Veterinary Technician I

Job Description

Job Description

Veterinary Technician I

POSITION DESCRIPTION

The Alaska SPCA is a nonprofit advocate for pets throughout Alaska. We believe that animals, as living creatures, are entitled to basic rights relating to their care, treatment, and protection. Our mission is to reduce the suffering of Alaska’s dogs and cats.

This mission is achieved by:

• Protecting animals from cruelty.
• Advocating for the moral and ethical treatment of animals.
• Providing animals with shelter and care when in need.
• Educating the public about responsible animal ownership.
• Providing an affordable spay and neuter program.
• Offering affordable vaccinations.

Job Summary:

The Veterinary Technician I position is responsible for daily care of all Alaska SPCA surgical patients, assisting Veterinary Technician II’s with pre-, peri- and post-operative care of patients, outpatient veterinary care, general cleaning. This position works closely with customers, clinic veterinarians, other veterinary technicians, and customer service staff.

Essential Job Duties:

• Assist receptionists with triage and incoming patients
• Perform "pre-exams" on incoming patients and gather brief medical histories
• Perform laboratory tests and take radiographs
• Perform blood draws and catheter placements on patients
• Perform treatments and administer medications as directed
• Ensure prompt and accurate paperwork procedures are followed each day
• Dispense medications per doctors orders
• Communicate with clients/owners about status of patients as directed by the veterinarian
• Participate in client education on the health of their pets
• Knowledge and ability to intake and release patients, including delivering post-operative instructions in a competent and friendly manner
• Able to respond appropriately during an emergency, able to take directions from a veterinarian and direct others during the event, and maintain competency during CPR procedures
• Participate in all staff and technician mandatory meetings
• Duties may include but are not limited to checking patients in, collecting deposits and payments, answering client questions in person, on the telephone, and via email
• Helping to keep the hospital clean, doing laundry, cleaning cages, etc.
• Follow all written and verbally communicated departmental standard operating procedures
• Communicate with clients and assist with rechecks as needed
• Must exhibit professionalism in behavior and performance at all times by:
  • Maintaining excellent interpersonal relationship skills in dealing with coworkers
  • Communicating in effective and professional manner with customers and coworkers
  • Represent the Alaska SPCA in a professional and courteous manner at all times
• Other duties as assigned by supervisor

Preferred Skills/Abilities:

• Communicate in a clear, friendly, concise, understandable manner
• Ability to relate with clients in a friendly and professional manner
• Perform work with speed and accuracy while remaining calm in emergency situations
• Exceptional organizational skills, an eye for detail and the ability to multitask
• Work collaboratively and effectively with coworkers
• Adaptable to changing schedules and occasional unexpected needs

Minimum Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent

Preferred Qualifications:

• Veterinary technician/assistant experience
  
• Ability to draw blood and place IV catheters
• Knowledge of veterinary clinic procedures and terminologies as directed
• Knowledge of companion animal welfare issues and sterilization
  

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to stand and walk for prolonged periods of time
• Must be able to move/lift up to 50 pounds at time
• Frequent bending and standing throughout the day
  

Job Status:

• Non-exempt; Full time: 40 hours a week

Compensation and Benefits

• $20-$22 an hour, depending on skills and experience
• Paid vacation, sick, and holiday leave in addition to 3 paid personal days annually.
• Dental and vision coverage
• SIMPLE IRA retirement plan
• Discounted clinic services in addition to free vaccines and spays/neuters for your pets.

Disclaimer

The Alaska SPCA is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to a work environment that values diversity and inclusiveness. We are committed to equal employment opportunity and fair treatment of all individuals based on job-related qualifications and without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, age, religion, disability, marital status, change in marital status, pregnancy, parenthood, sexual orientation or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law or local ordinance

We are an at-will employer and conduct pre-employment background checks. This job description reflects the assignment of essential functions; it does not prescribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned. This job description is not a contract - management reserves the right to change its contents at any time.