VETERINARY TECHNICIAN

Palm Valley Animal Society is a high intake animal shelter in the mid-Rio Grande Valley. We have 2 locations in Edinburg Texas. Our medical team treats hundreds of animals daily as well as assists our veterinarians in high-quality, high-volume spay/neuter surgeries for our adopted pets and Community Cat Program 7 days a week. We also offer learning opportunities as well as Externships available.
REPORTS TO: Medical Supervisor

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, and treatment phases. They aid the veterinarians in achieving greater efficiency by relieving them of technical work and administrative detail. They have a very significant role in communicating with and educating clients about their pets.

EDUCATION AND LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS

• High school diploma or equivalent

• Veterinary Technician Certification (CVT) is desirable but not required.

• Previous On-The-Job Training desirable when, not a CVT.

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• Minimum of two years of experience as a veterinary technician or assistant.

PERSONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Minimum of 18 years old.

• Genuinely enjoys working with animals and can 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.

• Is experienced in the teamwork approach and works well with all levels of hospital team members.

• Has excellent client communication skills.

• 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 of time; frequently works in a bent position.

• Working conditions: Will be exposed to unpleasant odors, noises, and animal feces. Will be exposed to bites, scratches, and contagious diseases.

The range for the position is $10.00 per hour to $16.00 per hour based on experience.

Benefits are outlined in the employee manual and are separate from the hourly wage.

• Can provide compassionate care to patients and clients.

• Can conduct oneself in a positive, confident, and professional manner even when stressed and/or focused on individual tasks.

• Can legibly keep accurate medical records, in a timely manner and in accordance with shelter policy.

• Can prepare and maintain work areas.

• Can perform physical assessments; document observations in ShelterLuv.

• Can effectively restrain pets even when large or difficult.

• Understands all common vaccinations and shelter vaccination protocols and can explain to clients.

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

• Maintains positive, cooperative relationships with other employees.

• Gives SQ, IM, and IV injections.

• Can handle client’s medical questions with confidence and direct to veterinarians when appropriate.

• Can explain the 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 clients.

• Can maintain an appropriate inventory of all medical supplies as determined by the inventory control system.

• Can assist the veterinarian in medical and surgical procedures; prepares patients for surgery; administers anesthesia; monitors patients during surgery and recovery; administer fluids.

• Can properly care for all surgical materials; keep the operating room properly stocked and prepared for surgery.

• Can perform emergency procedures such as control of bleeding, resuscitation with oxygen, opening airways, and external cardiac massage.

• Can perform clinical laboratory procedures such as fecal flotation exams, heartworm checks, skin scrapings, urinalysis, and fungal cultures; draws blood for laboratory analysis; maintains a file of lab test results and ensures that test results are recorded in patient records.

• Can effectively position for and take radiographs.

• 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 or housed animals.

• Can discharge patients based on the veterinarian’s orders, ensuring that patients are in a medically appropriate state.

• Other duties as assigned.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $13.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Holidays
• Overtime
• Weekends as needed

Work Location: In person