Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) I & II

Registered Veterinary Technician I and II (RVT)

The Sacramento SPCA is a vibrant, well-established and respected non-profit animal welfare organization. Through our nationally-ranked high-volume spay and neuter clinic, successful adoption program, pet retention support, and commitment to excellent animal care, the Sacramento SPCA is giving more than shelter and saving animals one life at a time.

The Clinic RVT I and RVT II positions have the primary responsibility for patient care and safety as well as the sterile and efficient flow of the day in the SSPCA Spay and Neuter Clinic. These positions assists licensed veterinarians in the primary care and treatment of pre-op and post-operative surgery animals and maintains all procedures and practices within the Spay Clinic to meet the highest standards possible. A current California Registered Veterinary Technician License is required for these positions.

Essential Job Functions (RVT I and RVT II):

• Calculates anesthetic and pre-anesthetic medications as appropriate for individual patients.
• Prepares the Clinic for surgery.
• Provides support during surgery to veterinarians.
• Takes temperature, pulse and respiration of patients.
• Administers pharmaceuticals such as medications and vaccines.
• Collects and prepares blood, urine, and feces samples.
• Gives intramuscular, intravenous and subcutaneous injections.
• Maintains cleanliness of the surgery room and other related areas, to provide a safe, clean and sterile environment.
• Performs routine cleaning and general maintenance of medical equipment, facilities and animal housing.
• Impounds, quarantines and restrains animals as required.
• Examines animals and make referrals to veterinarians as needed.
• Microchips animals.
• Orders, unloads, stores, and restocks medical supplies and related equipment.
• Provides post-surgical and treatment information to animal owners.
• Assigns and oversees medically related duties to volunteers and Animal Care Attendants.
• Maintains written records for the animal hospital.
• Performs the following procedures under the direct supervision of licensed veterinarians:

1. Applies casts or splints as necessary.
2. Staples or sutures existing skin incisions.
3. Administers anesthesia induction.
4. Renders emergency animal health care in the event of an emergency.
5. Performs euthanasia in accordance with established policies and California laws.

RVT II Tier Additional Essential Duties:

• Assists in training and onboarding of new staff and volunteers.
• Manages the flow and efficiency of each surgical day.
• Actively works with surgeons to triage and coordinate patient care priorities during morning rounds and throughout the day.
• Assigns tasks and ensures completion of all opening/closing duties.
• Offers constructive coaching and feedback to staff and volunteers and recognizes opportunities for celebrating wins and successes
• The SSPCA is dedicated to our people and the pets we serve. The RVT II is expected to work closely with clinic management in offering suggestions, input, and implementation of new processes, protocols and systems.

Additional Duties and Responsibilities (RVT I and RVT II):

• Schedules spay/neuter appointments and completes appropriate paperwork for Spay Clinic related activities (i.e. filing, Spay Clinic correspondence, spay/neuter deposits and refunds, surgery reminders, telephone follow-ups, misc. reports).
• Must be punctual and maintain regular, predictable attendance.
• Assists in tours, lectures, public education programs, special events and fundraising activities as needed.
• Provides accurate information and friendly professional service to the public and to co-workers in a responsive, positive, courteous, truthful and tactful manner.
• Must be committed to a high standard of safety and be willing and able to comply with all safety laws and all of the employer's safety policies and rules and must be willing to report safety violations and potential safety violations to appropriate supervisory or management personnel.

Requirements

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of domestic animals including breeds, behavior, appropriate care and housing, common health problems, disease symptoms and handling techniques.
• Knowledge of aseptic surgical techniques, animal care and husbandry.
• Knowledge of anesthesia techniques.
• Knowledge of sterilization and surgical pack preparation procedures.
• Knowledge of State and local codes, ordinances and regulations governing quarantine, impounding, care, and disposal of animals.
• Ability to identify normal and abnormal animal behavior and symptoms of rabies and other animal disorders.
• Ability to control and safely handle pharmaceuticals used in the care and handling of animals and disinfectants in the cleaning and disinfecting of animal habitats.
• Must possess a valid California driver's license, clear driving record at least one year prior to application.

Education and Experience:

• High school graduate or GED equivalent.
• Six months of experience assisting a licensed veterinarian in providing medical treatment to animals, including surgical procedures and medical examinations, in an animal shelter, hospital, or similar environment.
• Must be licensed and possess registration as a Registered Veterinary Technician by the California Board of Examiners in Veterinary Medicine.
• Failure to complete any required continuing education units and to maintain this registration in good standing may constitute cause for termination in accordance with Civil Service Rule 11.4.

Physical Requirements:

• Any allergic condition that would be aggravated from exposure or through contact with animals or chemicals used to sanitize facilities, vehicles or equipment, may be a disqualification.
• Must stand, walk, bend, stoop, and sit regularly to perform duties. Have the ability to perform strenuous physical activity, including lifting and carrying objects weighing up to 50 pounds alone or up to 100 pounds with the help of fellow employees for short distances.

Working Conditions:

• Must be able to deal with an often times emotion-charged public and carry a fast paced and changing work load which at times can be stressful.
• By nature of the industry, there may be occasional exposure to dead, injured, sick, unruly, vicious, and/or dangerous animals in addition to exposure to parasites and to infectious diseases.
• Must be available and willing to work such weekends, holidays, overtime, and attend mandatory training and meetings as the employer determines are necessary or desirable to meet its business needs.

Note: The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees, but are not a complete list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. Either employer or employee may terminate the employment relationship at any time with or without notice and with or without cause.