Vet assistant

SUMMARY OF JOB PURPOSE AND FUNCTION The Veterinary Technician supports the veterinarians in ensuring quality veterinary care for all pets, advocates for pets, educates clients on all aspects of pet health, and ensures a safe and effective hospital environment. ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES AND TASKS Live and exemplify the Five Principles of Mars, Inc. within self and team. Act as the extra eyes, ears and hands for the veterinarian to ensure the best quality pet care and to maximize the veterinarian's productivity. Lead communications with veterinarians and veterinary medical team to maintain the flow of patients. Provide professional, efficient and exceptional service at all times, including performing procedures that do not require veterinarian assistance, completing preparatory work for other procedures, ensuring that clients and pets are comfortable in the hospital, and monitoring hospitalized or surgical pets. Educate clients about Optimum Wellness Plans, preventive care, pet health needs, any diagnosis or treatment, hospital services and other issues. Obtain relevant information and history from clients and maintain proper and complete medical charts. Ensure the safety of pets, clients and associates by utilizing safe restraining techniques, following standard protocols, and maintaining clean, sterile and organized treatment areas, exam rooms and labs. Assist with surgery as applicable. Utilize technical skills to the fullest, within state practice acts regarding duties of credentialed veterinary technicians. Mentor other paraprofessionals in the hospital. Other job duties as assigned. HIRING QUALIFICATIONS COMPETENCIES Leadership, Personal Learning, Customer Focus, Peer Relationships, Action Oriented, Listening Functional: Ensure medical quality, Effective communication, Drive for Results, Priority Setting FUNCTIONAL SKILLS – CAPABILITIES AND EXPERIENCE (CAN DO) Ability to multi‑task – manages multiple tasks at once and shifts attention under distracting conditions. Communication skills – reads, writes and speaks fluent English, using appropriate grammar, style and vocabulary. Organizational ability – systematic approach, keeps assignments orderly and turns chaos into order. Problem solving skills – identifies, analyzes and solves problems, translating them into practical solutions. Client service skills – provides attentive, courteous and informative service. Intellectual ability – follows instructions in oral, written or diagram format. Mathematical ability – adds, subtracts, multiplies and divides; computes rates, ratios and percentages; converts units of measurement. Computer skills – confidently uses a computer and specialized medical software, as well as Microsoft Outlook, Word and Excel. ATTITUDES (WILL DO) Initiative – willing and apt to find solutions. Integrity – adheres to the values and ethics of Banfield Pet Hospital. Cooperativeness – works well with others, collaborates and compromises. Flexibility – open to changing situations and willing to perform all tasks assigned. Independence – performs tasks and duties without supervision as appropriate. Tolerance for Stress / Resilience – maintains a positive outlook and composure in stressful situations. SPECIAL WORKING CONDITIONS Requires ability to work at a computer for long periods, confidence around pets, and may require more than 40 hours per week, including weekends and evenings. Must have mental processes for reasoning, memory, mathematics and language. Moderate noise level. Requires ambulatory skills, the ability to stand, walk, stoop, kneel, crouch, climb, and lift up to 50 pounds. Good hand‑eye coordination, dexterity and visual acuity. Exposure to pets that may bite or scratch, anesthesia, radiation, biological hazards and medication/controlled substances. EXPERIENCE, EDUCATION AND/OR TRAINING Veterinary technician certification or licensure required (CVT, RVT, LVT, LVMT). Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree from an AVMA accredited veterinary technology program, or equivalent combination of education, training and experience. High School Diploma or equivalent preferred. Must be at least 18 years old to perform duties involving radiography (x‑ray) and exposure to radioactive substances. One year related experience required; customer service experience preferred. PAY RANGE $15.99 – $20.44 hourly (the specific rate is determined based on candidate’s experience, skill level, and education; may vary by location or applicable minimum wage laws). BENEFITS Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance Generous Retirement Plans (401(k) and Roth) with company match Best-in-Class Student Debt Relief Program (for Full‑Time DVMs) Paid Time Off and Holidays Top‑Tier Mental Health and Well‑Being Resources, including free coaching and counseling sessions Associate Life Insurance (company‑paid) & Supplemental Life Insurance Company‑Paid Short- and Long‑Term Disability Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) Health Savings Account (HSA) Paid Parental Leave for birth and adoption Continuing Education Allowance (eligible positions) Backup Child and Elder Care & Family Support Resources Fertility and Family Building Support Digital Exercise Therapy Voluntary Protection Benefits – coverage for unexpected events Legal Plan – accessible legal coverage Identity Protection – safeguards personal information Commuter Benefits – convenient and cost‑effective travel Three Free Optimum Wellness Plans for Pets Exclusive Discounts on products and services Benefits eligibility is based on employment status. Full‑time (FT) Associates are eligible for all benefit programs (Student Debt Program available for FT DVMs only); Part‑time Associates are eligible for those benefits with an asterisk (*). #J-18808-Ljbffr