REPORTS TO: Medical Supervisor
LOCATION: PVAS Locations as needed

POSITION OVERVIEW

The veterinary technician is the veterinarian’s primary medical support. They begin the examination procedure and continue to assist the doctor throughout the examination, diagnosis, treatment and surgery phases. They aid the veterinarians in achieving greater efficiency by relieving them of technical work and administrative detail. They also provide front line care for the pets in most need, including those hospitalized for severe illness or injury. In order to provide lifesaving care for the most pets possible, veterinarians at Palm Valley Animal Society rely heavily on the technician team to assess pets and alert the veterinarian to changes in condition. Technicians are often required to work independently and must communicate effectively with the entire veterinary team. When treating contagious disease, an understanding of isolation procedures and biosecurity in order to prevent the spread of infectious disease is critical. Veterinary technicians also play a significant role in communicating with and educating pet parents about their pets. As a part of the medical team, they are responsible for the overall health of the animals in the care of Palm Valley Animal Society. The lead veterinary technicians share oversight of the technician and assistant/medical tech teams, and they work with the medical supervisor to create a schedule, manage inventory, and facilitate training for staff.

QUALIFICATIONS / REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATION AND LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Veterinary Technician Certification (CVT) desirable but not required.
• Previous On-The-Job Training desirable when not a CVT.
• Euthanasia Certified

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• Minimum three years of experience as veterinary technician or assistant.
• Management experience desirable but not required.
• Shelter experience desirable but not required.

PERSONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Minimum of 21 years old.
• Genuinely enjoys working with animals and is able to deal with them even when they are stressed, ill or in pain.
• Can stay calm and efficient during a medical crisis.
• Is well-spoken and approaches his/her job duties in a mature nature.
• Has excellent client communication skills.
• Ability to travel between locations during the course of daily work as job duties require.
• Ability to work in an animal care facility where euthanasia is performed.
• Physical Effort: Work requires lifting and carrying animals (will be assisted by other staff members in lifting animals over 40 lbs). Walks or stands for extended periods or time; frequently works in a bent position.

• Working conditions: May be exposed to unpleasant odors, noises and animal feces.

May be exposed to bites, scratches and contagious diseases.

PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS
Medical Care and Technical Duties

• Can provide compassionate care to patients and clients.
• Can update and keep accurate medical records in accordance to shelter policy in a timely manner.
• Verify animal identification number matches documentation and ID collar prior to moving any animals
• Can perform physical assessments; record observations legibly in pet’s file.
• Can effectively restrain pets even when large or difficult.
• Understands all common vaccinations and shelter and public vaccination protocols and can explain to clients.
• Gives SQ, IM and IV injections.
• Can handle pet parent’s medical questions with confidence and direct to veterinarians when appropriate.
• Can explain necessary follow-up and homecare instructions.
• Understands usage, dosage, and common side-effects for commonly used prescription drugs and can readily explain them to the pet parents.
• Can assist the veterinarian in medical and surgical; prepares patients for surgery; administers anesthesia; monitors patients during surgery and recovery.
• Can properly care for all clinic equipment and materials; keep the operating room and treatment areas properly stocked and prepared for use.
• Can perform emergency procedures such as control of bleeding, resuscitation with oxygen, opening airways, and external cardiac massage.
• Can perform routine clinical laboratory procedures such as fecal flotation exams, heartworm checks, skin scrapings, urinalysis, and fungal cultures; draws blood for laboratory analysis; maintains file of lab test results and ensures that test results are recorded in patient records in a timely manner.
• Can place IV catheters and properly care for them. Understands the use and care of IV pumps as well.
• Knows common disease states and can alert veterinarians when symptoms change or when concerns arise with hospitalized patients.
• Can discharge patients based on the veterinarian’s orders, ensuring that patients are cleaned and in a medically appropriate state.
• Perform humane euthanasia

Management/Leadership

• Can provide individual and team guidance to achieve and maintain optimal efficiency and performance for the medical team
• Will work with medical supervisor to develop and implement training plans for medical staff
• Will work with medical supervisor to design team schedule
• During the course of daily work, serves as the primary lead for the medical department, including facilitating efficient workflow and prioritization of the day with team members

Teamwork/Attitude

• Attend weekly staff meetings and others as necessary.
• Maintains positive, cooperative relationships with other employees.
• Can conduct oneself in a confident and professional manner even when stressed and/or focused on individual tasks.

• Work closely within a team and other departments to support the mission of Palm Valley

Animal Society.

• Feel and express a genuine liking for animals and compassion for their owners.

Communication

• Can conduct oneself in a tactful, confident and professional manner with pet parents even when situations are stressful and/or focused on individual tasks.

• Can deal intelligibly, pleasantly and efficiently with partners, often doing several things at one time.

• Can relay treatment plans in a detailed manner while supporting shelter policies.

Area Maintenance

• Understands the importance of a clean and orderly facility, does not hesitate to clean or organize as part of a normal job duty.

• Maintain inventory and request orders of Clinic supplies as needed.

Organization/Time Management

• Can work consistently in the presence of other staff members and distractions.
• Understands and carries out oral and written directions.

Performs other duties as assigned.

________________________________________________ ________________
Signed Date

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $15.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Holidays
• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

Work Location: In person