Shelter Vet Tech

The Arizona Animal Welfare League (AAWL) – the largest and oldest no-kill shelter in Arizona – is seeking an experienced Veterinary Technician with strong surgical, interpersonal and communications skills to join our team of veterinary technicians working in a fast-paced shelter/public clinic environment. AAWL operates two on-site medical clinics: one serving owned animals called AAWL Community Vet Clinic and one serving homeless needy animals called shelter clinic. We’re looking for someone with at least three years’ experience who can assist veterinarians with surgery and handling in-patient and out-patient care, technician examinations, laboratory duties, treatments, drug dosages and dispensing, surgery duties (including intubation and anesthesia monitoring), dentistry, and medical record notation and maintenance. The Shelter Vet Technician will be expected to be willing to be cross trained at our AAWL Community Vet Clinic as needed. Because our shelter animals and AAWL Community Vet Clinic patients are being treated by several different veterinarians, the Shelter Vet Technician also must be a self-motivated team player who communicates well and pays great attention to detail.

This position reports to the Practice Manager. This is a full-time, non-exempt position. Available shifts are regular 5 day/8-hour shifts from 9:00 a.m. – 6 p.m. or 4 day/10 hour shifts from 7:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Rotating weekends are required either Saturday or Sunday from 7:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Responsibilities

• Assist with surgical procedures, including high volume spay/neuter, prepare animals for surgery, including TPR’s.

• Pre-medicate and induce patients, including intubation.

• Perform dental scaling and polishing.

• Perform anatomical and dental radiographs.

• Provide critical care for patients if the need arises.

• Assist doctor on staff with case management, including diagnostics, restraint, and case history.

• Surgical pack preparation.

• Learn and follow through on infirmary standard operating procedures and standing orders.

• Administer medications (IV, SQ, IM, and PO), and vaccinations.

• Perform laboratory procedures including fecals, skin scrapes, and using laboratory equipment.

• Calculate drug doses and fill medications.

• Exposure to disinfectant solutions while disinfecting and cleaning kennels, treatment of areas, and equipment.

• Handling and restraint of animals of various temperaments.

• Recognition of animal behavior cues (ex: fear, anxiety, aggression).

• Prepare and maintain accurate medical records, in-house record keeping, pharmaceutical logs, and vaccination records.

• Provide top-notch customer service.

• Being attentive to client and pet needs.

• Work across departments to resolve conflicts. Identify and work compassionately with clients, foster families and/or other members of the public in various emotional states.

• Periodic sitting at a computer station and prolonged standing or walking will be required.

Qualifications

· Three year experience as a veterinary technician

· Surgical experience is required.

· Must be skilled in IV catheter placement, anesthesia induction and intubation, monitoring of anesthesia, blood draws, urinalysis, radiographs, and assisting in surgery and dental cleanings.

High school diploma or equivalent

AZ veterinary technician certification is strongly preferred.

Ability to speak Spanish.

Computer literacy is required with general office equipment experience.

Experience adhering to established policies, procedures, and protocols.

· Able to work collaboratively with multiple health professionals in a busy and complex environment using tact, diplomacy, and discipline.

· Ability to work with diverse individuals within the organization and broader community.

· Ability to adapt to change and accept new duties within a fast-growing organization.

Requirements

Required assistance with surgical procedures. Surgical experience is required. Must be comfortable handling dogs and cats on a daily continuous basis with various temperaments. Requires normal range of hearing and eyesight to communicate with animals, the public, volunteers, and staff. Attention to detail is a must. The ability to be flexible and adaptable is a required as this is a fast-paced changing environment. The ability to work rotating weekends and holidays is also required.

To Apply for This Position

Please submit a cover letter, resume and three professional references including their email, phone, and relationship to Megan McWherter via email at Show email. Please reference “Vet Tech” in your email. No phone calls or walk-ins, please.

Employment Details

The range for this position is commensurate with the Association for Animal Welfare Advancement (AAWA) salaries. Starting salary ranges from $18 - $25 p/h depending on experience.  Benefits include employer-paid medical insurance, paid vacation/sick time off, and twelve paid holidays. Additionally, we offer continuing education and management training opportunities.