Veterinary Technician/Assistant at VANDERBURGH COUNTY HUMANE SOCIETY – Evansville, Indiana

JOB SUMMARY:

Responsible for daily care of all surgical patients, provide client services and education, general housekeeping

RESPONSIBILITIES:

General housekeeping

1. Perform daily cleaning of kennels and public areas.
2. Stock prep areas and operating room.
3. Spot clean throughout the day.
4. Clean prep areas and operating room at the end of the day.
5. Wash and sterilize all surgical tools throughout the day.
6. Other duties as assigned.

Supervision and Client Services:

1. Actively promote spay and neuter, and educate clients on responsible animal ownership.
2. Represent the clinic in a professional and courteous manner at all times. Provide quality service to clients, volunteers, and staff, recognizing their individual contributions to the success of our organization.
3. Maintain medical inventory and supplies – notify Clinic Manager of items needing ordered

Patient Care:

1. Triage all patients as they are checked in. Report health concerns to attending veterinarian.
2. Provide excellent patient care.
3. Assist veterinarians in surgery as needed.
4. Calculate and administer anesthesia to all surgical patients per anesthetic protocol.
5. Maintain all necessary drug logs and patient records.
6. Stay current in knowledge of emergency drugs and protocol.
7. Administer animal vaccinations, tests, medications and treatments as directed.
8. Participate on committees and special projects as assigned.
9. Restrain all patients during anesthesia induction and intubation.
10. Monitor all patients on gas anesthesia.
11. Prepare patients for surgery as instructed.
12. Transport patients from prep room to operating room.
13. Keep supervisor informed of animal behavior, health, or concerns.
14. Assist clients with necessary paperwork.
15. Monitor patients in recovery.
16. Other duties as assigned.

Client Education

1. Must be able to learn basic veterinary medical concepts including but not limited to vaccine protocols and anesthetic risks
2. Though client interaction is limited in this position, the ideal candidate must also be able to communicate basic veterinary concepts to owners and be able to repeat information relayed by a veterinarian
3. Will be asked to take medical histories for surgical rechecks

Animal Handling

1. Will be asked to handle/restrain dogs, cats, and rabbits
2. Must be able to learn characteristics of animal behavior (for example: be able to identify aggressive or fearful behavior)
3. Must be able to use appropriate safety equipment for fractious or feral animals (will train) – the use of safety equipment is mandatory
4. Must possess good reflexes
5. Should be able to identify own limitations and be willing to ask for help
6. Must become proficient at animal restraint for various procedures

Physical Requirements

1. Must be able to work standing for 8 or more hours
2. Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 pounds repeatedly throughout the day with help
3. Must be able to bend and kneel repeatedly
4. Must be able to see fine detail and have good hearing
5. Must have reasonable degree of agility to move through tightly cramped areas in various situations
6. Must have acceptable sense of touch and smell
7. Must have good range of motion in joints especially wrist, knees, elbows
8. Must be able to work and reach on hands and knees
9. Must be able to use a ladder and or step stool
10. Must possess excellent hand-eye coordination

Emotional/Mental Requirements

1. Must be able to work under stressful conditions and work efficiently and effectively under those conditions
2. Must be able to respond quickly to a variety of medical situations (with training)
3. Must be able to cope with death either due to surgical complication or euthanasia
4. Must be comfortable in a medical environment; will be exposed to bodily fluids, needles, etc...
5. Ability to delegate tasks
6. Ability to recognize a need for assistance and ask for help
7. Ability to cope with frustrating situations and remain calm

Potential and Prolonged Exposures

1. Prolonged exposure to various aqueous solutions including but not limited to dish soap, chlorhexidine and spectra soap
2. Potential exposure to isoflurane gas, hydrogen peroxide
3. Potential exposure to formalin solution
4. Prolonged exposure to quaternary ammonium cleaners and bleach
5. Potential exposure to sharps including needles and surgical blades