Duties and Responsibilities

Medical and Surgical Care

• Oversee and assist with intakes and discharges as needed to optimize the flow of patients.
• Review all pre op medical records, if applicable. Consulting with the patients’ primary veterinarian, if applicable.
• Examine, medically treat, spay, and neuter patients.
• Provide for an efficient flow of patients through their medical procedures.
• Oversee documentation of all exam findings, treatments, vaccinations, and surgery on the medical records.

Administrative

• Oversee the documentation of all findings, test results and treatment recommendations in Clinic HQ.
• Communicate effectively cross-departmentally.
• Assist in writing, editing and updating protocols for the Catmobile program.
• Provide veterinary information to other departments of MRFRS.
• Maintain strict control of, and adhere to all related drugs and drug log regulations.
• Provide input for budget preparation for the Catmobile Program.
• Provide direction to the Catmobile Medical Team during and in support of operations.
• Work collaboratively with the CM Program Coordinator and assist in developing the Catmobile schedule.

Customer Service

• Communicate professionally with clients and relay relevant veterinary information about the patients.
• Oversee the provision of discharge instructions.

Professionalism

• Adhere to the mission and guiding principles of MRFRS.
• Adhere to all protocols put forth by Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
• Follow all written and verbally communicated Standard Operating Procedures.
• Interact effectively with a variety of people in all types of situations. Evaluate problems accurately and display good, sound judgment.
• Maintain a license to practice veterinary medicine in MA.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

• The position can be Full Time, Exempt or Part Time, Nonexempt. Hours will vary based on several variables which include but are not limited to days per week, distance driven to locations, traffic, weather, client volume and timeliness, operational or mechanical complications.

Supervisor Responsibility

• This position has no direct staff from a human resources standpoint but does supervise and direct the actions of the veterinary technician(s) and support staff during daily operations on the Catmobile and during other veterinary operations. The veterinarian will also contribute to technician and support staff job descriptions, training, and reviews. MRFRS aspires to inspire and will occasionally welcome Veterinarians and Technicians to work with and learn from our teams.

Competencies

• Function at all levels of team roles.
• Ability to quickly assess various situations and respond appropriately.

Qualifications and Education Requirements

• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine with current license to practice in MA.
• Data entry / basic computer experience
• Valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, a clean driving record and be willing to drive the mobile clinic.
• Animal handling skill and experience.
• Ability to lift 40 pounds regularly and 60 pounds occasionally.
• Maintain a license to practice veterinary medicine in MA.
• Maintain current DEA license and MCSR.
• Maintaining PLIT Insurance is highly recommended.

Workplace Environment

• Environmental Conditions: This position will be required to perform duties inside and outside of a mobile spay/neuter unit in physically tight conditions on the vehicle, and in all weather conditions outside the vehicle. Interaction with CM staff, the public and clients. Interaction with cats, some of which may be fractious, carry parasites, and or zoonotic disease. The use of veterinary medical equipment and electronics such as cell phones and computers.
• Noise: Conditions on the vehicle can be loud during operations.
• Working Conditions: Interaction with clients occurs outdoors, regardless of weather. The CM workspace is tight. Some days may run long. Some clients can be challenging.

Manual Duties/Physical Requirements

• Essential Job Functions: Veterinary records review. Examine, medically treat, and provide spay neuter surgery to patients. Oversee patient prep, monitoring and discharge. Physically lift and move cats, carriers and equipment.
• Marginal Job Functions: Drive the s/n vehicle to and from each clinic location. Ensure necessary supplies and equipment are available. Load and unload of supplies. With MRFRS management and others, ensure that the vehicle is safe to drive, and that the clinic is safe to operate (equipment is functional, safe temperatures etc. can be maintained).

Work Authorization

• Pass a background check performed on all employees at time of employment and periodically during employment.

AAP/EEO Statement

Merrimack River Feline Rescue Society is an equal opportunity employer. No applicant for employment or employee of MRFRS is denied equal opportunity because of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy, status as a parent, marital status, national origin, age, disability (physical or mental), family medical history or genetic information, political affiliation, military service or other legally protected status in its employment pursuant to state and federal laws.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a complete list of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities will change from time to time to meet the needs of the department, our company and our customers. Employees are expected to perform duties as assigned, even if they fall outside this job description.

How to apply

To apply, please send a cover letter and resume to hr@mrfrs.org. No phone calls please. In the cover letter, describe your relevant experience and skills. Position will remain open until filled.

The successful Veterinary Technician applicant will:

• Come with Veterinary Technician experience (surgical prep experience preferred)
• Have strong customer service experience/skills
• Be an outgoing and patient "people person" with strong communication skills
• Be well organized and able to work within a variety of software
• Be a proactive and goal drive team player

Compensation

• Full-time; Non-exempt; Hourly Rate = $23 - $26 depending on experience

Role and Responsibilities

• Assist veterinarian to maximize productivity, maintain flow and optimal client care.
• Assist with surgery preparation, inductions, recovery, and monitoring cats recovering from surgery with direction and supervision of veterinarian.
• Obtain relevant health history and information from cat owners and update them in Clinic HQ.
• Communicate with clients about procedures performed, follow-up care, any recognized pet health concerns and offer guidance on additional treatments per veterinarian recommendations.
• Prepare and administer medications, vaccines and treatments as prescribed by the veterinarian.
• Assist with surgical preparation, inductions, and recovery of patients with direction and supervision of veterinarian.
• Care for and monitor the condition of cats recovering from surgery.
• Practice fear free restraint and techniques with client pets and feral cats when possible.
• Collect, prepare, and label samples for laboratory testing.
• Document clients visit in Clinic HQ.
• Clean instruments, equipment, surfaces, and other materials.
• Notifying the CM Coordinator of an equipment malfunction or issues in a timely manner.
• Assist Catmobile Program Coordinator when needed and flex to other organizational tasks when CM is non operational.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

• The position is a full-time hourly position. Typically four, ten-hour days, allowing flexibility for scheduling and when operations are concluded.

Supervisor Responsibility

• Train and support Catmobile staff and volunteers as needed.

Competencies

• Collaboration in a team environment.
• Problem solving/analysis.
• Project management.
• Communication proficiency: able to communicate effectively with a wide variety of clients.
• Ethical conduct: adhere to the mission statement and guiding principles of MRFRS.
• Strong customer service skills.

Qualifications and Education Requirements

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• Two years relevant experience.
• Veterinary technician training.
• Valid driver's license, reliable transportation, a clean driving record, willing and able to drive the mobile clinic.
• Animal handling skill and experience.
• Ability to lift 40 pounds regularly and 60 pounds occasionally.

Workplace Environment

• Environmental Conditions: This position will be required to perform duties inside and outside of a mobile spay/neuter unit in physically tight conditions on the vehicle, and in all weather conditions outside the vehicle. Interaction with CM staff, the public and clients. Interaction with cats, some of which may be fractious, carry parasites, and or zoonotic disease. The use of veterinary medical equipment and electronics such as cell phones and computers.
• Noise: Conditions on the vehicle can be loud during operations.
• Working Conditions: Interaction with clients occurs outdoors, regardless of weather. The CM workspace is tight. Some days may run long. Some clients can be challenging.

Manual Duties/Physical Requirements

• Essential Job Functions: Veterinary records review. Support the veterinarian as she/he examines, medically treats, and provides spay/neuter surgery to patients. Perform patient prep, monitoring, and discharge. Physically lift and move cats, carriers, supplies and equipment.
• Marginal Job Functions: Drive the s/n vehicle to and from each clinic location. Ensure necessary supplies and equipment are available. Load and unload of supplies. With MRFRS management and others, ensure that the vehicle is safe to drive, and that the clinic is safe to operate (equipment is functional, safe temperatures etc. can be maintained). Flex to other organizational tasks when CM is non-operational.

Work Authorization

• Must pass a background check performed on all employees at time of employment and periodically during employment.

AAP/EEO Statement

Merrimack River Feline Rescue Society is an equal opportunity employer. No applicant for employment or employee of MRFRS is denied equal opportunity because of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy, status as a parent, marital status, national origin, age, disability (physical or mental), family medical history or genetic information, political affiliation, military service or other legally protected status in its employment pursuant to state and federal laws.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a complete list of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities will change from time to time to meet the needs of the department, our company and our customers. Employees are expected to perform duties as assigned, even if they fall outside this job description.

How to apply

To apply, please send a cover letter and resume to hr@mrfrs.org. No phone calls please. In the cover letter, describe your relevant experience and skills. Position will remain open until filled.

The successful Veterinary Assistant applicant will:

• Have strong customer service experience/skills
• Be an outgoing and patient "people person" with strong communication skills
• Be well organized and able to work within a variety of software
• Be a proactive and goal drive team player

Compensation

• Part-time; Non-exempt; Hourly Rate = $20 - $22 depending on experience

Role and Responsibilities

• Assist veterinary team to maximize productivity, maintain flow and optimal client care.
• Assist with surgery preparation and procedures in accordance with Massachusetts Veterinary Practice Act.
• Obtain relevant health history and information from cat owners and update them in Clinic HQ.
• Communicate with clients about procedures performed, follow-up care, any recognized pet health concerns and offer guidance on additional treatments per veterinarian recommendations.
• Prepare and administer medications, vaccines and treatments as prescribed by the veterinarian when trained.
• Assist with surgical preparation, inductions, and recovery of patients with direction and supervision of veterinarian.
• Care for and monitor the condition of cats recovering from surgery.
• Collect, prepare, and label samples for laboratory testing.
• Document clients visit in Clinic HQ.
• Clean instruments, equipment, surfaces, and other materials.
• Assist Catmobile Program Coordinator when needed and flex to other organizational tasks when CM is non operational.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

• The position is a part-time non-exempt hourly position consisting of four 8-hour days (Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri).

Supervisor Responsibility

• This position has no direct supervisor responsibilities.

Competencies

• Collaboration in a team environment.
• Problem solving/analysis.
• Project management.
• Communication proficiency: able to communicate effectively with a wide variety of clients.
• Ethical conduct: adhere to the mission statement and guiding principles of MRFRS.
• Strong customer service skills.

Qualifications and Education Requirements

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• 1+ years of experience in animal care or in a clinic preferred.
• Valid driver's license, reliable transportation, a clean driving record.
• Animal handling skill and experience preferred.
• Ability to lift 40 pounds regularly and 60 pounds occasionally.

Workplace Environment

• Environmental Conditions: This position will be required to perform duties inside and outside of a mobile spay/neuter unit in physically tight conditions on the vehicle, and in all weather conditions outside the vehicle. Interaction with CM staff, the public and clients. Interaction with cats, some of which may be fractious, carry parasites, and or zoonotic disease. The use of veterinary medical equipment and electronics such as cell phones and computers.
• Noise: Conditions on the vehicle can be loud during operations.
• Working Conditions: Interaction with clients occurs outdoors, regardless of weather. The CM workspace is tight. Some days may run long. Some clients can be challenging.

Manual Duties/Physical Requirements

• Essential Job Functions: Veterinary records review. Support the veterinarian as she/he examines, medically treats, and provides spay/neuter surgery to patients. Perform patient prep, monitoring, and discharge. Physically lift and move cats, carriers, supplies and equipment.
• Marginal Job Functions: Drive the s/n vehicle to and from each clinic location. Ensure necessary supplies and equipment are available. Load and unload of supplies. With MRFRS management and others, ensure that the vehicle is safe to drive, and that the clinic is safe to operate (equipment is functional, safe temperatures etc. can be maintained). Flex to other organizational tasks when CM is non-operational.

Work Authorization

• Must pass a background check performed on all employees at time of employment and periodically during employment.

AAP/EEO Statement

Merrimack River Feline Rescue Society is an equal opportunity employer. No applicant for employment or employee of MRFRS is denied equal opportunity because of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy, status as a parent, marital status, national origin, age, disability (physical or mental), family medical history or genetic information, political affiliation, military service or other legally protected status in its employment pursuant to state and federal laws.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a complete list of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities will change from time to time to meet the needs of the department, our company and our customers. Employees are expected to perform duties as assigned, even if they fall outside this job description.

How to apply

To apply, please send a cover letter and resume to hr@mrfrs.org. No phone calls please. In the cover letter, describe your relevant experience and skills. Position will remain open until filled.

Expectations of all board members

In addition to being passionate about the organization’s mission and believing in its work, a non-profit board member has core responsibilities in each of the following areas listed below.

Fulfill their Fiduciary Responsibility

Fiduciary responsibility means that each non-profit board member must help ensure the long term financial stability and fiscal responsibility of the organization. These duties include:

• Review and approve an annual operating budget and monitor results during the fiscal year to ensure MRFRS’ financial resources are being spent in the pursuit of its mission and a sustainable organization
• Review and approve contracts entered into by the organization
• Review and approve MRFRS’ investment policy
• Help ensure that the organization has strong financial practices and controls in place

Financially Support the Organization

• Include MRFRS as one of their top three philanthropic priorities
• Make a personal annual cash donation at a level that is meaningful to you. The minimum level is $1,000 which can be made in monthly installments.
• In addition to the board member’s personal donation, it is expected that each board member will raise another $2500. This obligation can be met in a variety of ways including selling tickets for events, obtaining sponsorships, grants or other cash donations from businesses or social connections, hosting a personal event or online challenge to raise funds for MRFRS, raising donations for Strut for Strays, or donating auction items for one of MRFRS’ auctions. If the board member prefers, they can personally donate all or a portion of the $2500 obligation.

Legal and Ethical Oversight

A critical role of Board members is taking responsibility to ensure MRFRS follows the legal and ethical standards for business in general as well as those standards unique to nonprofit organizations. Strong integrity and sound business practices enhance the public image of MRFRS and help to further its cause.

• Understand the legal, and ethical responsibilities the Board carries and actively review performance of the organization, raise questions and suggest solutions to ensure MRFRS is financially sound and provides meaningful services to the community.
• Be conversant with the bylaws and articles of incorporation and keep their individual Board “files” up-to-date by adding new material as they receive it.
• Read and be conversant with the contents of the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Guide for Board Members of Charitable Organizations

Serve as an Ambassador

• Be aware of and share community activities and legal/political developments that may impact MRFRS and/or its programs and bring them to the attention of the Board
• Represent MRFRS to individuals, the public and other organizations in a positive light
• Be able to promote MRFRS’ mission and importance during casual conversation, networking events and wherever possible
• Attend events and support fundraising activities, such as Strut for Strays, Fur Ball, Whisker Wonderland and the Leadership Donor Appreciation Night and engage with donors and other supporters at these events
• Promote events and activities to your social network and personal connections.
• Engage in donor, potential staff and potential board member cultivation.

Engage in Strategic Planning

• Create and periodically update a strategic plan to guide MRFRS in the achievement of its mission. Note: The implementation plan is created by staff and is reviewed and approved by the members of the Board
• Stay informed about animal welfare issues locally and nationally; and
• Approve the programs to be offered through MRFRS and monitor program goals and performance as well as program expenses and the budget to ensure alignment with the organization’s mission. Note: MRFRS’ staff carry out daily operations and programs.

Hire and Support Organization's Executive Leadership

• Select an appropriate person to fill each executive leadership position;
• Establish goals and supports the individual in the achievement of the goals and assesses completion of those goals;
• Periodically evaluates the performance with a formal evaluation occurring at least annually
• Collaborate with staff leadership to secure the resources needed to meet the needs of those MRFRS service in accordance with the board’s fiduciary responsibilities and its mission, and
• Terminates and replaces leadership staff when necessary.

Ensure Long Term Board Strength

• Help build a future board member “pipeline” and keep board succession planning top of mind
• Identify and recruit board or board committee members based on the needs of the organization
• Serve on a board committee