TO APPLY: In addition to your resume, please submit a cover letter telling us why you feel you are the best candidate for this position. No phone calls or walk in applicants please.
Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) or experienced Veterinary Assistant
Department: Medical
Classification: Full-time or Part-Time
Hours: 24-40 hours/week including availability for weekend shifts
Reports to: Medical Director
Rate of Pay: $20-$28/hour based upon experience
Job Purpose
The individual in this role will work closely with the shelter medicine team under the supervision of the Medical Director and Shelter Veterinarian to provide for the medical needs of Rancho Coastal Humane Society (RCHS) animals. Clear effective communication, aptitude and initiative to meet the demands of this critical position are required. The ideal candidate will have experience in an animal shelter environment .
Job Duties
Shelter Medicine Duties
Ensure all medical needs of incoming animals are completed and up-to-date, including physical exams, vaccinations, microchips, blood testing, internal and external parasite control
Determine breed and approximate age of incoming animals
Demonstrate proficiency in venipuncture and IV catheter placement
Assist with surgeries, including prepping animals for surgery, preparing, administering and monitoring anesthesia, assisting Veterinarians during surgery and post-operative management of veterinary patients
Perform dental x-rays, dental prophylaxis and extractions
Administer medications and treatments as prescribed by the attending Veterinarian
Collect specimens and perform routine laboratory procedures and tests in microbiology, urinalysis and serology to assist in the diagnosis and treatment of animal health issues
Clean, maintain, and sterilize surgical instruments, equipment, and materials; ensure equipment, including, but not limited to, monitors/anesthetic machines/breathing apparatus are in good working condition; and perform maintenance on equipment, as needed
Provide specialized nursing care for injured or ill animals
Triage medical emergencies
Maintain daily, weekly and monthly medical needs of animals
Bathe and groom animals
Transport animals to offsite veterinary hospitals
Assist with and perform euthanasia of animals
Must be knowledgeable about proper handling and restraint of animals, zoonotic diseases and appropriate disease control
Be available (on a rotating basis) to respond telephonically to after-hours medical emergencies for foster animals
Administrative Duties
Enter and maintain medical data in Shelter Buddy (Animal Shelter Database System)
Perform administrative tasks such as email, phone calls and assist with statistics on an as-needed basis
Maintain excellent verbal and written skills, including clear and effective communication with animal care staff, public and volunteers) that is professional, respectful, positive and educational
Educate the public on animal health, treatment and responsible pet ownership
Demonstrate proficiency in use of Microsoft Office Applications by maintaining Excel spreadsheets, Word documents and communication through email
Schedule appointments and provide follow up for staff, fosters and adopters
Inventory supply and management as necessary
Represents RCHS in a professional and courteous manner at all times
Qualifications
For RVT's: Current, valid RVT license from California Department of Consumer Affairs, Veterinary Medical Board
For Veterinary Assistants: Minimum of two to three years’ clinical and/or shelter experience as a licensed RVT preferred
Knowledge of cat, dog and rabbit health and behavior issues, particularly those common in a shelter environment
Experience with pediatric patients and/or raising orphaned animals a plus
Excellent management and organizational skills
Self-motivated, well-organized, detail-oriented and able to effectively work independently and within a team framework
Ability to meet deadlines and manage multiple priorities
Good judgement, professionalism, and ability to set a positive example for other RCHS staff
Accurate typing and data entry skills
Ability to effectively and professionally work with the public, volunteers and co-workers
Ability to be patient and tactful when interacting with challenging, sensitive or emotional people and issues
Must possess a valid driver’s license with an insurable driving record
Availability to occasionally cover weekend or holiday shifts
Must support and advocate for RCHS’s philosophy, programs and policies
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Must be able to stand, walk, sit, talk and hear, stoop, bend, squat, kneel, grasp grip, put fingers together firmly and reach above and below shoulder level. Regularly lift and/or move, push or pull up to 30 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds for restraining or moving animals and lifting food, animal care supplies and event supplies, repetitively use hands to operate computers; flex the neck upward and downward; twist the neck and the waist. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
WORK ENVIRONMENT: Will work in standard office environment, on-site at RCHS’s kennel facility where temperatures will vary and exposure to environmental conditions that include working near and caring for animals, off- site at partner shelter facilities, as well as off-site RCHS adoption, community and fundraising events. There is a potential of exposure to parasites and infectious diseases that can be carried and transmitted by animals, exposure to bites, scratches and animal waste as well as unpleasant odors and noise. Exposure to toxic or caustic chemicals.
Benefit Conditions:
- Benefits pursuant to company policy
- Waiting period may apply
Work Remotely
Job Types: Full-time, Part-time
Pay: $20.00 - $28.00 per hour
Expected hours: 24 – 40 per week
Schedule:
Education:
Experience:
- RVT or Veterinary Assistant: 2 years (Preferred)
License/Certification:
- Driver's License (Required)
Work Location: In person