Licensed Veterinary Technician

*About us*

The Chesapeake Humane Society (CHS) has two facilities in Chesapeake. The Battlefield Blvd location is our veterinary clinic, offering preventative veterinary care, spay/neuter surgery, dentals, heartworm treatment, various surgical procedures, and illness exams. Our clinic services support our shelter pets, other regional shelters, rescue groups, and public clients.

The New Mill Drive location is our animal shelter and crisis boarding facility. Our adoptable pets include dogs, cats, and small animals. Our shelter does not accept owner surrenders or strays, so the majority of our pets are transferred in from our regional shelter partners.

Our Mission is to promote the welfare of companion animals through programs and initiatives that reduce pet overpopulation, increase adoptions, and encourage responsible pet guardianship through affordable pet care.

Our Vision is to help pets and the people who love them find each other and stay together.

*Reporting Relationship: *Clinic Manager and Medical Director

*Status*: Full-time, Hourly, Non-exempt

*Location:* 312 Battlefield Blvd N., Chesapeake, VA 23320 (primary)

*Summary*

The Chesapeake Humane Society operates a low-cost, high-volume clinic, offering preventive veterinary care, spay/neuter surgery, dentals, and various surgical procedures. The Licensed Veterinary Technician performs some animal medical procedures while providing support to the Medical Director and Associate Veterinarians of the Chesapeake Humane Society (CHS). The incumbent shall uphold and abide by clinic and shelter protocols as set by the Medical Director.

*Duties and Responsibilities*

* Interpret medical histories and relay pertinent information to the Medical Director
* Safely and humanely restrain animals for medical procedures
* Administer vaccinations, microchips, sedatives, and pre-anesthetic and anesthetic drugs under the supervision of the Medical Director and Associate Veterinarians
* Perform dental exams, create dental estimates, and perform dental cleanings which include taking dental radiographs and performing single-rooted tooth extractions
* Perform diagnostic services such as bloodwork, ear swabs, and skin scrapings for veterinarians to interpret, document results, and communicate to clients or Client Service Representatives
* Recover pets from anesthesia and if needed perform CPR under the supervision of the attending veterinarian
* Provide post-operative, vaccination, and microchipping counseling and answer client inquiries, forwarding to Medical Director or Associate Veterinarians as appropriate
* Reconcile controlled substance log at the end of business
* Clean and sanitize veterinary equipment, surgical tools, animal enclosures, workspace, lobby, and break room as assigned
* Ensure all supply areas are stocked and report deficiencies to lead LVT and lead VA
* Assist Medical Director in providing oversight, support, and training for Veterinary Assistants
* Engage visitors in non-confrontational, educational conversations regarding animal care, surrender, sheltering policies, etc
* Work cooperatively with all staff to promote the CHS mission
* Perform other duties as assigned

*Skills and Educational Requirements*

* High school diploma
* Current license to practice as a Licensed Veterinary Technician in the state of Virginia
* Understanding of veterinary medicine, ability to administer vaccinations, microchips, and controlled substances, ability to collect samples for diagnostics, and ability to perform animal restraint as appropriate for an LVT
* Confidence using computer systems and learning new software
* Ability to provide quality customer service in a high-volume, stressful environment
* Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to communicate with and relate to people of all age groups across a wide spectrum of the community
* Willingness to discuss euthanasia, open-admission sheltering, and surrender of pets in a non-judgmental, non-confrontational, fact-based manner
* Ability to express organizational standpoints when serving as a CHS representative
* Ability to handle confidential or sensitive information with discretion
* Ability to function well independently and as a team member
* Ability to mediate and problem solve in the moment
* Excellent attention to detail; organization skills and ability to multitask
* Strong written and oral communication skills including the ability to educate clients effectively in English
* Preferably, experience in shelter medicine and in high volume spay/neuter clinics

*Physical and Time Demands*

* Ability to work early mornings, evenings, and weekends
* Ability to work in a fast-paced setting with distractions
* Ability to work in the presence of animals, wildlife, strong odors, and cleaning solutions
* Ability to stand, walk, bend, and lift and carry materials up to 40 lbs
* Ability to handle stress
* Valid driver’s license, clean driving record, and reliable personal transportation

*Salary and Benefits*

* $26-$28/hour, depending on experience
* Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance (full-time)
* Paid Holidays (full-time)
* Personal Time-off (full-time)
* Simple IRA Plan with organization match
* Life Insurance, company paid
* Access to mental health resources (Insight Timer app, Compassion Fatigue training, and Trauma-Informed Care training)
* Paid annual Continuing Education requirements
* Paid annual licensing fees
* Professional development and leadership training opportunities
* Discounted clinic services and adoption fees
* Discounted retail items, pet prescriptions, and prescription foods

Pay: $26.00 - $28.00 per hour

Benefits:
* 401(k) matching
* Dental insurance
* Employee assistance program
* Employee discount
* Health insurance
* Paid time off
* Vision insurance

License/Certification:
* Veterinary Technician License (Required)

Work Location: In person