Veterinary Technician
Position Description
POSITION TITLE: DEPARTMENT:
Veterinary Technician Animal Care
EMPLOYMENT CLASSIFICATION: SUPERVISOR/MANAGER: REVISION DATE:
Non-Exempt Shelter Manager January 2005
BASIC FUNCTION OF THE POSITION:
Ensures and maintains the proper, necessary and appropriate care of pre-surgical, surgical and post-surgical animals in the ownership or custody of the Humane Society of Greater Dayton.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE POSITION. Constitute the major responsibilities for anyone serving in this capacity.
1. Works closely with the Shelter Manager and the Animal Care Technicians to ensure the physical and mental health of Humane Society animals.
2. Assists veterinarians with spay/neuter surgeries (animal preparation, clinic preparation, etc.) and oversees proper utilization of clinic.
3. Orders necessary surgical supplies (i.e. pharmaceuticals, surgical, etc.). 4. Maintains a high standard of overall animal care.
5. Assesses animals for surgery and possible placement.
6. Performs euthanasia when required and disposal of animals in proper manner. 7. Maintains proper identification on animals during veterinary interactions. 8. Keeps surgical suite area clean and tidy.
9. Schedules veterinarians for animal spay/neuter surgery appointments and (in-house, foster, neighborhood, etc.). outside veterinary appointments for sick/injured animals as needed.
10. Maintains inventory for drugs and supplies as related to the veterinary clinic.
11. Works closely with the Animal Care Administrator to implement client, staff or volunteer training classes (e.g. puppy training classes)
12. Attends various board committee meetings including but not limited to the veterinary committee. 13. Schedules sharps container, Weiler Welding O2, etc. as related to veterinary clinic needs.
14. Trains, encourages, motivates and provides positive guidance to volunteers for the Humane Society of Greater Dayton.
15. Represents the Humane Society as a professional.
16. Decision making regarding animal medical care in the absence of the veterinarian.
ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS/RESPONSIBILITIES:
Performs other job-related duties and activities, as needed
Keeps management informed on animal care needs and concerns Works extended hours; as needed
Page Two
Veterinary Technician
MINIMUM EDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE, AND EXPERIENCE:
Veterinary Technician (LVT or RVT), with a current state license
Extensive knowledge of animals, proper care of animals, and diseases of dogs and cats
Succinct communication skills, both verbal and written; ability to organize thoughts in a logical, clear and concise manner
Ability to use animal related equipment, such as snares, poles, nets, traps, needles, syringes, microscope, autoclave, anesthesia machine and ultrasonic instrument cleaner
Familiarity with medical techniques, including, but not limited to: taking blood, fecal floatation, basic stains, administering medication (oral and percutaneous), placement of IV catheters/endotracheal tubes, and basic CPR
Basic calculations such as: proper dosage of a medication per lb and kg and basic dilution/concentration calculations
Euthanasia certification
BEHAVIOR TRAITS:
Attention to detail Flexibility
Immense interest and dedication to animal welfare, compassion and a sense of responsibility to ownerless and neglected/abused animals
Results oriented, self-motivated, driven and decisive (including the ability to make recommendations)
Effective time management and planning skills
Ability to absorb information quickly and perform duties in a timely and accurate fashion Ability to shift attention quickly and accurately from one matter to another
Ability to handle multiple priorities and respond/interact effectively and diplomatically to multiple customers (internal and external)
Ability to interact effectively and efficiently with management and other staff and function as part of a team
SCOPE OF DAILY CONTACTS:
Clients
Veterinary Clinics and Veterinarians Vet Supply companies/Vendors Humane Society employees Volunteers
Other animal shelters and their employees Other not-for-profit groups
Etc. DIRECT REPORTS:
Page Three
Veterinary Technician
LANGUAGE SKILLS:
Ability to converse with others, to exchange ideas or give instructions by means of the spoken word Ability to read and comprehend basic information necessary for this position
COMMUNICATION SKILLS:
The communication skills described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Orally Converse: Continuous Written: Continuous Hearing: Continuous
MATHEMATICAL SKILLS: Dosage and dilution calculations
REASONING ABILITY:
Ability to apply principles of logical thinking to resolve problems
Ability to consider various alternatives and make decisions, especially in the welfare or disposition of an animal or regarding removal or care of an animal
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. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The employee is continuously required to stand and reach with hands and arms The employee is occasionally required to use hands to finger, handle or feel The employee is rarely required to sit
The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 15-40 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 60 pounds;
Specific vision abilities required by this job include distance vision, close vision, and depth perception
Page Four
Veterinary Technician
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate Work related stress is occasional
EXPOSURE TO BLOOD AND/OR BODILY FLUIDS:
Will be exposed to blood and/or bodily fluids of animals
SELECTION GUIDELINES:
Formal application, rating of education and experience; oral interview, reference checks and/or job related tests may be required
The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.
Humane Society of Greater Dayton reserves the right to change, modify, suspend, delete, or depart from any and/or all parts of this position description, at any time. Nothing in this position description is intended to limit Humane Society of Greater Dayton’s rights in any manner.
___________________________________ Employee Printed Name
___________________________________ _____/_____/_____
