Registered Veterinary Technician - Surgery Center

Job Description

Job Description

Valley Humane Society

Registered Veterinary Technician

Who We Are:

Envisioning a world in which every animal is loved and every person knows the love of an animal, Valley Humane Society (VHS) creates a brighter future for cats and dogs by encouraging and strengthening the bond between people and pets. VHS rescues and rehabilitates companion animals, champions responsible caretaking, shares pets’ soothing affections with people in need of comfort, and supports and preserves existing pet-guardian relationships. Whether you’d like to adopt an animal, share your passion for pets, or meet like-minded people, VHS is Your Means to a Friend™. Incorporated in 1987, VHS has an excellent reputation of quality care and community support. 

Summary:

As a member of Valley Humane Society’s team, the Registered Veterinary Technician plays an integral role in maintaining the health and well-being of animals served by the Phil Scholtz Veterinary Surgery Center. RVT responsibilities include but are not limited to leading high volume surgery days, medicating, vaccinating, and treating animals as prescribed by veterinarians, administering anesthesia and monitoring animals, assisting veterinarians in medical and surgical procedures, and controlled drug recordkeeping.

Location:
Phil Scholz Veterinary Surgery Center, Pleasanton, CA

Reports to: Surgery Center Manager

Schedule & Hours : 10-hour shifts per day; open to Full-Time or Part-Time

Essential Duties and Functions

Surgical, Anesthesia & Dentistry

• Anesthesia & Patient Management: Calculate, administer, and monitor anesthesia and analgesia protocols across different surgical cases; manage patient induction, intubation, monitoring, and ensure smooth post-operative recovery.
• Dentistry: Perform comprehensive dental prophylaxis, scaling, polishing, dental charting, nerve blocks, and intraoral digital radiography under veterinary supervision.
• Surgical Nursing: Support veterinarians across a wide variety of procedures, including high-volume spay/neuter, comprehensive dentistry, and specialized soft tissue surgeries, by handling patient prep, surgical positioning, intraoperative monitoring, and sterile field maintenance
• Surgical Suite & Instrument Care: Maintain surgical suites to aseptic standards; clean, sterilize, pack, and maintain surgical instruments, autoclaves, and monitoring equipment.

Community Care

• Wellness Clinic Care Support: Assist veterinarians during exam appointments, collect patient histories, perform triage, and educate clients on preventative healthcare and treatment plans.
• Vaccine & Community Clinics: Support high-volume community vaccine and wellness clinics, including administering vaccines, microchipping, etc.
• Laboratory & Diagnostics: Collect biological samples (blood, urine, feces, skin scrapings), run in-house laboratory diagnostics, and prepare samples for external reference labs.
• Patient Treatment: Administer oral, topical, subcutaneous, intramuscular, and intravenous medications or treatments as directed by veterinarians.

Compliance

• Record Keeping & Medical Logs: Maintain precise medical records using veterinary software; accurately maintain controlled substance logs in compliance with California Veterinary Medical Board (CVMB) and DEA guidelines.

Client Services & Community Relations

• Provide compassionate, high-quality customer service, conducting clear intake and discharge consultations with pet owners and post-op care instructions.
• Enthusiastically represent Valley Humane Society’s mission, values, and vision in all interactions with the public, staff, and volunteers.
• Work collaboratively with volunteers, guiding and empowering them within clinical and clinic environments.

Qualifications, Knowledge & Skills

• Credentials: Current, active license as a Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) in the State of California
• Experience: 1-2+ years of experience in veterinary medicine including high-volume spay/neuter (HVSN), shelter medicine, or dentistry preferred.
• Technical Skills: Strong proficiency in anesthesia monitoring, venipuncture, IV catheter placement, dental radiography, and client communication
• Soft Skills: Exceptional communication, empathy, and interpersonal skills; strong emotional intelligence and crisis-handling capabilities in fast-paced or urgent situations.
• Software: Proficient with computers and veterinary practice management software (e.g., ClinicHQ or similar).

Physical Demands & Work Environment

• Regular sitting, standing, bending, reaching, kneeling, and working at computer stations.
• Safe handling and restraint of dogs and cats of varying sizes, temperaments, and body language.
• Exposure to disinfectant chemicals, animal dander/allergens, noise, and potential risks of animal bites or scratches.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs with or without reasonable accommodation.

Benefits & Perks

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance options (Full-Time)
• Paid Time Off (PTO) and Paid Holiday Pay
• 403B payroll-deducted Retirement Savings Program
• Employee Pet Care & Product Discounts
• Annual Continuing Education (CE) allowance and license reimbursement for RVTs working 24+ hours/week (pro-rated)