Licensed Veterinary Technician
Humane Society of Jefferson County
Port Townsend, WA
Full-time
HSJC is more than a shelter, we are a community resource center. We are meeting the increasing need for pet owner support services, so that families do not have to choose between an excessive cost and a beloved family member.
Minimum Qualifications
- Current veterinary technician license with Washington state
- Euthanasia technician certification
- Compassion and empathy for animals and human clients.
- Skilled handling of all companion animals, including but not limited to dogs and cats.
- Demonstrate a high standard of work standards and work ethics; treats people and animals with respect, keeps commitments, inspires the trust of others, works with integrity and ethically, upholds organizational mission and values.
- Experience with Microsoft Office required
- Oral Communication- Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations, listens, and gets clarification, responds well to questions, and actively participates in meetings.
- Reliable transportation
SALARY: $22 to $24/hour based on qualifications
JOB TITLE: Veterinary Technician
REPORTS TO: Shelter Director
EMPLOYMENT TYPE: Full-Time (In emergencies may include Weekends, Nights, and Holidays)
STATUS: Hourly
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Performs daily activities of HSJC, including scheduling of surgeries; drawing and processing of lab work, taking digital radiographs, preparation of animals for surgery; assisting veterinarians during surgery; and monitoring conditions of animals before, during and after surgery. Performs dental procedures and taking radiographs. Helps ensure the surgery day runs in an efficient manner while maintaining the safety of patients.
- Maintains a level of cleanliness and sanitation necessary for the function of the clinic, maintains equipment in good working order, reports structural or operational problems or deficiencies that may affect the care of animals or the operation of the clinic.
- Maintains a system of record keeping for all animals treated at the clinic. Accurately completes paperwork and enters information into the shelter database program. Maintains complete, accurate, and timely record keeping, including controlled substance logs, surgery, and exam records, etc.
- Administers immunizations, medications, and treatment for injuries or illness as prescribed by a veterinarian and provides other health care, including performing dental procedures, to animals as provided in written policies and procedures.
- Performs all duties related to purchasing of pharmaceuticals, hospital, and laboratory supplies, maintaining pharmaceutical inventory, and properly disposing of expired drugs and supplies.
- Performs automated and manual laboratory tests, including hematology, parasitology, and cytology.
- Assists with daily care and monitoring of shelter animals, which may involve feeding, cleaning, and observing health status.
- Cleans all animal housing and treatment areas and provides food, care, and socialization for animals per written procedures.
- Provides assistance to management with the evaluations of medical and behavioral needs of animals in the shelter by maintaining accurate records and status changes.
- Oversees, trains, and aids volunteers in day-to-day performance of their duties.
- Humanely euthanizes shelter patients according to written policies and procedures and under the direction of a veterinarian.
- Provides daily care for animals while in the hospital and/or in quarantine when shelter staff are unavailable, including feeding, cleaning, and observing health status.
SKILLS REQUIRED:
- Ability to understand, provide, and carry out oral and written instructions.
- Ability to work in an emotionally taxing field- positive attitude and sense of humor are essential.
- Ability to use safe, humane, and fear-free approach to the handling of feral/fractious animals including various handling equipment.
- Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills.
- Multitasking and time-management skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks.
- Willingness to work a flexible schedule including some nights, weekends, and holidays.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
- Environment: Indoor and outdoor environment; exposure to noises, vibrations, odors, dust, chemicals, and noxious fumes; work in inclement weather including rain, heat, sun, snow and cold. Employee may be exposed to animal feces and animals with a potential for zoonotic exposure.
- Physical: Requires sufficient mobility for walking, standing, sitting, bending, or kneeling for prolonged periods of time; ability to routinely transport materials, supplies, and animals weighing up to 49 pounds.
NOTE: This position description is not intended to be all-inclusive. You may be required to perform other related duties within your skill set as directed by the Shelter Director to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.