Veterinary Technicians

It is the responsibility of the Veterinary Technician to ensure the health and well-being of all cats and dogs residing at Nuzzles & Co.  Tasks focus on providing medical oversight under the direction of the Medical Director and staff Veterinarians for every animal in our program. In this position, the ideal candidate will be an experienced Veterinary Technician with excellent communication skills, ability to multitask, and the ability to learn and to lead through training other staff members about shelter medicine protocol. All employees of Nuzzles & Co work with the purpose of improving the adoptability of all animals in our program. To apply, please send your resume to contact@nuzzlesandco.org.

Essential Job Functions

Ability to work in a high-volume spay/neuter shelter setting

Inducing, monitoring, and recovering animals from anesthesia

Assisting in the surgical suite

Ability to triage and treat sick animals

Humane, stress free animal restraint

Responsible for filling and dispensing medications

Responsible for cleaning, wrapping, and sterilizing surgical instruments

Responsible for cleaning medical suite at end of each day

Responsible for maintaining accurate medical and vaccine and medical records.

Ability to communicate with members of the public in a professional and friendly manner

Any other administrative work deemed necessary by the Medical Director and Staff Veterinarians

Requirements

Comfort and experience working with dogs and cats (including unpredictable, fearful, and sometimes fractious animals)

Anesthesia experience including: knowledge of anesthetic equipment, ability to intubate dogs and cats, basic knowledge of anesthetic drugs

Knowledge and ability to assess animals for signs of infectious diseases

Ability to perform phlebotomy and place intravenous catheters

Knowledge of emergency procedures and veterinary resuscitation

Ability to multitask in a busy, high-paced setting

Excellent self-direction and motivation

Attention to detail

Interest and experience in shelter medicine a plus

Ability to work infrequent weekends off-site in high volume spay/neuter clinics in remote locations

Additional Duties and Responsibilities

Treat all animals humanely with compassion and concern, both on and off the job, and transmit these values to others.

Maintain the hygiene and general healthy appearance of all animals. This includes bathing, trimming matted fur, and trimming nails.

Provide a stable and consistent rescue environment by interacting with all animals consistently and with the intention of improving their behavior and demeanor.

Help to provide all animals with necessary interaction and socialization.

Maintain a professional working environment with all staff and supervisors.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Veterinary technical experience and knowledge required, including appropriate care and housing, common health problems, clinical signs, familiarity with commonly prescribed medications, and restraint/handling techniques.

Ability to read and comprehend instructions, short correspondence and memos.

Ability to effectively present information in one on one and small group situations to customers, clients and other employees of the organization.

Basic computer skills using standard Office programs such as Word or similar programs.

Ability to learn new veterinary and shelter software programs

Valid and functioning point of communication such as a phone number or email address.

Education and Experience

High school graduate or GED equivalent. Preferred: minimum 2 years veterinary technician experience in private practice or high/volume spay/neuter setting.

Physical Requirements

Must be able to routinely lift 40-50 pounds individually;

Must be able to lift up to 100 pounds with the help of fellow employees;

Must be able to perform strenuous manual labor;

Must be able to stand, walk, bend, kneel, stoop and hike frequently to perform duties;

Must be able to work outdoors in all seasons and weather conditions;

Must be able to work around both cat and dog dander and allergens.

Working Conditions

May be exposed to emotional and/or stressed members of the public.

Carry a fast paced and changing workload which at times can be stressful.

By nature of the job, there is occasional exposure to dead, injured, sick, unruly, vicious, and/or dangerous animals in addition to exposure to parasites and 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 is not a complete list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. No contract, either express or implied, respecting the procedures, terms, conditions, or duration of employment is created by this Job Description.

Nuzzles & Co is an equal opportunity employer.  All qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to their race, religion, ancestry, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, marital status, domestic partner status, or medical condition.