Clinic Assistant/Animal Care Technician (Full-Time)

The Clinic Assistant/Animal Care Technician is a vital dual-role position at the Chemung County Humane Society & SPCA . This individual provides daily care, enrichment, and observation for shelter animals while simultaneously supporting the high-volume spay/neuter clinic. This role requires a professional, compassionate individual capable of maintaining a high standard of care in a fast-paced, physically demanding environment.

Responsibilities Include:

1. Clinical & Surgical Support

• Patient Care: Responsible for the daily care of all surgical patients, including intake, prepping patients for surgery, and monitoring recovery.
• Surgical Assistance: Assist veterinarians and technicians with pre-, peri-, and post-operative care; assist with movement of patients and maintain the general flow of the operating room.
• Clinical Protocol: Enforce sterility and safety protocols; deliver competent post-operative instructions to owners/adopters in a friendly manner.
• Emergency Response: Respond appropriately during medical emergencies and follow direct instructions from veterinary staff.

2. Animal Care & Shelter Operations

• Daily Maintenance: Perform timely cleaning, feeding, medicating, and exercising of all animals in assigned areas according to organizational protocols.
• Observation: Constantly monitor and report changes in animal health or temperament to the Director of Shelter Operations or Kennel Supervisor.
• Facility Upkeep: Maintain a clean and orderly work environment in both animal-housing and public-facing areas.
• Enrichment: Provide daily mental and physical enrichment to shelter animals; develop working knowledge of breeds and basic behavior training.

3. Public Interaction & Professional Conduct

• Customer Service: Facilitate positive interactions with the public through consultation, education, and showing animals to potential adopters.
• Representation: Represent CCHS/SPCA professionally on and off duty; resolve complaints and issues with a positive, helpful attitude.
• Teamwork: Function as a collaborative team member to promote the mission and goals of the SPCA.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to stand, bend, and lift and carry up to 50 pounds repeatedly throughout the day
• Stamina to stay standing or active for an entire shift (8+ hours); agility to move through cramped areas
• Comfortable working around animals of all sizes and temperaments
• Excellent hand-eye coordination, reflexes and fine motor skills for animal restraint and clinical tasks
• Ability to see fine detail, distinguish changes in sound/pitch, and possess an acceptable sense of touch and balance
• Must be able to work effectively under high stress

Working Conditions

• Environment: Exposure to all weather conditions (indoor/outdoor), loud noises, odors, and potentially dangerous chemicals (bleach, isoflurane gas, etc.) or animals.
• Schedule: Flexible schedule including weekdays, weekends, holidays, and overtime as assigned. Clinic dates (10-12 per month) are set by the veterinary provider and may require short-notice changes.

Qualifications

• Genuine love for animals and concern for their welfare
• Friendly, professional communication skills
• Ability to multitask and stay organized in a busy environment
• Willingness to perform cleaning and physical tasks
• Dependable, punctual, and team-oriented
• Previous animal care or customer service experience is a plus, but not required

Additional Requirements:

• High school graduate or equivalent GED.
• Excellent verbal skills, including clear and effective communication with others (staff, public, volunteers) that is professional, respectful, positive and educational.
• Ability to learn basic veterinary concepts (vaccine protocols, anesthetic risks) and communicate them effectively to the public.
• Ability to handle 30-35 animals per day, identifying aggressive or fearful behaviors (training provided).
• Able to work weekdays, weekends, holidays, overtime, and evenings. 

Experience (Preferred):

• Two or more years in a veterinary clinic, hospital, or animal shelter.

We offer:

• A rewarding, mission-driven work environment
• Training provided on shelter procedures
• Opportunities to make a real difference in the lives of animals