Shelter Vet Tech

This position is supervised by: Supervisor, ACC Medical Services

This position supervises/manages: None

Job Summary: the Shelter Veterinary Technician is responsible for providing daily routine care for animals housed in the medical holding areas as well as animals under vet care in the general shelter population or in foster care. Assist in overseeing daily shelter medical operations to ensure completion of daily job tasks and compliance of established protocols. Performs medical treatments, diagnostic tests, assists in surgery and teaches these technical skills to team members and volunteers.

Summary of Essential Job Tasks:
• Works under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian employed by the SPCA of Texas.
• Assist in overseeing shelter medical services operations, including, but not limited to animal medical treatments, diagnostic testing, daily shelter surgeries, foster veterinary appointments, vet check rounds, as well as the general care of animals under veterinary care.
• Care for, feed, monitor, medicate and perform medical treatment on animals under the supervision of a licensed SPCA of Texas veterinarian.
• Report any observed health or behavior issues to ACC or Rescue Center Management.
• Perform diagnostic testing including, but not limited to, drawing blood, fecal testing, mange testing, heartworm testing, feline leukemia testing and radiographs.
• Coordinate with Foster Department regarding scheduled foster appointments and medication refills.
• Educate fosters and/or adopters on medical conditions/concerns and ensure full understanding of expectations of an animals care, prior to leaving the shelter.
• Maintain an accurate log of all incoming and outgoing controlled substances, and immediately report any shortages to the ACC Medical Services Supervisor.
• Ensure proper labeling and dating of medications, determine and maintain appropriate and accurate level of medical inventory and supplies and coordinate supply orders with the ACC Medical Services Supervisor.
• Create a supportive learning environment and assist in teaching technical skills to team members according to the outlined protocols.
• Maintain assigned equipment and supplies and report any problems or needed repairs to ACC Medical Services Supervisor.
• Enter accurate and complete medical information for shelter pets into shelter management system.
• Assist in opening and/or closing the shelter or rescue center in the absence of leads or at the request of the ACC Supervisor/Manager or the Rescue Center Supervisor.
• Fill in for other departments/positions as needed.
• Demonstrate the Core Values of the SPCA of Texas on and off the job.
• Actively engage with volunteers in such a way that provides support for our volunteers and staff and proactively improves our volunteer program.
• Be an ambassador for the SPCA of Texas, sharing the work and mission with your friends and family and be knowledgeable of the various ways to support our work.
• Other responsibilities as assigned by the ACC Medical Services Supervisor and/or SPCA Veterinarians.

Abilities Required:
• Static Strength: the ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects up to 40 pounds.
• Judgment and Decision Making: the ability to consider the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
• Oral and Written Expression: the ability to communicate information and ideas so others will understand.
• Monitoring: the ability to monitor and assess performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
• Emotional and Mental Requirements: the ability to work effectively under stressful conditions. Ability to rapidly and accurately process information.

Applicant Information:
• The individual performing this job may be required to operate an SPCA of Texas vehicle and perform driver duties as directed if the individual meets the SPCA’s requirements to become a driver. To be eligible, the individual must be 21 years old to meet insurance requirements and must be qualified and licensed to operate a motor vehicle in the State of Texas.
• Working knowledge of breeds, diseases, medical conditions, and animal handling and behavior.
• To best serve the animals in our care, 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 include weekend hours.
• Applicant must acquire Certified Euthanasia Training within 3 months of hire.
• At least one year of veterinary experience preferred.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish preferred.