Veterinary Surgery Technician

Job Summary:

The Veterinary Surgery Technician is responsible for ensuring that both the public and shelter animals in our center receive the best possible care and attention as well as performs technician duties such as surgery prep, surgery check-in, assist veterinarians, medical records entry, discharge clients, client education, and relay appropriate information to/from clients to doctors and/or management. All job duties are supportive of the Providence Animal Center’s mission in accordance with the organization’s policies and procedures, and with the safety of people and animals at the forefront of all activities. Other duties and responsibilities may be assigned.

Accountability:

This position reports directly to the Lead Surgery Technician and/or Director of Surgery. This position is a full-time non-exempt position.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Check patients into computer system, choose appropriate anesthetic protocols, draw up and administer anesthetics and other medications

• Perform catheterization (e.g. urinary, venous) as needed

• Induction and intubation of surgical patients

• Perform dental examinations, cleanings, basic dental procedures, and capture dental x-rays

• Take vitals of patients, including temperature, pulse, and respiratory rates

• Prepare and label medications to be sent home with the patient

• Discharge patients; explaining post-operative care and answering questions to owners

• Perform regular veterinarian assistant duties as listed below:

  • Prep animals for surgery and closely monitor animals while under anesthesia and as they recover from anesthesia

  • Assist with restraint of animals for placement of IV catheters, treatments, suture removals, etc.

  • Review vaccination records and prepare vaccines according to our vaccine protocol

  • Prepare testing supplies (e.g. heartworm, FIV/FeLV, combo tests) prior to surgeries

  • Assist veterinarian in surgical procedures using proper aseptic technique

  • Maintain cleanliness of surgical department and cages

  • Maintain accurate medical records, drug logs, etc. associated with surgical patients

  • Administer medications, vaccines, and treatments prescribed by a veterinarian

  • Clean and sterilize instruments and equipment

  • Trim nails, express anal glands, clean ears, remove sutures and perform other routine procedures

  • Complete daily and weekly tasks list

Qualifications:

• Animal handling and prior veterinary technician experience required.

• Must be able to multi-task and perform in a fast-paced team-oriented environment.

• Ability to remain composed in emergency situations and cope with death.

• Medical terminology knowledge. Ability to effectively communicate medical information about the animal.

• Read and interpret medical records to determine vaccination status and preventative care needs.

• Ability to restrain cats and dogs, of any size, including appropriate safety equipment for fractious or feral animals.

• Ability to learn adoptions database to enter medical and behavioral information (PetPoint software).

• Ability to establish and maintain an effective working relationship with co-workers.

• Must demonstrate regular and consistent attendance and punctuality.

• Must be able to work under stressful conditions and work efficiently and effectively under those conditions.

• Must have a genuine interest in the work, programs, and mission of Providence Animal Center.

Physical Requirements:

• Must meet physical requirements of job, to include standing for long periods of time, lifting up to 50lbs unassisted and handling dogs as large as 150lbs.

• Must sit, stand, walk, bend and stoop frequently to perform duties.

• Ability to lift and carry 25lbs without assistance.

• Possible exposure to cleaning agents and allergens.

• Possible exposure to zoonotic disease.

• Subject to loud/frequent noise.