Certified Veterinary Technician

POSITION PURPOSE   The role of the Veterinary Technician preparation of animals for surgery, assisting veterinarian with procedures and surgery and maintaining the clinic in a clean and orderly manner.  The responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following activities:

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Assist the veterinarian by setting up procedures, helping maintain the flow of patients, adhering to standards that keep animals safe, and keeping treatment areas and labs clean and organized
• Ability to efficiently pre-medicate and induce patients, intubate animals, administer medications and vaccinations, assist with euthanasia, and help maintain clinical records in shelter database.
• Assist in the provision of medical and surgical care of animals in the shelter
• Knowledge and ability to intake and release patients, including delivering post-operative instructions in a competent and friendly manner
• Takes inventory and prepares clinic supply order on a weekly basis
• Assist with cleaning clinic and surgical pack preparation as assigned
• Position is based mostly within the medical department and will need to communicate with potential adopters, fosters and volunteers
• Work well independently and also as part of a team to perform responsibilities listed
• Must be able to recognize or learn to recognize characteristics of animal behavior (for example: be able to identify aggressive or fearful behavior)
• Must be able to use appropriate safety equipment for fractious or feral animals (will train) - the use of safety equipment is mandatory.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• CVT status and 2-3 years’ experience as a veterinary technician in a veterinary clinic environment (shelter experience a plus) is preferred
• Experience with animal handling and restraint, animal health, behavior assessments
• Experience with giving intravenous injections and intubating animals for surgery
• Some experience in anesthesia and surgery is required and a willingness to learn the abilities not yet experienced
• Applicants must be self-motivated, willing to challenge their physical and mental abilities
• Must possess excellent reflexes. Should be able to identify own limitations.
• A strong commitment to the welfare and proper treatment of animals is required
• Positive attitude and professional demeanor
• Comfortable within a team environment
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment, handle fluctuating priorities and multiple projects

Regular attendance in conformance with the standards, which may be established from time to time, is essential to the successful performance of this position.  Employees with irregular attendance will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment.

Due to the cyclical nature of the industry, employees may be required to work varying schedules to meet the needs of the business.  In addition, attendance at all scheduled training sessions and meetings is required.

Upon employment, all employees are required to fully comply with Alaqua Animal Refuge management rules and regulations for safe and effective operation.  Employees who violate company rules and regulations will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment.

SUPPORTIVE FUNCTIONS

In addition to performance of the essential functions, this position may be required to perform a combination of the following supportive functions, with the percentage of time performing each function to be solely determined by the management based upon the particular requirements.

• Additional duties as necessary and assigned
• Animal Care
• Large Animal handling and care

SPECIFIC JOB KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

The individual must possess the following knowledge, skills, abilities, and be able to explain and demonstrate that he or she can perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation, using some other combination of knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• Must be able to speak, read, write and understand the primary language(s) used in the workplace
• Must be able to read and write to facilitate the communication process
• Requires good communication skills, both verbal and written
• Knowledge of the computer software
• Must possess basic computational ability
• Must possess basic computer skills
• Most tasks are performed in a team environment with the employee acting as a team leader. There is a minimal direct supervision
• Thorough knowledge of AAR employee manual and operational procedures manual

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Work tasks are performed indoors and outdoors. Temperatures will vary based on the seasons and Florida climate.  Internal work will be conducted in a climate-controlled environment.
• Walking and standing are required most of the working day. Length of time of these tasks may vary from day to day and task to task.
• Must be able to exert well-paced ability to reach all areas of the shelter in a timely basis.
• Must be able to lift 50+ pounds on a regular and continuing basis.
• Must be able to control dogs up to 120 pounds on a leash and/or in a kennel or run environment.
• Must be able to exert well-paced ability in limited space.
• Requires grasping, writing, standing, sitting, walking, repetitive motions, bending, climbing, listening and hearing ability and visual acuity. Talking and hearing occur continuously in the process of communicating with customers, supervisors and subordinates.
• Vision occurs continuously with the most common visual functions being those of near vision and depth perception

QUALIFICATIONS AND STANDARDS:

Education

High school or equivalent education required.

Must be a Certified Veterinary Technician.

Experience

A minimum of 2-3 years as a veterinary technician with at least one year as a Certified Veterinary Technician.

Experience in shelter medicine preferred.

Large Animal experience preferred.

Licenses or Certificates

Associates must possess a valid driver’s license

Grooming

All employees must maintain a neat, clean and well-groomed appearance per Alaqua Animal Refuge grooming standards.  AAR issues all employees company uniforms and name tags that must be worn when on duty.

The job description is not an exclusive or exhaustive list of all job functions that an employee in this position may be asked to perform from time to time.

I have received a copy of my job description and I sign below that I agree with my job description.  I understand that a full company operational manual supports this job description.

Please send resume and 3 references to the below email address.