Lead Veterinarian Technician

The Lead Veterinary Technician trains, supervises and assists certified veterinary technicians and veterinary assistants to plan, coordinate and perform a variety of duties concerned with animal health and client education, and to promote greater efficiency by relieving veterinarians of technical work and administrative detail. This position also encompasses all the duties of the Veterinary Assistant/Tech. The Lead Technician is under the direct guidance and supervision of the Clinic Manager. The Lead Veterinary Technician assists in multiple procedures providing care for animals including physical examinations, dental procedures, immunizations, surgeries, intake/discharge of patients and inventory maintenance. This position requires a working knowledge of pharmaceutical drugs, common diseases; their symptoms, means of transmission, treatment and prevention, and other basic preventative health care recommendations.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Train, supervise, and assist the Veterinary Technicians and Assistants in their performance of a variety of technical duties.
• Inform the Veterinary Chief Officer or Clinic Manager of any regulatory issues.
• Oversee and facilitate bi-monthly inventory of pharmaceutical supplies and drugs including the maintenance of controlled substance and surgery logs.
• Oversee the completion of daily checklist and maintenance logs in treatment/surgery.
• Make recommendations to the Clinic Manager concerning personnel matters, disciplinary actions and follow through.
• Provide guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance. Work with the Clinic Manager to mediate interpersonal problems and address concerns from Assistants/Technicians.
• Maintain effective communication with the team and Clinic Manager.
• Implement Assistant/Technician training protocols, assure team satisfaction, maintain excellent communication with the team and promote efficient workflow throughout the day. Responsible for enforcing standards of team performance.
• Audit charts for completeness and accuracy of medical records. Ensure compliance by team in regard to medical records, logs and procedures. Respond to medical record requests.
• Performs other related duties as assigned by management.

TECHNICIAN RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Obtain and record patient histories.
• Collect specimens and perform routine laboratory procedures and tests in hematology, biochemistry, chemistry, microbiology, urinalysis, and serology to assist in the diagnosis and treatment of animal health problems.
• Dispense and administer medications, vaccines, and treatments as prescribed by veterinarians.
• Administer fluids and treatments as prescribed by the veterinarian.
• Administer and monitor anesthesia under the direction of a veterinarian.
• Provide specialized nursing care for injured or ill animals.
• Prepare patients, instruments and equipment for surgery.
• Assure that monitoring and support equipment such as anesthetic machines, cardiac monitors, scopes and breathing apparatus are in good working condition.
• Assist in diagnostic, medical and surgical procedures using a range of high-tech diagnostic equipment including electrocardiographic, radiographic and ultrasonographic equipment.
• Take and process radiographs.
• Maintain knowledge of preventative healthcare recommendations.
• Clean, maintain and sterilize instruments, equipment, and materials.
• Work well with all team members and ensure that your actions support the hospital, the doctors, and the practice philosophy.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• This position supervises the certified vet techs as well as vet tech assistants.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma or general education degree (GED)
• Certified vet tech strongly preferred
• 6 months working/volunteering with domestic animals in an animal shelter, veterinary hospital, or another animal facility preferred. NOTE: Any applicable volunteer or work experience should be listed and include hours worked and job duties.

COMPETENCIES:

• Ethics - Treats people with respect; Keeps commitments; Inspires the trust of others; Works with integrity and ethically; Upholds organizational values.
• Adaptability - Adapts to changes in the work environment; Manages competing demands; Changes approach or method to best fit the situation; Able to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events.
• Attendance/Punctuality - Is consistently at work and on time; Ensures work responsibilities are covered when absent; Arrives at meetings and appointments on time.
• Dependability - Follows instructions, responds to management direction; Takes responsibility for own actions; Keeps commitments; Commits to long hours of work when necessary to reach goals; Completes tasks on time or notifies appropriate person with an alternate plan.
• Teamwork - Balances team and individual responsibilities; Exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views; Gives and welcomes feedback; Contributes to building a positive team spirit; Puts success of team above own interests; Able to build morale and group commitments to goals and objectives; Supports everyone's efforts to succeed.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Regularly required to stand, walk on all types of surfaces, sometimes slippery and/or uneven and rough.
• Must be able to lift and carry up to 50lbs and perform duties that require lifting, bending, and stooping.
• Working with and/or around others often and will experience frequent interruptions.
• Environmental factors can be indoors or outdoors and working in the extreme heat of Arizona summers.
• May be exposed to and hand handle dogs and cats with unknown temperament or behavior.