Veterinary Technician

JOB SUMMARY

Responsible for daily care of all surgical patients and assisting doctors with pre-, peri- and post-operative care of patients, general cleaning, and training others to utilize our

patient care protocols

WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

Works closely with Veterinarians, Kennel technicians, and other shelter staff.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Daily Job Duties

1. Participates in check in/out of patients.

2. Knowledge and ability to intake and release patients, including delivering post-operative instructions in a competent and friendly manner

3. Ensures complete and accurate records exist for all patients, including rabies certificates,

take-home paperwork, and medical records

4. Know basic veterinary medical concepts

5. Follow all written and verbally communicated departmental standard operating procedures

6. Responsible for prepping patients for surgery, observing all clinic procedures, to enforce sterility and safety of patients

7. General duties in the operating room during surgery, assisting with movement of patients, recovery of patients, and general flow of surgery.

8. Handle and track controlled substances for large volumes of surgical patients

9. Efficiently pre-medicate, induce, and intubate any and all patients as necessary

10. Able to monitor anesthesia, with a clear idea of abnormal conditions

11. Communicate in effective and professional manner with public, staff, and volunteers

12. Communicate with clients and assist with rechecks as needed

13. Train new staff members to utilize our patient care protocols

14. Able to respond appropriately during an emergency, able to take directions from a veterinarian and

direct others during the event.

15. Able to glove in sterilely and assist doctor with surgery when appropriate

16. Handle medical calls

17. Able to work as a kennel technician or receptionist as needed

18. All other duties as assigned

B. Client Education

1. Must be able to learn basic veterinary medical concepts, including but not limited to

vaccine protocols and anesthetic risks

2. Must also be able to communicate basic veterinary concepts to owners and be able to

repeat information relayed by a veterinarian

3. Will be asked to take medical histories for surgical rechecks

4. Will be asked to communicate with the public on a daily basis in a professional manner

C. Animal Handling

1. Will be asked to handle (on average) 30 dogs/cats per day

2. Must be able to learn characteristics of animal behavior (for example: be able to identify

aggressive or fearful behavior)

3. Must be able to use appropriate safety equipment for fractious or feral animals (will train)

– the use of safety equipment is mandatory

4. Must possess excellent reflexes

5. Should be able to identify own limitations and be willing to ask for help

6. Must become proficient at animal restraint for various procedures

D. Physical Requirements

1. Must be able to work standing with minimal sitting for 8 hours

2. Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 pounds repeatedly throughout the day with help

3. Must be able to bend and kneel repeatedly

4. Must have reasonable degree of agility to move through tightly cramped areas in various

situations

5. Must have good range of motion in joints especially wrist, knees, elbows

6. Must be able to work in potentially extreme environmental temperatures

7. Must have acceptable sense of balance

8. Must be able to work and reach on hands and knees

9. Must be able to use a ladder and/or step stool

E. Emotional/Mental Requirements

1. Must be able to work under stressful conditions and work efficiently and effectively

under those conditions

2. Must be able to respond quickly to a variety of medical situations (with training)

3. Must be able to cope with death due to surgical complication or euthanasia

4. Ability to rapidly and accurately process information

5. Ability to delegate tasks

6. Ability to recognize a need for assistance and ask for help

7. Ability to work independently and as part of team

8. Ability to make decisions

9. Ability to cope with frustrating situations and remain calm

F.Potential and Prolonged Exposures

1. Prolonged exposure to various aqueous solutions, including but not limited to, dish

soap, chlorhexidine, and iodine

2. Prolonged exposure to isopropanol, hydrogen peroxide

3. Potential exposure to formalin solution

4. Potential/prolonged exposure to isoflurane gas

5. Prolonged exposure to quaternary ammonium cleaners and bleach

6. Prolonged exposure to pressurized steam

7. Potential exposure to sharps including needles and surgical blades

PREFERRED

Current licensed veterinary technician.

Candidates should be highly motivated, enthusiastic self-starters with a professional attitude.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The offices and operations of a shelter and high volume spay/neuter clinic can be high stress and very busy at times. This position is scheduled for 5 days/week, usually Monday through Friday with a rotating Saturday; however, the schedule can change and may sometimes require additional hours to complete the job. Can include working some holidays or overtime depending on clinic/shelter needs. Candidates must be flexible with schedule changes and short notice overtime requests.

Pay: $16.00 - $18.00 per hour

Work Location: In person

Salary : $16 - $18