Licensed Veterinary Technician - Full Time

Greater Birmingham Humane Society (GBHS)

Licensed Veterinary Technician

POSITION SUMMARY

The Licensed Veterinary Technician “LVT” at GBHS will plan, direct, coordinate and perform a variety of duties concerned with animal health in support of the Greater Birmingham Humane Society and Chief Medical Officer to assure quality care for the animals in our care. Licensed Veterinary Technicians are experienced team players who are dedicated to providing high quality care by assisting the doctors with technical functions. Licensed Veterinary Technicians demonstrate proficient technical skills, strong relations skills, a solid work ethic and a willingness to learn to add value as an integral part of our care team.

The Greater Birmingham Humane Society (“the GBHS”) is a progressive animal welfare shelter whose mission is to rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome homeless, abused, neglected, and abandoned animals. We are committed to an open admissions policy, animal rehabilitation and a low euthanasia rate. GBHS’ open intake and adoption philosophy is a key part of our progressive mission, enabling us to save and rehome thousands of animals each year.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• accurate processing, data entry, and care of all animals including stray animals
• veterinary care of shelter population
• running diagnostic tests and administering medical treatments
• preparing lab specimens for outside lab processing
• making sure veterinarians observe animals on the vet check list daily
• ensure all in-house treatments are done as directed and an accurate log of medications and treatments are maintained 
• Provide a clean, professional, and pleasant environment, focused on customer service and healthy team interactions.

• Under the supervision of the GBHS veterinarians, make decisions regarding humane euthanasia of the GBHS animals following professional euthanasia guidelines. 
• Cooperate with sending animals for outside veterinary care when necessary.
• Maintain a high degree of organization and handle multiple priorities at any given time. 
• Perform all activities allowed by the Alabama Practice Act.
• Observe and comply with all applicable federal, state, and county laws, regulations, and ordinances, including DEA and OSHA requirements.
• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Hold a current license as a veterinary technician in Alabama and complete all requirements to maintain licensure.
• 4 years successful experience as a veterinary technician required.
• Working knowledge of animal behavior and care.
• Deep compassion for animals and a desire to reduce pet overpopulation.
• Ability to observe, identify and respond quickly to animal health needs. 
• Solid knowledge of animal related diseases and prevention management systems. 
• The ability to be adaptable and flexible in an ever-changing environment.
• Very detail-oriented and organized.
• The ability to stay calm under pressure.
• Strong customer-service skills.
• High energy, positive, “can-do” attitude, flexibility, teamwork, and attention to detail; high degree of initiative. 
• Ability to be flexible with schedule and work long hours, evenings, and weekends. 
• Proficient in Word and Excel. Shelter software program experience desired. 
• Must meet all requirements in the GBHS background check policy.
• Perform moderately heavy physical labor with ability to lift up to 50lbs.

REQUIRED PERSONAL SKILLS:

• Represent GBHS in a professional manner, in the shelter, in the media, and in the community at all times.
• Set an example that inspires and motivates staff to be vigilant about the animals’ health so that adopters can be sure that GBHS has given its best to the animals’ health and well-being.
• Maintain a friendly and productive work environment with GBHS employees.
• Develop and maintain a strong relationship with shelter veterinarians.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative but not all-inclusive of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle or feel; reach with hands and arms, climb or balance, stoop kneel, crouch, crawl; talk or hear and taste or smell. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. The employee must meet minimum general requirements for GBHS employment as set forth in GBHS employee handbook. 

Work Environment

This work is performed in a fast-paced environment. Employees are exposed to numerous animals (live and deceased), including those with uncertain dispositions. Exposure to conditions such as animal feces, urine, etc. and foul odors.  May be exposed to industrial cleaning chemicals, fumes, dust animal dander, bites, scratches, parasites, and infectious diseases that can be carried and transmitted by animals (zoonotic).  Must be able to work in an environment that provides humane euthanasia to animals. Employees are required to act in a safe and responsible manner at all times.  

The GBHS is an equal opportunity employer. It is the policy of GBHS to provide EEO to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.