Licensed Veterinary Technician

Humane Society for Southwest Washington • Vancouver, WA

13d • $28 - $34

About The Position

The Licensed Veterinary Technician is a full-time, FLSA-nonexempt position at the Humane Society for Southwest Washington. The role completes and analyzes diagnostics, assists with and performs dental procedures, and provides anesthetic management in a high-quality, high-volume spay/neuter surgery setting. The position reports to the Director of Community Medicine and works with veterinary departments, volunteers, workforce partners, clients, and veterinary technician students and assistants.

The technician supports surgical patients from preparation through discharge; assists veterinarians with examinations, treatments, and diagnostics; maintains clinical areas, equipment, instruments, and records; and helps manage inventory and controlled-substance logs. The role also provides education and training to clients, staff, volunteers, and workforce partners, while promoting safe practices and professional, courteous service. Work takes place in a clinical environment at an animal shelter that operates seven days per week, with exposure to animals and other clinical and environmental conditions.

Requirements

• WA State certification as a Licensed Veterinary Technician, or ability to obtain WA certification within a reasonable time.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and strong customer-service skills.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Effective organizational skills; ability to maintain and organize written and computerized records.
• Initiative and conscientiousness, with the ability to manage multiple tasks in a demanding environment.
• Ability to lift 50 pounds safely and carry it a minimum of 25 feet.
• Attention to detail and good judgment when communicating with the public about animal-related concerns.
• Commitment to HSSW's mission, vision, and values and recognition of spay/neuter as a means to end pet overpopulation.
• Comfort monitoring anesthesia and assisting the surgeon.
• Awareness of how flexibility, professionalism, and teamwork contribute to organizational success.
• Ability to perform the physical duties described, including standing, walking, sitting, communicating, stooping, bending, squatting, kneeling, stretching, grasping, reaching, twisting, and lifting, pushing, pulling, or carrying up to 50 pounds.

Nice To Haves

• At least one year of experience performing feline and canine dental procedures.
• At least one year of work experience in high-volume, high-quality spay/neuter.

Responsibilities

• Help plan and organize the daily surgery schedule.
• Assist with daily care of surgical patients and disease-control protocols.
• Maintain clean, sterile, and functioning preparation and surgery rooms.
• Clean and maintain surgical instruments and prepare surgical packs.
• Provide anesthetic induction and surgical preparation, and monitor physiological parameters of patients under anesthesia.
• Assist the surgeon and assist with recovery-patient interventions when needed.
• Enter surgery records into the database and complete appropriate paperwork.
• Clean and disinfect tables, floors, kennels, and surgery equipment.
• Discharge patients and educate clients on pre- and post-surgical care.
• Assist veterinarians with examinations, treatments, and diagnostics.
• Enter examination, medication, and treatment data into ezyVet.
• Demonstrate and teach technical skills and sanitation protocols to staff engaged in animal care.
• Educate, train, and assist clinic volunteers; partner with volunteers in their training, integration, safety, performance, and job satisfaction.
• Respond to inquiries and concerns from foster-care volunteers.
• Train staff and volunteers on disease-control standards, community-medicine protocols, and foster-care guidelines.
• Provide advice and resources on HSSW programs and animal-welfare topics.
• Provide orientation and training to veterinary technician students and veterinary assistants.
• Attend continuing education.
• Assist with inventory and supply ordering, including controlled-substance logs and inventory.
• Maintain appropriate records and documents and keep equipment in good working condition.
• Promote a safe working environment, follow safety protocols, and take immediate action on safety concerns or noncompliance that could create risk.
• Assist with euthanasia.
• Represent HSSW professionally and courteously and provide quality service to customers, volunteers, and staff.
• Promote development of skills related to the organization's goals and mission, and take initiative to perform other duties as needed.

Benefits

• Health, dental, and vision insurance effective the first of the month after hire.
• Matching-percentage 401(k) retirement plan beginning the first month after hire, with a three-year graded vesting schedule and a Roth contribution option.
• Employee Assistance Program access for all household members.
• Section 125 FSA Cafeteria Plan for out-of-pocket health and/or dependent day-care expenses.
• Employee discounts and discounts with partner organizations.
• Access to affordable life, disability, and accidental supplemental insurance.
• Employer qualifies for Public Service Loan Forgiveness.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: No Education Listed