Pharmacy Technician - Davies Animal Medical Hospital

Job Description

Job Description

Position Summary

The Pharmacy Technician is an essential member of the veterinary healthcare team and is primarily responsible for supporting safe, accurate, and efficient pharmacy operations throughout the hospital. This position oversees medication inventory, purchasing, receiving, storage, preparation, dispensing, and inventory control while ensuring compliance with all applicable federal, state, and hospital regulations.

The Pharmacy Technician works collaboratively with veterinarians, Registered Veterinary Technicians (RVTs), Veterinary Assistants, Client Service Representatives, and other hospital staff to support exceptional patient care and hospital operations. This position also assists with client communication, medication education within the scope of training, and cross-trained veterinary assistant and reception duties as needed.

All employees share the responsibility of supporting the hospital's mission to provide high-quality veterinary care while fostering strong, lasting relationships with clients and referral partners. This position functions under the supervision of the Practice Administrator and licensed veterinarians.

Essential Functions

The following duties are essential to the role. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.

Pharmacy Operations

• Prepare, label, package, and dispense medications accurately under the direction of a licensed veterinarian and within the scope of California law. 
• Review prescriptions and medication orders for completeness and accuracy prior to dispensing. 
• Maintain organized, accurate, and compliant pharmacy records. 
• Prepare compounded medications and other pharmaceutical products as permitted by hospital protocols and applicable regulations. 
• Ensure medications are properly stored according to manufacturer recommendations. 
• Maintain a clean, organized, and efficient pharmacy work area. 
• Follow all hospital pharmacy policies and procedures. 

Inventory Management

• Maintain appropriate inventory levels of pharmaceuticals, controlled substances, medical supplies, and related inventory. 
• Monitor inventory usage and anticipate medication and supply needs. 
• Order pharmaceuticals and supplies from approved vendors while maintaining cost-effective purchasing practices. 
• Receive, inspect, and reconcile incoming pharmaceutical shipments. 
• Rotate stock and monitor expiration dates to minimize waste. 
• Remove expired, damaged, recalled, or discontinued medications following established procedures. 
• Perform routine inventory counts, audits, and reconciliation. 
• Assist with inventory reporting and cost-control initiatives. 

Controlled Substance Compliance

• Maintain accurate controlled substance records in accordance with DEA, California Veterinary Medical Board, and hospital requirements. 
• Ensure proper storage, security, and accountability of controlled substances. 
• Assist with controlled substance inventory reconciliation and audits. 
• Report discrepancies, losses, or concerns immediately to management. 
• Maintain compliance with all applicable federal, state, and hospital regulations regarding medication handling and controlled substances. 

Client Communication

• Provide medication instructions and client education within the scope of training and under veterinarian direction. 
• Answer client questions regarding medication administration, storage, refills, and general pharmacy procedures. 
• Process prescription refill requests accurately and efficiently. 
• Communicate professionally and compassionately with clients in person, by telephone, email, and other communication platforms. 
• Refer medical questions outside the scope of the position to the appropriate veterinarian. 

Hospital Operations Support

• Assist with invoicing and documentation related to pharmacy services. 
• Maintain accurate patient medication records within the practice management software. 
• Support hospital workflow by assisting clinical and reception teams as needed. 
• Cross-train and provide support in Veterinary Assistant and Client Service Representative duties based on hospital needs and competency. 
• Perform additional duties and special projects as assigned. 

Team Collaboration

• Work collaboratively and respectfully with veterinarians, technicians, assistants, reception staff, and management. 
• Communicate effectively to promote continuity of patient care. 
• Follow all hospital policies, procedures, and safety protocols. 
• Contribute to a positive, professional, and team-oriented work environment. 
• Adapt to changing priorities and assist other departments when business needs require. 

Attendance & Reliability

• Maintain regular, reliable attendance and punctuality, which are essential functions of this position. 
• Arrive prepared and ready to work at the beginning of each scheduled shift. 
• Follow all attendance, scheduling, and call-out procedures. 
• Demonstrate accountability, professionalism, and reliability in fulfilling assigned responsibilities. 

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required. 
• Current California Pharmacy Technician License is required. Certification Pharmacy Technician by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) preferred or required based on assigned duties. 
• Previous experience in a veterinary, pharmacy, medical, or healthcare setting preferred. 
• Experience with inventory management and purchasing preferred. 
• Basic computer proficiency and ability to learn veterinary practice management software. 
• Working knowledge of veterinary terminology preferred. 
• Knowledge of applicable pharmacy regulations, inventory control practices, and controlled substance requirements preferred. 

Skills & Competencies

• Strong organizational and time management skills. 
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy. 
• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment. 
• Strong inventory management and problem-solving abilities. 
• Professional verbal and written communication skills. 
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with a team. 
• Commitment to maintaining confidentiality and professionalism. 

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this position, with or without reasonable accommodation.

• Prolonged standing and walking throughout the workday. 
• Frequent bending, stooping, kneeling, reaching, and crouching. 
• Ability to lift and carry up to 40 pounds without assistance. 
• Ability to safely lift, restrain, or move animals weighing more than 40 pounds with assistance or approved restraint equipment. 
• Manual dexterity sufficient to prepare medications, operate pharmacy and medical equipment, utilize computers, and perform inventory management tasks. 
• Visual acuity sufficient to accurately read medication labels, prescriptions, invoices, computer screens, and inventory records. 
• Ability to effectively communicate with clients and team members in person and by telephone. 
• Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail. 
• Tolerance for exposure to typical veterinary hospital conditions, including animal odors, bodily fluids, cleaning agents, and pharmaceuticals. 

Work Environment

While performing the duties of this position, the employee may be exposed to:

• Animals that may be fearful, stressed, aggressive, or unpredictable. 
• Zoonotic diseases, parasites, and other infectious conditions. 
• Controlled substances, pharmaceuticals, hazardous drugs, and chemical agents. 
• Medical equipment, sharps, and laboratory materials. 
• Unpleasant odors, animal waste, and bodily fluids. 
• Animal bites, scratches, and other occupational hazards associated with veterinary medicine. 
• Noise associated with normal veterinary hospital operations. 

Employees are expected to follow all federal, state, and hospital regulations, including the California Veterinary Medicine Practice Act, OSHA standards, DEA requirements, California Board of Pharmacy regulations, and all hospital safety protocols.

Job Description Disclaimer

This job description is intended to provide a general overview of the position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications, or working conditions associated with the position. Responsibilities may be modified or assigned based on business needs, operational requirements, employee training, demonstrated competency, or changes in applicable laws and regulations.

Davies Animal Medical Hospital is open 7 days a week from 8am to 8pm. Pharmacy shifts are 7am to 4pm and 11am to 8pm. Candidates must be available to work all shifts.