Veterinary Technician

Humane Rescue Alliance

Job Description

Job Summary:

The Veterinary Technician will provide support to veterinarians in surgical preparation and recovery in a high-volume spay and neuter environment. May be assigned for intermittent or regular shifts providing in-shelter medical care and support for both shelter and foster animals.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Perform and provide surgery preparation to veterinarians including anesthesia induction, monitoring, recovery, examination, and medication of shelter animals.
Examine animals brought in for health care issues pre- and post-adoption. Work with veterinarians in administering appropriate tests, medical care, and medication.
Verify animal identification prior to surgery and assist in screening animals for other medical conditions prior to surgery.
Maintain all equipment in surgery to ensure function and safety.
Oversee animal anesthetic recovery and follow-up care.
Clean and pack surgical instruments, and run the autoclave.
Assist with vaccinations and other appropriate injections, as needed.
Assist with intake and discharge of public and shelter animals.
Assist with training new and existing veterinary support staff on daily operations, software systems, and technical skills
Assist with the duties of surgery preparation.
Ensure accurate record keeping of all surgical patients and keep up with interdepartmental communications concerning shelter animals, community cats, and public animals.
Communicate with foster parents and adopters about their concerns and educate on proper care and discharge instructions
Oversee general cleanliness and organization of the Spay and Neuter Clinic
Assist with inventory counts and supply ordering
Manage volunteer training, assign tasks to volunteers, and oversee their daily work
Ensure OSHA/safety standards are being met and safety equipment is in good working order
Take immediate action to address safety concerns
Uphold staff to safety guidelines and address non-compliance
Keep up to date with the latest trends in veterinary and shelter medicine and actively work to increase skill set and knowledge
Always represent HRA in a professional and courteous manner. Provide quality service to the public, volunteers, and employees recognizing their individual contributions to the success of the organization.
Perform other duties and special projects as assigned
Qualifications and Requirements:

Knowledge of veterinary technician and animal shelter procedures and protocols.
Knowledge of and ability to perform anesthesia.
Knowledge and proficiency with handling and documentation of controlled substances.
Knowledge of restraint, handling techniques, and general animal safety practices, including recognizing animal behavior patterns.
A team-oriented and collaborative approach to work, with an ability to bring out the best in peers. Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively to gather information from colleagues.
Ability to work effectively, independently, and in a team; in an atmosphere of multiple projects, shifting priorities, and deadline pressures; to be flexible, detail-oriented; to prioritize.
Ability to be flexible, detail-oriented, and able to prioritize.
Ability to function with a great deal of autonomy and responsibility.
Excellent interpersonal skills with customer service orientation. Ability to communicate effectively, courteously, and professionally with a variety of individuals representing the public, board members, volunteers, donors, and employees.
Computer literacy w/ proficient use of programs including Microsoft Office programs, email, Internet, and database software.
Ability to work weeknights, weekends, and holidays as needed. Ability to work weekend vaccine, and feline clinics, as needed.
Possess and maintain a valid driver’s license.
Passion for the HRA mission, and for caring for all animals regardless of age, breed, temperament, or species, and supporting and educating members of the public, free of judgment or bias.
Physical Requirements and Work Environment:

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 accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Ability to lift 50 pounds unassisted regularly, 50+ pounds assisted.
Ability to be comfortable working with cats, dogs, small animals, reptiles, fish, and wildlife.
Ability to perform strenuous physical activity daily, including but not limited to lifting and carrying, reaching, stooping, squatting, and bending. Regularly moves about the facilities to coordinate work. Typically stands, bends, stoops, and crouches while working special events.
Due to the nature of shelter work, may be exposed to deceased, fractious, or aggressive animals; common allergens; hostile or irate persons; zoonotic or other diseases; unpleasant noises, odors, or sights; and extreme temperatures.
Education and Experience:

Minimum one year of experience as a surgical veterinary technician.
Minimum two years of experience as a veterinary technician or in animal care.
Additional compensation considered for a Certified or Licensed Veterinarian Technician.
Multilingual candidates are encouraged to apply. A salary premium may be offered for multilingual candidates who demonstrate proficiency in written and oral testing.

HRA is committed to being an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate because of race, color, creed, gender, religion, national origin, disability, age, pregnancy, genetic predisposition or carrier status, marital status, citizenship status, or sexual orientation. Accommodations will be provided to qualified individuals requiring them.

This is a full time job