Certified Veterinary Technician

POSITION SUMMARY

The Souris Valley Animal Shelter (SVAS) is a nationally recognized organization that operates in a regional capacity. The SVAS recently built a $3.5 million shelter that includes an in-house veterinary clinic. As one of the oldest nonprofits in Minot, the organization continues to lead progressive animal advocacy throughout the state of North Dakota.

The Souris Valley Animal Shelter is seeking a Veterinary Technician to ensure that the health and well-being of the animals is maintained in line with SVAS standards and best practices. The Veterinary Technician will be required to directly interact with the animals in shelter care and clients and patients of the veterinary clinic and work alongside the Staff Veterinarian and other clinic and shelter staff.

RESPONSIBILITIES

In accordance with directives from Shelter Veterinarian

• Prepares and maintains accurate medical records, clinic and animal files, as well as pharmaceutical logs and vaccinations records.
• Performs surgical related duties of cleaning instruments and wrapping packs, and monitoring patients under anesthesia and recovery. Trains in the efficient induction and prepping of animals for surgery.
• Checks animals for illness, infestations, injuries or abnormalities, and performs diagnostic tests as directed by the veterinarian. Inoculates, medicates, feeds, and cares for animals as indicated by the veterinarian.
• Maintains proper animal identification.
• Meets and talks with clinic and shelter clients, shelter staff and/or adopters during admissions, rechecks or exams, vaccination clinics and surgical release, giving accurate and understandable instructions for post-surgical care and treatments.
• Furnish information concerning the work of the clinic and shelter; provide basic animal care advice and make referrals as appropriate.
• Perform pre-surgical duties on animals selected for surgery.
• Assists the veterinarian when needed and performs post-surgical duties to ensure proper recovery of the animals.
• Provides the veterinarian with equipment, routine and special surgical instruments, surgical packs, and lab and clinic material.
• Properly maintains all medical and surgical records as well as daily usage of narcotics and other controlled substances in the appropriate forms.
• Receives animals scheduled for surgery, and transports animals from SVAS to emergency veterinarian partners, if needed.
• Dispenses prescribed medications.
• Stocks clinic supplies and performs minor maintenance tasks on all surgical equipment and refers any problems appropriately.
• May perform any of the above duties in an off-site capacity, such as a remote vaccination facility.
• Maintains all safety standards at all times.
• Perform customer service to the standards set forth by SVAS.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

ORGANIZATIONAL LEADERSHIP

• Analyzes problems and initiates strategies for work improvement.
• Keeps Shelter Veterinarian informed of concerns, medical issues, progress of strategies for improvement and customer issues.
• Performs all veterinary technician duties as necessary to facilitate smooth functioning of the clinic and shelter.
• Represents the SVAS organization in a professional and courteous manner at all times.
• Provides quality service to customers, volunteers and other staff members.
• Follows safety guidelines, takes immediate action to correct any safety concern that could place an employee, volunteer, customer and/or the organization at risk.
• Other duties as assigned

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES

• Ability to work at the scheduled time and seldom absent from work and can be depended upon to complete work in a timely, accurate, and thorough manner and is conscientious about assignments.
• Work effectively and relate well with others including superiors, colleagues, and individuals inside and outside of SVAS and exhibit a professional manner in dealing with others and work to maintain constructive working relationships. Possesses a genuine desire to help people and animals.
• Recognize or be willing to gain working knowledge of normal and abnormal health and behavioral conditions of the patients, pre- and post-surgery.
• Possess or be willing to gain working knowledge of animal welfare laws, various species and breeds of common animals, how to handle animals properly, how to recognize common diseases, and how to handle clinic equipment including the computer.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills with superiors, colleagues, and individuals inside and outside of SVAS and has tact and above average communication and customer service skills.
• Veterinary technician training and experience is required.
• Knowledge of the diseases and disorders of animals, spay and neuter and related procedures, and animal handling and restraint.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, multi-task work environment.
• Ability to work on clinic management software and train on Animal Shelter Manager (ASM).
• Ability to exercise good judgment when dealing with the public, staff and volunteers.
• Ability to prioritize and perform duties efficiently and effectively with a high degree of independence.
• Ability to exercise good judgment when dealing with confidential information regarding the public, employee issues and animal related concerns.
• Ability to perform physical work: scrubbing, mopping, and lifting between 25 – 50 lbs. with reasonable accommodation.
• A commitment to the mission of the SVAS and to animal health and welfare.

Email resume to Laura Garcia at laura@svaspets.com.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $18.00 - $20.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

Work Location: In person

Salary : $18 - $20