Vet Technician

Leader Dogs for the Blind, an international organization based in Rochester Hills, Michigan, has been empowering individuals who are blind or low vision for over 85 years. We provide comprehensive guide dog services and orientation and mobility training, equipping individuals with lifelong skills for safe and independent daily travel. Our life-changing work is provided free of charge, and we are 100% philanthropically funded. Our mission is driven by 190 dedicated team members and more than 1,400 volunteers who advocate alongside our clients to create a more equitable world.


Why work at Leader Dogs for the Blind?

• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance after 30 days of employment
• Employer paid life insurance
• Employer paid disability insurance
• 401k with employer match
• Flexible spending account
• Paid time off front loaded on first day of employment
• Annual merit-based pay increases
• Dog friendly office

SUMMARY

Under the supervision of the Assistant Director of Canine Health, this position is responsible for assisting in routine, preventative and diagnostic veterinary care to dogs on property (breeding, stock, puppies, and active dog guides). In addition, this position will provide veterinary assistance to the Breeding department on an as needed basis.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provides assistance with the routine, triage and preventative health care for dogs such as physical exams, vaccinations, ophthalmic, urinalysis, hematology, dermatology and dentistry exams.
• Performs tests such as blood work, x-rays, and radiographs.
• Collects and performs samples for internal or external evaluation or submission (to include blood, fecal, urine, SNAP and cytology).
• Provides assistance to veterinarians in preparing patients for surgery, administration of anesthetics, and monitoring during and post surgery.
• Ensures clean and well maintained clinic and materials for use.
• Maintains patient records, performs data entry, schedules appointments and assists with client support and education duties.
• Ensures proper care and hygiene of pets and provides restraint support during examinations and treatments.
• Ensures proper preparation and maintenance of surgical equipment including surgical packs.
• Performs natural canine breeding, semen collections and inseminations for breeding program, procures freezes and thaws semen for TCI.
• Assists with trans cervical insemination, pregnancy, ultrasound and pregnancy x-rays.
• Performs clinical laboratory procedures as required.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

3 years previous experience in veterinary environment. Veterinary Technician license strongly preferred. Knowledge of breeding including frozen semen technology, artificial insemination and venipuncture skills (blood sampling) desired.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Ability to work flexible schedule (including weekends) as needed.
• Sound knowledge of the principles, practices and techniques of veterinary practice and breeding.
• Ability to work well under pressure, handle multiple priorities and meet deadlines; must have the ability to work independently with little or no supervision.
• Proficient in latest version of Microsoft Office products.
• Possess excellent oral and written communication skills, as well as strong organizational skills, and have acuity with detail.
• Possess sound business judgment, exercise professional conduct, understand and follow business ethics and standards, and maintain a high level of confidentiality in all duties.
• Comfortable with and willing to work around large dogs.
• Possess a passion and commitment for the guide dog mission.
• Willing to perform general public relations duties on behalf of Leader Dog (perform tours, answer general questions, be a professional and courteous representative of Leader Dog, etc.).
• Required to have a valid driver's license with no restrictions and the ability to travel independently as required.
• Establish and maintain professional, productive and courteous interactions with employees that promote positive teamwork, as well as with volunteers, donors, clients and all constituents of Leader Dog. This encompasses going beyond giving and receiving instructions and includes but is not limited to (a) performing work activities requiring interacting or speaking with others; and (b) responding appropriately to constructive feedback or suggestions for improvement from a supervisor.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Upon receiving notice, reasonable accommodations may be made, if possible, to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, bend, crouch, kneel and reach with hands and arms. The employee frequently is required to climb or balance. The employee is occasionally required to sit, use the phone, and drive. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and frequently lift and/or move up to 75 -100 pounds.


Leader Dogs for the Blind reserves the right to change, amend, add, delete, and otherwise assign any and all duties, responsibilities and position title as it deems necessary to meet the needs of its business.

Leader Dogs for the Blind is an at-will employer. This means that the employment relationship may be ended at any time without notice by the employer or employee for any reason. Neither this document, nor any manual issued by Leader Dogs for the Blind, is a contract of employment.