Veterinary Technician

Veterinary Technician Job Description

JOB SUMMARY

Responsible for daily care of all surgical patients, assisting doctors and veterinary assistants with pre-, peri- and post-operative care of patients, general cleaning, and training others to utilize our patient care protocols. ChattaNeuter operates Mon-Fri and is closed on Weekends and Holidays.

WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

Works closely with Clinic Veterinarians, Clinic Veterinary Assistants, and other clinic staff

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

1. Handle and track controlled substances for large volumes of surgical patients

2. Efficiently pre-medicate, induce, and intubate any and all patients as necessary

3. Able to monitor anesthesia, with a clear idea of abnormal conditions

4. Ensure prompt and accurate paperwork procedures are followed each day

5. Communicate in effective and professional manner with public, trainees, and all ChattaNeuter staff members

6. Represent ChattaNeuter in a professional and courteous manner at all times

7. Follow all written and verbally communicated departmental standard operating procedures

8. Communicate with clients and assist with rechecks as needed

9. Knowledge and ability to intake and release patients, including delivering post-operative instructions in a competent and friendly manner

10. Train veterinary assistants, new staff members, and trainees to utilize our patient care protocols

11. Able to respond appropriately during an emergency, able to take directions from a veterinarian and direct others during the event, and maintain competency during CPR procedures

12. Able to glove in sterilely and assist doctor with surgery when appropriate

13. Handle medical calls

14. Effectively "team lead," displaying a positive attitude and acting as a motivating force for all staff members

15. Able to efficiently run a clinic team and maintain surgical flow

16. Able to perform all job functions of a veterinary technician

17. All other duties, as assigned by supervisor

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES

1. LVMT (credential technician) or enrolled in an approved veterinary medical technology program

2. Must speak fluent English; Bilingual is a plus

3. Client Education

a. Must be able to execute and understand basic veterinary medical concepts, including but not limited to vaccine protocols and anesthetic risks

b. Must also be able to communicate basic veterinary concepts to owners and be able to repeat information relayed by a veterinarian in a clear manner in writing and verbally

c. Will be asked to take medical histories for surgical rechecks

d. Will be asked to communicate with the public on a daily basis in a professional, warm and friendly manner

4. Animal Handling

a. Will be asked to handle (on average) 30 dogs and cats per day

b. Must be able to recognize characteristics and appropriately manage animal behavior (for example: be able to identify aggressive or fearful behavior) utilizing Fear Free, Low Stress handling techniques

c. Must be able to use appropriate safety equipment for fractious or feral animals (will train) – the use of safety equipment is mandatory

d. Must possess excellent reflexes

e. Should be able to identify own limitations and be willing to ask for help

f. Must become proficient at animal restraint utilizing Low Stress, Fear Free techniques for various procedures

5. Physical Requirements

a. Must be able to work standing or sitting for 8 or more hours

b. Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 pounds repeatedly throughout the day with help

c. Must be able to bend and kneel repeatedly

d. Must be able to see fine detail in a variety of situations

e. Must have good hearing, including ability to distinguish changes in pitch

f. Must have reasonable degree of agility to move through tightly cramped areas in various situations

g. Must have acceptable sense of touch and smell

h. Must have good range of motion in joints especially wrist, knees, elbows

i. Must have good range of motion in your back for twisting etc.

j. Must be able to work in potentially extreme environmental temperatures

k. Must have acceptable sense of balance

l. Must be able to work and reach on hands and knees

m. Must be able to use a ladder and/or step stool

n. Must possess excellent hand-eye coordination

o. May be asked to move large equipment with assistance

p. Must possess an acceptable degree of dexterity in hands and fingers

q. Must have good vision, including peripheral vision, fine detail, distance, depth perception, and ability to focus

6. Emotional/Mental Requirements

a. Must be able to work under stressful conditions and work efficiently and effectively under those conditions

b. Must be able to respond quickly to a variety of medical situations (with training)

c. Must be able to cope with death due to surgical complication or euthanasia

d. Ability to rapidly and accurately process information

e. Ability to delegate tasks

f. Ability to recognize a need for assistance and ask for help

g. Ability to work independently and as part of team

h. Ability to make decisions

i. Ability to cope with frustrating situations and remain calm

j. Ability to treat clients and patients with compassion and respect

7. Potential and Prolonged Exposures

a. Prolonged exposure to various aqueous solutions, including but not limited to, dish soap, chlorhexidine, spectra soap

b. Prolonged exposure to isopropanol, hydrogen peroxide

c. Potential exposure to formalin solution

d. Potential/prolonged exposure to isoflurane gas

e. Prolonged exposure to Accelerated Hydrogen Peroxide and bleach

f. Prolonged exposure to pressurized steam

g. Potential exposure to sharps including needles and surgical blades

PREFERRED

Current credentialed veterinary technician (LVMT), with a license to practice in Tennessee. One or more years of experience in a veterinary clinic, veterinary hospital, emergency hospital, and/or animal shelter or animal control facility. Candidate should be highly motivated, enthusiastic self-starter with a professional attitude.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The offices and operations of a high volume spay/neuter clinic can be high stress and very busy at times. This position is scheduled for 5 days/week, Monday through Friday; however, the schedule can change and may rarely require weekend or evening hours to complete the job. Can very rarely include working some holidays or overtime depending on clinic needs.

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

Pay: $ $18.75 per hour

Expected hours: 30 – 35 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule
• Paid time off

Work Location: In person