Veterinary Assistant

The BVSPCA is seeking to fill the role of Veterinary Technician at our Washington, DC campus. This position will include a specific focus on assisting the shelter veterinarian with surgeries. As a Vet Tech with the BVSPCA, you will be offered a unique and exciting opportunity to work for a progressive organization committed to changing the lives of homeless, abandoned, and wayward animals. The Vet Tech will ensure and maintain the health of homeless animals in our care, and assist with spay/neuter surgeries to prepare them for adoption.

Veterinary Technicians work under the direction of veterinarians, the Shelter Manager and the Director of Operations.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Shelter Medicine & Procedures

• Monitor the health of shelter animals.
• Triage cases according to medical need.
• Administer vaccines and other preventative medical treatments as outlined by Medical.
• Prepare patients for spay/neuter surgery, assist in surgery, and monitor anesthesia under the direction of the veterinarian.
• Perform medical intake physical examinations.
• Perform and interpret basic diagnostic tests such as, but not limited to, fecal floatation, skin scrapes, heartworm test, FeLV/FIV tests, etc.
• Interpret treatment sheets and administer treatment to patients (PO, topically, otic, ocular) under the direction of a veterinarian.
• Follow veterinary care protocols for animals in the BVSPCA - including medical, behavior and general care protocols for the health and well-being of the animals; individually and as a herd.
• Perform intramuscular and subcutaneous injections.
• Assist doctors and other technicians in performing medical procedures.
• Administer medications to animals as directed by staff veterinarians.
• Perform venipuncture, laboratory tests, IV catheter placement, and drug and fluid calculations as ordered by the veterinary staff.
• Clean and pack surgical instruments.
• Operate an autoclave.
• Comply with all laws pertaining to controlled substances.
• Understand standard veterinary terminology, medical math, procedures, and animal health issues.
• Participate in medical rounds as directed by the management.
• Keep up to date in veterinary medicine with regular continuing education.
• Facilitate good working relationships through teamwork and collaboration.

Administrative Duties

• Maintain and create patient records by accurately recording treatments, examinations and test results on PetPoint software.
• Assist with keeping inventory and ordering supplies.

Client and Community Service

• Admit and release animals from BVSPCA in a responsive, courteous and tactful manner to both internal and external clients.
• Inform clients of any pertinent medical information regarding animal care; communicate release instructions.
• Practice and encourage the humane treatment of animals.
• Provide quality customer service to clients, volunteers, and staff while actively promoting our mission, services, programs, and events.
• Promote donation and giving opportunities as appropriate.

Diversity and Inclusiveness

• Work effectively with individuals and colleagues from diverse communities and cultures.

Safety

• Ensure a safe work environment; following all safety guidelines and modeling safe work practice.
• Take immediate action to address any safety concerns that could put a staff member, volunteer, client, animal, or the organization at risk.
• Maintain a clean, healthy, and sanitary work area; follow all pest and rodent control protocols.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Veterinary Technician Licensure preferred.
• Commitment to the mission, values, goals, and success of the BVSPCA.
• Experience with humane animal handling and restraint techniques of healthy, ill and feral animals.
• Experience in caring for and handling animals in a safe, effective and humane manner, especially larger and possibly untrained pets.
• Comfortable working in the shelter environment and willing to accommodate animals in the work place.
• Computer literate and able to master veterinary software as applicable to clinic operations.
• Knowledge of basic dog and cat physiology, anatomy and behavior as it relates to understanding the general health of animals.
• Ability to understand and communicate pertinent medical information with colleagues and clients.
• Self-motivated and able to initiate and complete tasks.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Work is performed in a shelter/animal hospital setting.
• Frequent bending, reaching, kneeling, and climbing stairs while seeing patients.
• Regular sitting at a computer workstation 2-4 hours per day to input patient data.
• Exposure to disinfectant solutions when in kennel & treatment areas.
• Subject to animal bites and scratches while handling animals.
• Repeated lifting and carrying of animals weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Consistent exposure to animals and animal allergens under conditions with limited alternatives available.

Job Type: Full-time

PAY RATE

• $23-27 based on experience
• $160 monthly incentive for good attendance

Interviews are conducted in person.

The Brandywine Valley SPCA is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment where all employees feel valued and respected. We do not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic. We encourage applicants of all backgrounds to apply and look forward to building a team that reflects the diverse communities we serve.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $23.00 - $27.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Experience:

• Veterinary: 1 year (Required)

Ability to Commute:

• Washington, DC 20032 (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $23 - $27