Operation Kindness is seeking a Vet Tech to join our Community Initiatives team! Operation Kindness is a pioneer in Texas for assisting animals in need of veterinary care, companionship and most of all, a home.

We offer a competitive salary with an excellent benefit package including medical, dental, and vision insurance, 403b plan, generous PTO, time and a half on designated holidays and more!

REPORTING RELATIONSHIP: Manager of Clinical Resources

POSITION OVERVIEW: The Community Initiatives Veterinary Technician is responsible for providing technician support to the Community Initiatives program in a manner that allows for the highest level of community engagement, positive outcomes for pet owners and their pets, exceptional customer service experiences, and exceptional practice of medicine to each visitor and patient. A significant component of this role involves working at weekend-based community wellness and vaccine events.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide a compassionate environment for animals and pet owners receiving services from the Community Initiatives program.
•  Provide technical support, including patient triage, preparation, and recovery, during high-volume, weekend-based community wellness and vaccine events.
• Set up, clean, and break down assigned areas during each shift.
• Maintain assigned equipment, supplies and vehicles in safe condition and report any problems or needed repairs to the Manager of Clinical Resources.
• Triage all patients at check-in and report health concerns to the veterinarian on duty.
• Assist the veterinarian on duty in all surgeries and wellness services as needed, including calculating, administering, and monitoring anesthesia and medications in accordance with approved Operation Kindness protocol.
• Recover animals from surgery, including monitoring all recovering patients for complications of surgery or anesthesia and alerting the veterinarian on duty, if complications arise.
• Thoroughly explain discharge instructions, health exams, any findings and/or test results, vaccine booster schedule, and take-home medication instructions to pet owners.
• Collect specimens and perform laboratory procedures and diagnostics including, but not limited to, fecal, mange, heartworm, and feline leukemia testing.
• Clean surgical instruments, sterilize surgery packs, do laundry, clean animal kennels, and other cleaning duties, as required.
• Perform humane euthanasia, as needed, after successful completion of required certification course.
• Document all drug logs and patient activity and information in accurate records in accordance with Operation Kindness protocol.
• Determine and maintain appropriate level of medical inventory and supplies and coordinate supply orders with the Manager of Community Initiatives.
• “Driver” duties that may include, but not be limited to, driving an Operation Kindness Van, Box Truck, Mav, or mobile spay/neuter vehicle.
• Ensure that all data collection forms are completed and that the data is entered timely and accurately into appropriate databases.
• Additional, relevant tasks as assigned by the Manager of Clinical Resources.

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Report suspicion of animal abuse or neglect to any Manager or above immediately.
• Report any unsafe working conditions to any Manager or above immediately.
• Maintains client, donor, and staff confidentiality at all times.
• Follow SOPs and other safety regulations at all times.
• Complete all necessary and requested training in a timely manner in accordance with shelter policy.
• Attend staff meetings.
• Participates in shelter events as requested by Supervisor.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

• To best serve the needs of our community and clients, the individual performing this job may be required to work more than 8 hours in a day or 40 hours in a week. Shift times may vary and will include mandatory weekend hours to cover wellness and vaccine events.  
• Minimum one year of previous Vet Tech experience required.
• Applicant should be comfortable performing medical treatments in a fast-paced environment.
• This position may be stationed daily at different types of facilities located off-site from Operation Kindness including, but not limited to, mobile spay/neuter and wellness clinics, stationary veterinary clinics, and animal sheltering facilities.
• Applicant must acquire Certified Euthanasia Training within 3 months of hire.
• Must be able to meet insurance requirements and must be qualified and licensed to operate a motor vehicle in the state of Texas.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish is strongly preferred to effectively communicate with and serve our diverse client base.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish preferred.
• Applicant must be interested in the animal welfare population and serving low-income and underserved communities.

PERSONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Feels and expresses a genuine liking for animals and for working in an animal care environment.
• Supports Operation Kindness’s mission and understands how it is organized and functions as a non-profit organization.
• Is able to work equally well with paid staff members, clients and volunteers.
• Is able to relate well to persons with varied backgrounds and beliefs.
• Has a positive attitude; is open to new ideas.
• Physical Effort: Position requires lifting and carrying animals and shelter materials weighting up to 40 lbs.; when animals or materials weigh over 40 lbs., another staff member will assist in the lifting and carrying. Position also requires sitting or standing for extended periods of time and speaking over the telephone.
• Working Conditions: May be exposed to unpleasant odors, noises and animal feces. May be exposed to bites, scratches, and animal diseases.

Compensation:

• Position is regular, full-time and hourly, non-exempt.

Background checks and drugs screens are part of the hiring process.

Operation Kindness is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics or status.