Job Description

Job Title: Registered Veterinary Technician

Department: Veterinary Center

Job Code: Non-Exempt

Reports To: Veterinary Operations Director

Job Status: Full-Time

Revision Date: May 10, 2019

Under the leadership of the Veterinary Operations Director and working in partnership with veterinary staff, provide excellent patient and people care in a veterinary clinic and animal shelter setting. Care for up to 200 cats and dogs per day working in cooperation with HSWC staff and volunteers.

• Administer injections such as anesthetics, pain medications, vaccinations, and other medications. Provide treatments and supportive care as directed by HSWC Standard Operating Procedures and attending Veterinarian. Intubate animals, place intravenous catheters, perform venipuncture, and administer fluids as needed.
• Monitor vital signs of sedated and anesthetized patients in preoperative, operative, and postoperative phases.
• Perform dental cleaning and simple extractions/extraction site closures on sedated patients.
• Prepare and interpret diagnostic samples, including but not limited to fecals, ear cytologies, urinalysis, skin cytologies, and bloodwork.
• Perform CPR and first aid as needed in emergency situations.
• Maintain medical supplies inventory, including emergency drugs, and ensure that supplies are in-date.
• Ensure that anesthetic machines, pulse oximeters, scales, and other equipment are functional. When equipment is not working properly, report to Veterinary Operations Director.
• Maintain all necessary controlled substance drug logs in accordance with state and DEA regulations. Maintain patient records and surgical logs.
• Stay current in knowledge of emergency drugs and protocols.
• Communicate in effective and professional manner with the public and all HSWC staff and volunteers.
• Possess working knowledge of basic veterinary medical concepts, including, but not limited to vaccine protocols, disease control, and anesthetic risks. Be able to communicate such information to clients. When Veterinarian has documented information about an animal’s condition, treatment plan, and medication, and adequately explain such information to clients.
• Willing to perform euthanasia and discuss euthanasia decisions and HSWC euthanasia protocols with co-workers, volunteers, and the public in a compassionate manner. Prepare remains for rabies testing as indicated (when trained).
• Represent HSWC in a professional and courteous manner at all times. Provide medical information and serve as a medical representative for other HSWC departments.
• Adhere to all protocols put forth by Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
• Follow all written and verbally communicated HSWC Standard Operating Procedures.
• Attend staff meetings and training sessions.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Maintain proper opening and closing procedures for the Veterinary Center.

Experience Required:

• Graduate from an AVMA accredited school of veterinary technology (2 or 4 year program). Current Maryland State Veterinary Technician License required.
• Minimum of one year experience as a Registered Veterinary Technician.
• Euthanasia Certification in the state of Maryland preferred.
• Experience working in an animal shelter setting preferred.

Knowledge and Skill Requirements:

• Speaks fluent English.
• Possesses excellent animal handling skills, customer service skills, and passion for animal welfare.
• Able to lift and carry 40-plus pounds repeatedly throughout day with assistance, work standing for 10-plus hours per day, maintain an open mind regarding changes, and be willing to learn, implement, and teach new protocols.
• Works well both independently and cooperatively as part of team. Remains composed while working in fast-paced environment.
• Available to work daytime, evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Candidates must be committed to treating animals with kindness and respect.
• Willingness to deal with conflicts, questions, and problems in a professional manner and with consideration for the good of the organization.
• Willingness to perform humane euthanasia and prepare bodies for rabies testing as directed (when trained).
• Cooperative work ethic and willingness to fill in for other areas and performing other tasks/functions as directed by the Veterinary Operations Director, Veterinarian, or their designee.
• Successful completion of on the job training in the Veterinary Center.
• Follow all procedures established to maintain a safe work environment including using Personnel Protective Equipment (PPE), safe animal and chemical handling, and reporting all near misses and accidents.

Work environment may have regular exposure to adverse environmental conditions, such as zoonotic disease, parasites, dirt, dust, pollen, odors, humidity, rain, fumes, temperature and noise extremes, pathogenic substances, animal attacks and/or animal bites. The noise level in the work environment can be very loud. Occasional lifting of up to 50 pounds with reasonable accommodation. Standing on feet for 8 – 10 hours per day. Computer usage.

Employment Disclaimer: This job description is not a contract. Management reserves the right to change its contents at any time. The HSWC complies with guidelines set forth in the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, age, disability, or status as a disabled veteran or veteran of the Vietnam era. This organization is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Humane Society of Washington County is an at-will employer.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $19.50 - $23.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Healthcare setting:

• Clinic

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Monday to Friday

Experience:

• Veterinary experience: 1 year (Preferred)

Work Location: In person