Veterinary Technician

Job Summary:

Yellowstone Valley Animal Shelter is seeking a part-time or full-time Veterinary Technician or Veterinary Assistant to support the care of shelter animals. Duties of this position include providing medical care to animals; assisting veterinarians in the health care of animals and the analysis of animal disease; rendering emergency treatment in life-threatening situations to sustain life; performing follow-up treatment as prescribed by a veterinarian; ensuring all animals within the facility are treated with respect; performing related work as required. The ideal candidate must have the ability to work under stress and pressure, ability to work with minimal supervision, excellent organizational skills, perform routine clinical laboratory tests, and maintain records and files using a computer. Applicant must be able to function calmly in situations that require a high degree of sensitivity, tact and diplomacy. This position will maintain a commitment to the philosophies and policies of YVAS in the performance of duties and respect the dignity and basic rights of each animal. To support the mission of YVAS.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Supervision and Client Services:

• Report animal issues to the Shelter Clinic Manager.
• Provide in-person and telephone client service and answer questions.
• Actively promote spay and neuter and educate clients on responsible animal ownership.
• Represent YVAS in a professional and courteous manner at all times. Provide quality service to clients, volunteers, and staff, recognizing their individual contributions to the success of our organization.
• Assists potential adopters with questions regarding health and temperament concerns.
• Work with Volunteer/Foster Coordinator to help with education, training and support for the animal fosters.
• Maintain medical inventory and supplies.
• Responsible for ensuring the completion of daily duties listed on the daily checklist.

Patient Care:

• Assists the Medical Team on Spay/Neuter/Surgical day(s).
• Triage all animals. Report health concerns to the attending veterinarian and/or Shelter Clinic Manager.
• Provide excellent patient care.
• Calculate and administer anesthesia to all surgical patients per anesthetic protocol.
• Maintain all necessary drug logs and patient records.
• Stay current in knowledge of emergency drugs and protocol.
• Per Veterinarian instruction, perform duties such as administer animal vaccinations, tests, medications and treatments, treat minor illnesses (ie. URI, Kennel Cough, etc.), check animal hydration and administer fluids and other duties as assigned.
• Participate on committees and special projects as assigned.
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications (Experience/Education):

• Professional certification/knowledge, skills, or experience necessary to perform essential job duties or a willingness to learn.
• The ability to use veterinary tools and technology such as injection and/or vaccination syringes; subcutaneous injection equipment; microchip injection, etc.
• Demonstration of YVAS core values on and off duty.
• Ability to perform in a fast-paced, ever-changing environment.
• Demonstrated knowledge of shelter medicine.
• Ability to train and effectively direct volunteers.
• Ability to build alliances with community veterinarian clinics and other rescue agencies to establish communication regarding transferring medical records and patient care.
• Basic understanding of feline and canine behavior and body language.
• Basic knowledge of feline and canine care and handling.
• Able to lift and carry animals, equipment, and supplies in excess of 50 pounds.
• Valid Driver’s License.
• Passion for issues relating to animal welfare.

Physical Demands & Working Conditions:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical demands include:

• lifting and moving animals and cages
• frequent movement, including but not limited to standing, walking, stooping, carrying heavy loads, movement of cages, restraining active animals, and operation of motor vehicle

Working conditions include:

• possible exposure to dangerous, diseased, frightened, and injured animals
• possible exposure to potentially harmful chemicals and drugs
• rare exposure to zoonotic diseases
• working with strong cleaning agents on wet surfaces
• radiation exposure
• indoor and outdoor work in all weather conditions

Emotional demands include:

• euthanasia for sick and aggressive animals
• animal abuse
• animal neglect

Pay: $15.00 - $17.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule
• Professional development assistance

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Ability to Commute:

• Billings, MT 59101 (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $15 - $17