Shelter Medicine Registered Veterinary Technician II

Shelter Medicine Registered Veterinary Technician II

The Sacramento SPCA is a vibrant, well-established and respected non-profit animal welfare organization. Through our nationally-ranked high-volume spay and neuter clinic, successful adoption program, behavior and training programs and commitment to excellent animal care, the Sacramento SPCA is giving more than shelter and saving animals, one life at a time.

The Shelter Medicine RVT II has the primary responsibility of assisting the Chief of Shelter Medicine in the care and treatment of shelter animals. This position is key to the Sacramento SPCA's dedication to animal welfare and our commitment to high-quality medical services for the animals in our care. The shelter medicine RVT II position is expected to work collaboratively across all departments and identify opportunities for improving programs, processes and procedures.

Essential Job Functions:

• Examines animals under the direct or indirect supervision of the shelter veterinarian(s), prescribes treatments according to standard and established treatment protocols or as directed by the shelter veterinarian(s).
• Inputs exam results and diagnosis/treatment into designated medical software program.
• Takes temperature, pulse and respiration. Collects and prepares blood, urine, and feces samples.
• Performs diagnostic tests, including x-rays, blood work, urinalysis, swabs, etc.
• Creates medication charts and prepares medications for shelter animals.
• Performs or assists with the euthanasia and disposal of animals in accordance with established laws and Sacramento SPCA policy.
• Under supervision of the shelter veterinarian(s), administers pharmaceuticals such as medications and vaccines by intramuscular, intravenous and subcutaneous injection, topical or enteral administration.
• Assists shelter veterinarian(s) with procedures and surgeries and recheck visits.
• Performs dental prophylactic procedures on shelter animals under the direction of the shelter veterinarian(s).
• Responds to calls from shelter staff when the shelter medicine veterinarian(s) is/are unavailable including injured animals, owner surrenders with health issues, reclaimed animals that need spay neuter status verified, adopters that have questions about an animal's health status, medical consultations, etc.
• Consults with veterinarians, supervisors and the Animal Health Practice Manager on more serious cases that require more expensive or long-term treatment and/or euthanasia.
• Consults on disease outbreaks with veterinarians, operations, managers and supervisors.
• Assists with writing protocols, training staff on diagnostics and minor procedures.
• Follow all state, local and federal laws regarding the documentation of medical records and tracking of controlled substances.
• Attends in-house meetings with supervisors on protocols, animal health and the organization, etc. Assists in tours, lectures, public education programs, special events and fundraising activities as needed.
• Must be punctual and maintain regular, predictable attendance.
• Must be committed to a high standard of safety and be willing and able to comply with all safety laws and all of the employer's safety policies and rules and must be willing to report safety violations and potential safety violations to appropriate supervisory or management personnel.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Additional Duties and Responsibilities:

• Collects samples for various outside studies, conducted by various organizations.
• Provides accurate information and friendly professional service to the public and coworkers in a responsive, positive, courteous and truthful manner.

Requirements:

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of domestic animals including breeds, behavior, appropriate care and housing, common health problems, disease symptoms and handling techniques.
• Knowledge of aseptic surgical techniques, animal care and husbandry.
• Knowledge of anesthesia techniques.
• Knowledge of State and local codes, ordinances and regulations governing quarantine, impounding, care, and disposal of animals.
• Ability to identify normal and abnormal animal behavior and symptoms of rabies and other animal disorders.
• Ability to control and safely handle pharmaceuticals used in the care and handling of animals and disinfectants in the cleaning and disinfecting of animal habitats.
• Ability to follow all SSPCA animal housing cleaning and safety protocols.
• Ability to work effectively and respectfully with the public, management, fellow employees, volunteers, interns and other agencies and groups.
• Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedural manuals.
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, employees and the general public.
• Basic computer skills using standard office programs such as Microsoft Office (Gmail, Excel, Word) or similar programs.
• Must possess a valid California Driver's license, clear driving record at least one year prior to application.

Education and Experience:

• High school graduate or GED equivalent with one year of experience assisting a licensed veterinarian in providing medical treatment to animals, including surgical procedures and medical examinations, in an animal shelter, hospital, or similar environment.
• Current and active license as a Registered Veterinary Technician by the California Veterinary Medical Board.
• Maintain license in good standing throughout employment in this position.

Physical Requirements:

• Any allergic condition that would be aggravated from exposure or through contact with animals or chemicals used to sanitize facilities, vehicles or equipment, may be a disqualification.
• Use hands/arms for repetitive grasping, pushing, pulling, and fine manipulation. This job involves the use of computers for data entry and e-mail communication, as well as the use of telephones.
• Must stand, sit, walk, bend and stoop frequently to perform duties. Must have the ability to perform prolonged strenuous physical activity, including lifting and carrying objects weighing up to 50 pounds alone or up to 100 pounds with the help of fellow employees for short distances.

Working Conditions:

• Standard office, animal care, public, and surgical environment with exposure to hazardous chemicals, anesthetics and sharp objects.
• May be exposed to challenging behaviors from members of the public. Must be able to respond to an often times emotion-charged public and carry a fast-paced and changing workload which at times can be stressful.
• By nature of the industry, there may be occasional exposure to dead, injured, sick, unruly, vicious, and/or dangerous animals in addition to exposure to parasites and to infectious diseases.
• Must be available and willing to work such weekends, holidays, overtime, and attend mandatory training and meetings as the employer determines are necessary or desirable to meet its business needs.

Note: The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees, but are not a complete list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. Either employer or employee may terminate the employment relationship at any time with or without notice and with or without cause.