Evergreen Animal Hospital is seeking an experienced technician to join our wonderful team as a lead technician. Our ideal candidate will have a minimum of 2 years as a lead technician and possess strong leadership skills. 

The Lead Technician at Valley Veterinary Care will direct, plan, coordinate and perform a variety of duties concerned with animal health and client education in support of the Hospital Manager and DVM’s to assure quality care for our patients and promote greater efficiency by assuming technical and administrative work and managing details. This position will supervise a team of technicians, assistants, and volunteers.

JOB REQUIREMENTS/SKILLS/PHYSICAL DEMANDS: 

Ability to demonstrate mastery of all routine technician skills such as: 

• Client Communication/Education 
• Animal Handling/Catheter Placement/Injections 
• Assist Veterinarians/Exam Room Protocol 
• Laboratory/Digital Radiography/Ultrasound/Laser Therapy Procedures 
• Medication Preparation 
• Surgical Assistance/Hospitalized Patient Care 
• Safety Protocols and Cleaning Standards Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. 

Ability to read and interpret documents such as patient charts, vaccine histories, medical labels, safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to speak effectively before small groups of customers or employees of the hospital. Ability to graciously deal with client complaints and billing questions. Ability to successfully communicate with diverse personality types. Ability to quickly grasp and master technological advancements in computer performance/electronic methods of veterinary care and practice

Reports to: Hospital Manager, Medical Director 

TECHNICIAN DUTIES:

Major Duties 

• Lead a team of 2-8 technicians in performing various technical and client education duties that facilitate the work of the veterinarians. 
• Oversee assistants, upstairs kennel attendants, and volunteers. 
• Exhibit a technical knowledge of medications/diets/products sold, especially nutritional products, and demonstrate salesmanship abilities. Explain and educate clients on the products and answer questions concerning products. 
• Answer calls relating to pet care as directed by the front office. Educate clients and technical staff regarding policies where required. 
• Knowledge regarding related federal and state animal health laws and regulations including OSHA. Ensure that the hospital and its employees are in compliance with regulations. Inform the Hospital Manager of any regulatory issues. 
• Oversee auditing of charts for completeness and accuracy of information. Refer charts to the Hospital Manager for questions concerning charges and to the appropriate veterinarian for questions concerning treatment. Liaise with the office manager to ensure the front office staff is building charts appropriately and completely. 
• Develop and oversee the completion of daily checklists and weekly maintenance logs. 

Personnel 

• Monitor staff periodically throughout the day, encourage productivity, and discourage behaviors that may be detrimental to the positive atmosphere of the work environment. Monitor compliance with job descriptions and “to-do” lists. Ensure adherence to policies and procedures in accordance with the handbook. 
• Oversee working interviews for applicants and weigh in on candidate selection.
• Make recommendations to the Hospital Manager concerning personnel matters. Direct on-the-job training for new hires. Discuss disciplinary actions needed with the Hospital Manager and assist with follow-through. Resolve informal employee complaints; explain the nature and basis of hospital personnel policies and procedures. Maintain effective employee-management communication. 
• Create and maintain monthly schedules according to hospital needs. Assist hospital manager in maintaining attendance records including all call-ins, late, early out, and absences (unexcused and excused). Make decisions regarding time off requests, balancing needs of hospital and employee. Communicate issues to the Hospital Manager. 
• Assist in planning, scheduling, and conducting Technician meetings and maintain meeting minutes. 
• Act as a liaison between Hospital Manager and team members. 
• Weigh in on performance evaluations for all team members in conjunction with Hospital Manager and medical director to include introductory, annual, and performance counseling as needs arise individually. Intervene/oversee personnel issues and assist with conflict resolution. Client Satisfaction 
• Function as a contact person for clients concerning medical complaints or problems that the client may be experiencing with the hospital or a staff member. Make decisions regarding client complaints independently; however, know when to forward on to Hospital Manager and/or medical director. 
• Monitor, evaluate, and respond to client communications. 

Other Duties 

• Assist and fill in when vacant positions arise or when hospital flow warrants.
• Assist the Hospital Manager or Practice Owner with other duties as needed.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Small animal hospital, work in front and back of the hospital, high level of client interaction, exposure to x-rays and anesthetic gases with proper protective measures. Potential for exposure to zoonotic diseases and possible hazardous materials.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Medical

Vision

Dental

401K w/match

Veterinary Discount

Continuing Education

Pay Range:

$21.00 - $26.00/hr DOE