Job Title: Veterinary Technician - Animal Care Team Member
Status: Full-time, non-exempt
Supervision
Takes direction from the Vice President of the Board of Directors and works in coordination with the organization’s contracted veterinarian(s) during surgical or medical operations.
Major Responsibilities
· Provide daily animal caretaking and medical support at the Adoption Center.
· Assist with veterinary procedures and surgical suite operations when in operation.
· Provide administrative support at the Adoption Center.
Essential Functions
Assist with animal caretaking at the Adoption Center, including but not limited to:
· Cattery and kennel caretaking for both cats and dogs, resetting of enclosures, feeding, interaction and proper handling of all animals, including feral cats.
· Showing adoptable animals to prospective adopters.
· Processing and finalizing adoptions.
· Supporting volunteers throughout the day, answering general questions and shadow training, as needed.
· Transporting animals for veterinary care, adoption events, and more.
· Providing veterinary technical support consistent with training and credentialing, including but not limited to:
o Administering vaccines, injectable medications and routine preventative care.
o Administering and documenting prescription medications.
o Monitoring animals for illness, injury or behavioral concerns and communicating findings.
o Maintaining accurate medical records in Petstablished.
o Drawing blood and collecting diagnostic samples.
o Preparing animals for surgery and assisting during surgical suite operations.
o Monitoring anesthesia and post-operative recovery under veterinary supervision.
o Handling, logging, storing and safeguarding controlled substances in compliance with state and federal regulations.
o Performing humane euthanasia in accordance with California law (when certified).
o Other duties as assigned.
Provides administrative support to the Adoption Center, including but not limited to:
· Answering the telephone, screening and directing calls.
· Answering text messages, screening and directing information appropriately.
· Monitor the general email and respond in a professional and timely fashion.
· Greeting persons entering the Adoption enter and addressing their needs in a professional, appropriate and timely fashion.
· Receiving, sorting and recording animal adoption fees and donations, including operating the register.
· Opening and closing the Adoption Center.
· Manage Petstablished, animal welfare software:
o Create intake profiles with photos and bios.
o Input animal medical updates.
o Review and respond to adoption and foster applications.
o Track animal adoptions.
o Other duties as assigned.
Required Skills and Abilities
- Strong animal handling skills and ability to work with animals of unknown disposition, including those who may exhibit medical or behavioral concerns.
- Ability to administer medications and monitor animal health.
- Knowledge of safe animal restraint techniques.
- Ability to emotionally and professional participate in humane euthanasia procedures.
- Knowledge of controlled substance handling and recordkeeping requirements.
- Exemplary customer service experience.
- Communicate clearly and effectively orally and in writing.
- Manage time and multi-task efficiently.
- Maintain confidentiality.
- Drive a vehicle with a valid Class C California driver’s license and proof of insurance.
- Ability to work weekends as needed.
Preferred Qualifications
Preference will be given to candidates with the following skills and abilities:
· Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) license in good standing with the State of California.
· Euthanasia certification.
· Experience in shelter medicine or high-volume spay/neuter environment.
· Fear Free Shelters certification
· Working knowledge of Petstablished
Experience and Training Guidelines
Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:
Experience:
Two years’ experience of veterinary clinic, shelter or animal welfare experience preferred.
Training:
Completion of a Veterinary Technician program or equivalent hands-on veterinary experience. RVT licensure strongly preferred.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Environmental Conditions:
Animal adoption center indoor/outdoor building environment with regular time in a gated outdoor area providing care to cats and dogs, Thrift & Gift Shop indoor retail environment; works with computers and cash register, uses telephone extensively. Travel to various locations in vehicles, as needed.
This position involves exposure to surgical procedures and the performance of humane euthanasia, which may be emotionally challenging.
Physical Conditions and Demands:
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.
The employee is regularly required to:
· Ability to kneel, bend, and perform repetitive physical movements on a regular basis.
· Use hands to finger, handle, or feel.
· Reach with hands and arms.
· Talk and hear.
· Stand and walk.
· Lift and/or move up to 30 pounds including items that are bulky or oddly shaped.
- Lifting and/or moving more than 30 pounds may only be undertaken using the team lift approach.
· Drive a vehicle for periods of time.
Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
The employee must also have the ability to:
· Pay attention and focus.
· Follow instructions.
· Listen to and comprehend communication from any member of the Board of Directors, fellow staff, volunteers, customers, vendors, and members of the community.
· Accept constructive feedback and be willing to make necessary adjustments.
Pay: $28.00 - $32.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
