Licensed Vet Tech
About the position Assist in the provision of medical and surgical care of animals in the shelter. Manages treatment plan of hospitalized patients, performs diagnostics (x-ray, in-house laboratory) and obtains sampling (blood, swabbing), administers medications via all routes, and leads the surgery team. Must be a self-starter with the ability to think critically in order to be a stakeholder in the patients’ treatment plans. Works well independently but as part of a team to ensure timely, quality medical care for all animals in the shelter. This position is based within the medical department at a specific ACC location but flexibility to work at other locations may occasionally be required.
Responsibilities
- Administer drugs and vaccines by all routes as directed by the staff veterinarian.
- Perform LVT examinations in SOAP format as needed.
- Interpret clinical information and think critically to act swiftly and accordingly.
- Handle, restrain and triage all animals entering shelter.
- Regularly perform peripheral blood sampling and IV catheter placement.
- Assist with all aspects of surgery – pre, intra, and postoperatively which include administration and monitoring of anesthesia.
- Demonstrate knowledge of pharmacology when preparing and administering drugs – including drug class, medical dosing calculations, contraindications, and adverse reactions.
- Obtain diagnostics as ordered by veterinarians (radiographs, bloodwork, urine sampling, cultures, etc.).
- Collect appropriate samples and perform basic laboratory tests, including decapitation for rabies testing.
- Assist in performance of necropsy, as needed.
- Properly record all drug activity, DEA logs, and statistics, as required by law and ACC policy.
- Aging, sexing, and accurate disease process recognition.
- Implantation of microchips.
- Under the direction of a veterinarian, accurately document medical exam findings, vaccinations, medications, surgery information and treatments in Shelter Buddy medical records.
- Assist in the documentation of cruelty cases.
- Facilitate transfer of animals from intake or medical areas and into appropriate housing.
- Work cooperatively with ACC volunteers and partners and all departments.
- Communicate effectively, cordially, and promptly within and outside of the department.
- Cleaning of medical areas, kennels and cages as needed.
- Maintain medical equipment.
- Required to obtain ACC-provided euthanasia certification in order to perform the humane euthanasia of animals when needed.
- Fear Free certification within 30 days of hire.
- Complete other duties as assigned by Supervisor.
Requirements
- Must be Licensed- If you are not licensed, we encourage you to apply to our Veterinary Assistant position.
- Associates or bachelor’s degree in veterinary technology, or foreign equivalent recognized by NYS.
- Licensure in NYS to practice veterinary technology.
- Must be able to lift at least 50 lbs and stand for prolonged periods of time.
Nice-to-haves
- Eligibility for and willingness to apply for euthanasia technician certification.
- Good written and oral communication skills.
- Critical thinking and problem-solving skills, able to multi-task and prioritize.
- Dependable, reliable, and efficient.
Benefits
- Generous paid-time-off (PTO) package that includes vacation time, birthdays off, personal days and sick pay.
- Open access Cigna medical, dental and vision insurance at a low premium to our employees.
- 401K and Pension
- Life Insurance
- On-the-job training for 2-4 weeks
- Periodic all staff training to include safety, DEI, cross training, and other growth opportunities.
- Eligibility for loan forgiveness, cancellation, and/or consolidation under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program (PSLF).