Licensed Veterinary Technician

Company: Delaware SPCA
Location: Newark
Posted on: April 1, 2021

Job Description:

Reports to: Chief Veterinarian / Director of Operations
Job summary: Delaware SPCA is seeking a licensed veterinary technician to join our growing team and help us save more animals! Our adoption center consistently achieves over a 95% save rate for cats and dogs, and expects to welcome over 1500 shelter animals into our programs in 2021. This position assists Delaware SPCA veterinarians in all aspects of veterinary care for shelter-owned and public-owned animals, including our high-volume, high-quality spay/neuter clinic, low-cost wellness clinic and vaccine clinic events, as well as oversees and supports a dynamic team of veterinary assistants and shelter kennel techs.
Essential job functions: All of the following are to be performed while adhering to the Delaware SPCA employee handbook and operational policies, safety rules and procedures:

• Safely restrain animals for medical procedures
• Administer injections (SQ, IM, IV) per protocols or under direction of the veterinarian
• Administer medications or other treatments per protocols or under direction of the veterinarian
• Monitor anesthesia, with a clear understanding of abnormal conditions
• Effectively prepare patients for surgery, including administration of anesthesia, shaving and scrubbing of surgical area, intubation of patients, monitoring of vital signs, and monitoring of patients in post-op recovery
• Use knowledge and judgment to determine when a patient's condition requires emergency care
• Transport patients for emergency and/or specialized diagnostics and care using company van
• Use appropriate safety equipment to handle aggressive or feral patients
• Ensure that all surgical/medical equipment is clean and in working order
• Assist with surgery as needed
• Lift up to 50 pounds independently, and lift up to 100 pounds repeatedly throughout the day with help
• Establish and uphold the DE SPCA Standards of Care for spay/neuter clinics and follow all State of Delaware Office of Animal Welfare regulations for animal shelters
• Input data quickly and accurately into online systems, including Microsoft excel, word and ShelterLuv
• Communicate with clients and assist with admission, release, rechecks and post-surgical care questions as needed
• Handle and track controlled substances for large volumes of surgical patients
• Track inventory and oversee supply ordering for surgery, wellness clinic and shelter animals
• Collaborate with kennel and front desk staff, as well as department managers
• Oversee the training and daily performance of veterinary assistants
• Effectively "team lead" and display a positive attitude, acting as a motivating force for all staff members
• Other duties as assigned
  Education, Experience, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
  • Must be a Licensed Veterinary Technician for the state of Delaware in good standing, or have the ability to become licensed within a reasonable timeframe
  • Must be able to communicate basic veterinary concepts to owners and relay information provided by the veterinarian
  • Be able to take detailed medical histories to determine surgical eligibility
  • Communicate with the public on a daily basis in a professional manner, including conflict resolution
  • Interact with veterinary professionals, the public, shelter partners, and SPCA staff members with respect and patience
  • Must be able to work efficiently and effectively under sometimes stressful conditions in an often fast-paced environment
  • Be able to handle and medically restrain dogs and cats of all breeds, sizes and temperaments, as well as have basic knowledge of rabbit and small animal handling
  • Be willing and able to perform humane euthanasia to relieve physical and/or mental suffering of both shelter-owned and publicly-owned animals, under the guidance of the veterinarian
  • Collaborate with leadership team to ensure Delaware SPCA hits monthly and annual goals
  • Communicate ideas and use a problem-solving approach to provide high quality veterinary care, while understanding resource limitations
  • Be part of an energetic, upbeat team dedicated to the advancement of our lifesaving programs (which includes adoption, foster, wellness, spay/neuter and community services)
  • Must maintain a valid driver's license and good driving records
  • Employee onboarding process includes drug screening and background check
    Hours/Pay
    • Full-time, 5 days/week (may include one weekend day)
    • Can include some overtime/extended hours and holiday hours depending on needs of department
    • Full-time employment includes health benefits, paid time off, 6 paid holidays and minimal on-call work

Keywords: Delaware SPCA, Newark , Licensed Veterinary Technician, Healthcare , Newark, Delaware