes the development of skills related to the advancement of our goals and mission.
Communicates with clients about medical complications and recommendations; available for follow-up care as needed.
Participates on committees and special projects as assigned. This may include, but is not limited to such projects as training of other veterinarians on high volume spay/neuter techniques, and examining animals for cruelty investigations and representing the APL in court.
Actively promotes the APL programs and events to clients and volunteers.
Promotes communication and cooperation between APL departments.
Supports the APL's desire to celebrate a diverse and inclusive culture that fuels the compassion that connects us to one another.

Maintains licensure and follows safety guidelines
Helps oversee OSHA compliance in relation to the clinic. Promotes and follows safety guidelines to ensure a safe work environment. Takes immediate action to address any safety concern or noncompliance with OSHA rules that could put an employee, volunteer, client, animal, and/or the organization at risk.
Secures DEA license for clinic if necessary.
Maintains a current Ohio veterinary license in good standing.
Completes required continuing education courses

Performs other duties as assigned including but not limited to:
Informs supervisor of special needs cases for potential public relations or direct mail pieces.
Performs other duties and special projects as assigned for efficient functioning of the clinic
Flexible with scheduling and available as needed when away from the facility for operational needs

Qualifications
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from an accredited college or university
Must maintain an Ohio Veterinary License (DVM) in good standing
Fear Free Certified or must become certified within six months of hire
Able to perform 35 sterilization surgeries per 6-hour shift
Able to perform soft tissue and dental procedures
Ability to perform orthopedic surgeries strongly preferred
Excellent communication skills

Knowledge and Skills:
Experience in the field of veterinary medicine and knowledge of disease recognition in a shelter setting required
High volume spay/neuter experience and knowledge of shelter medicine and epidemiology desirable
Knowledge of feral cat issues helpful
Effective decision making and diagnostic skills and interest in pursuing treatment options with limited funding Demonstrated effective decision making and diagnostic skills based on recent performance references
Strong interest in pursuing treatment options with limited funding
Able to work well under pressure and handle multiple tasks at one time
Outstanding customer service, oral and written communication skills
Committed to the mission, vision and values of the Cleveland Animal Protective League

Working Conditions

Work is performed constantly in an animal shelter that operates seven days per week with exposure to animals, including some with questionable health and temperament concerns, high noise levels, zoonotic diseases, and cleaning agents. The person in this position needs to frequently move about the shelter to provide care to clients' animals. Regularly operates a computer and other office equipment (i.e. calculator, copier, and printer). Frequently positions self to handle animals of all sizes in a variety of areas and positions (low cages, high cages, on tables, on the floor, in vehicles, etc.). Occasionally positions self to perform shelter and animal cleaning functions. Constantly communicates with staff members and volunteers who have inquiries about their job responsibilities and animal needs and must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations. Must be able to detect and recognize animal behavior that is potentially dangerous. Occasionally moves animals weighing up to 50 pounds (i.e. through the shelter on leash or using other safe restraint and animal handling equipment, into and out of cages in the shelter, onto and off of exam tables). Must be able to modify work schedule to meet APL operational needs.

Cleveland APL Employment Opportunities

Applying online

Applying via standard mail
Send resume and application to:

Cleveland Animal Protective League
ATTN: Human Resources Department
1729 Willey Avenue
Cleveland, OH 44113

Application Form (PDF format)

EEOC: The Cleveland APL is an equal opportunity employer and is looking for diversity in qualified candidates for employment.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $55.00 per hour

Benefits:
401(k)
401(k) matching
Dental insurance
Employee assistance program
Employee discount
Flexible schedule
Health insurance
Life insurance
Paid time off
Professional development assistance
Retirement plan
Vision insurance
Schedule:
8 hour shift
Day shift
Monday to Friday
Weekends as needed

Education:
Doctorate (Required)

Experience:
Veterinary Clinic: 2 years (Preferred)
Animal Shelter Clinic: 2 years (Preferred)

Work Location: In person