Full Time Veterinary Technician

JOB DESCRIPTION: FULL TIME VETERINARY TECHNICIAN

 POSITION: Veterinary Surgical Technician

REPORTS TO:  Clinic Manager

CLASSIFICATION: Non-exempt, Full Time, 40 hours a week

SCOPE OF POSITION:  Responsible for assisting and supporting the shelter veterinarian in examining, handling, and treating patients. Responsible for effectively communicating with the general public and those directly related to HSTC to ensure proper health care to animals under the protection of the shelter. Responsible for clinic cleaning, assisting in surgery, entering medical records, and post-operative recovery. Must have vet teach experience to apply.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Daily Animal Care
• Assist veterinarian in examining, handling, and treating patients.
• Administer first aid treatments and medications to sick and injured animals as directed by the veterinarian as well as providing water and proper diet for all animals in veterinary care.
• Prepare patients for surgery, assist in surgery, administer anesthesia and postoperative care, perform dental cleanings, and assist with euthanasia when required and directed by the Veterinarian or Animal Care Manager.
• Assist in admission procedures of animals including vaccinations and general health assessments and notify veterinarian of those animals in need of medical attention.
• Perform venipuncture and diagnostic laboratory tests.
• Handle all animals humanely, properly and with compassion.
• Clean cages and care for all animals housed in Medical Clinic.
• Monitor status of all ICU patients and communicate changes in status to the shelter veterinarian.
• Communications with Staff, Volunteers and Public
• Admit and discharge animals to the shelter in a courteous, and tactful manner and to inform the client of any pertinent medical information on the animal’s care.
• Field general inquiries and serve as an education resource for the staff, volunteers, and public in a calm, courteous manner.
• Foster an open and friendly atmosphere between Animal Medical Services and the staff, volunteers and public.
• Actively assist in improving volunteer retention and job satisfaction in the animal care department as well as the shelter as a whole.
• Work as a team both within the animal care department and within the shelter as a whole.
• Maintenance of Veterinary Treatment Records
• Maintain patient records by accurately recording treatments and other test results in Petpoint and other medical records.
• Maintain accurate surgical records by completing any related paperwork and computer data entry.          
• Building Maintenance
• Maintain a healthy, safe, sanitary, pleasant, and clean environment for the animals in the veterinary treatment facilities at all times.
• Daily cleaning, organization, and restocking in the Medical Clinic.
• Maintenance or supervision of maintenance of all medical and surgical equipment.
• Follow established procedures governing safe work practices.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Affection for animals, concern for their welfare and a willingness to accommodate animals in the workplace.
• Willingness to learn how to care for and appropriate handling of animals in a safe, effective and humane manner.
• Ability to accommodate various work assignments and schedules to meet the needs of the animals at the shelter. Ability to provide leadership, education, supervision, and direction to volunteers.
• Ability to communicate effectively with a diverse population of staff, volunteers, and public.
• Professional appearance including wearing the designated uniform and maintaining a neat and clean appearance.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• High school or equivalent (Required)
• CVT preferred but not required.
• Knowledge of the following and experience in these areas would be a plus but is not a required qualification:
• Knowledge of current shelter maintenance techniques and accepted sanitary practices.
• Knowledge and familiarity with clinical signs of illness in cats, dogs, and exotic animals.
• Knowledge of preventative, diagnostic, and therapeutic veterinary treatment of domestic and exotic animals.
• Euthanasia Certified preferred but not required
• Minimum of 3 years’ experience working as a vet tech (required)
• Minimum of 1 year experience working in surgery preferred, but not required
• Animal shelter experience preferred but not required.
• Bilingual preferred but not required.
• Fear Free certified preferred but not required.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to lift and carry 50 pounds
• Ability to stand for long periods of time

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Busy, high paced environment
• Must be available to work weekends

NOTE: The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees and is not to be construed, as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified.  Furthermore, they do not establish a contract and are subject to change at the discretion of the employer.

The Humane Society of the Treasure Coast, Inc. retains the right to change this job description at any time.

TO APPLY: Must have vet teach experience to apply. Send resumes to Lori at ltucker@hstc1.org with the subject line “HSTC Career Opportunity”. No phone calls please.