Vet Tech

This position is supervised by: Shelter Manager

This position supervises/manages:  None

Job Summary: The Veterinary Technician is responsible for providing surgical and/or wellness support to the Veterinarians’ of the SPCA in a manner that allows for the highest level of customer service and exceptional practice of medicine to each visitor and patient. In addition, the Veterinary Technician, under the direction of the Clinic and Shelter Veterinarians, will determine the pace of work to be performed.

Summary of Essential Job Tasks:
•    Provide a compassionate environment for animals and pet owners living in poverty.
•    Triage all patients at check-in and report health concerns to the appropriate Veterinarian.
•    Assist the Veterinarians in surgeries as needed, including calculating, administering, and monitoring anesthesia and medications in accordance with approved SPCA of Texas protocol.
•    Assist with any and all vaccine clinics determined by clinic management.
•    Administer vaccinations, medications, and treatments as directed by and under the supervision of the Veterinarians.
•    Provide preventive/wellness services such as disease and parasite testing and owner counseling.
•    Collect specimens and perform laboratory procedures.
•    Perform humane euthanasia.
•    Document all drug logs and patient activity and information in accurate records in accordance with SPCA of Texas protocol.
•    Discharge patients at check-out, including explaining discharge instructions, health exams, any surgical or diagnostic findings and/or test results, vaccine booster schedule, and take home pain medication instructions.
•    Determine and maintain appropriate level of medical inventory and supplies and coordinate supply orders with shelter and Clinic Manager
•    Respond to client service concerns and questions in a timely and respectable fashion.
•    Set up the operating suite and surgery preparation area.
•    Prep animals, including general public and shelter pets and feral cats, for surgery.
•    Recover animals from surgery, including monitoring all recovering patients for complications of surgery or anesthesia and alerting the surgeon if complications arise.
•    Assess post-operative complications and report findings to the Surgical Veterinarian.
•    Clean and break down the operating suite and surgery preparation area after surgery.
•    Clean and stock exam rooms and pharmacy area between appointments and at end of day.
•    Clean instruments, sterilize surgery packs, and do laundry.
•    Pick up outside area as needed.
•    Enter patient information and charges into the computer.
•    Educate clients on available prevention products and their importance.
•    Other responsibilities as assigned by Veterinarians, Clinic and/or shelter Management.
•    Actively engage with volunteers in such a way that provides support for our volunteers and staff and proactively improves our volunteer program.
•    Be an ambassador for the SPCA of Texas, sharing the work and mission with your friends and family and be knowledgeable of the various ways to support our work.

Abilities Required:
•    Static Strength: the ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects up to 40 pounds.
•    Judgment and Decision Making: the ability to consider the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
•    Oral and Written Expression: the ability to communicate information and ideas so others will understand.
•    Monitoring: the ability to monitor and assess performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
•    Emotional and Mental Requirements: the ability to work effectively under stressful conditions. Ability to rapidly and accurately process information.

Applicant Information:
•    Applicant must be interested in the animal welfare population and serving low-income and underserved communities.
•    To best serve the needs of our community and clients, the individual performing this job may be required to work more than 8 hours in a day or 40 hours in a week. Shift times may vary and include weekend hours.
•    Applicant must acquire Certified Euthanasia Training within 3 months of hire.
•    At least one year of veterinary experience required.
•    Bilingual in English and Spanish preferred.