What are the responsibilities and job description for the Veterinary Technician position at Alaska Icefield Expeditions Inc?
Seasonal Certified Veterinary Technician
Location: Juneau, Alaska (Glacier & Ground Camps)
Season: April – September (Exact dates TBD)
Employers: PAC Veterinary Services in contract with Alaska Icefield Expeditions & Gold Rush Dog Tours
About the Position
PAC Veterinary Services is seeking a skilled, motivated Certified Veterinary Technicianfor a unique seasonal sled-dog-only veterinary medical position. This role supports the health and wellbeing of working sled dogs across multiple remote locations, including glacier camps accessed by helicopter and small aircraft.
You will work as part of a two-person vet tech team providing hands-on medical care, camp evaluations, and close communication with the Company Veterinarian, Camp Managers, Lead Mushers, and management teams.
This is a highly interactive, field-based role that blends clinical skill, independent decision-making, outdoor work, and collaborative animal care.
Compensation & Benefits
- Monthly rate
- Employee housing provided
- Food stipend
- End-of-season bonus available
Primary Responsibilities
Field & Camp Duties
- Travel regularly to glacier and ground camps (weather dependent)
- Inspect all dog yards bi-weekly: BCS checks, injury/illness detection, proactive care
- Document camp conditions (dog houses, yard leveling, heat-cycle precautions, etc.)
- Communicate findings to Camp Managers, Lead Mushers, management, and Company Vet
- Provide educational material and participate in camp meetings (Standard of Care, Dogs First training, Musher Reporting, Vet Box Contents, female-in-heat protocols)
- Ensure all injuries or illnesses are reported and treated promptly
- Travel with dogs when off-site care is required
- Support the Company Vet during monthly visits
Clinical & Technical Duties
- Detailed charting and data entry (EzyVet, Google Docs/Sheets)
- Blood draws & IDEXX diagnostics
- Administer oral & injectable medications
- Accurate TPRs
- IV catheter placement
- Radiographs & ultrasound use
- Anesthesia monitoring
- Implement medical treatment plans, including husbandry components
- Triage emergencies
Maintain clean and sanitary environments for dogs in crates or kennels
- Walk, feed, clean, medicate, and supervise dogs in clinic
Communication & Reporting
- Provide daily email updates to management and Company Vet
- Maintain Dogs First Logs and review Weekly Musher Reports
- Gather and relay case information (signalment, presenting problem, vitals, progress notes)
- Ensure clear communication of every treatment plan to camp personnel
- The Company Vet has final authority on all treatment decisions; all instructions must be followed explicitly
Inventory & Logistics
- Maintain vet box inventory at all camps
- Provide supply ordering needs
- Ensure general care supplies are adequately stocked
- Assist with travel arrangements for the Company Vet
Required Qualifications
- Certified Veterinary Technician
- Ability to obtain an Alaska Veterinary Technician License
- Strong communication skills across multi-camp teams
- Comfortable working outdoors in rain, snow, and glacier conditions
Comfortable flying in helicopters and small aircraft
- Able to lift 60 lbs
- Proficient in computer and charting skills
- Valid driver’s license
- Able to pass drug testing (including marijuana)
- Human CPR and first aid certification
- Comfortable living in communal environments
- Excellent time management and independence in field settings
Ideal Candidate Traits
- Enjoys fast-paced, hands-on work with working dogs
- Detail-oriented, proactive, and highly communicative
- Works well as part of a small, collaborative team
- Passionate about high-quality sled dog care