Licensed Veterinary Technician

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals • New York, NY

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT) provides nursing care and veterinary support across the ASPCA Adoption Center and Kitten Nursery in New York City. The role partners with veterinarians and colleagues to deliver compassionate patient care and support animals’ physical and behavioral needs. The Adoption Center serves animals affected by cruelty or neglect, community referrals, owner surrender, medical vulnerability, and transfers from shelter and rescue partners. The Kitten Nursery coordinates medical and behavioral care and foster placement for more than 800 underage kittens annually.

From March through November, the LVT divides time equally between the Adoption Center and Kitten Nursery. Outside kitten season, half of the workweek supports other ASPCA programs in New York City. The position is on-site at the ASPCA 92nd Street Adoption Center & Kitten Nursery. Regular shifts are 8 or 10 hours. The LVT reports to the Adoption Center Senior Manager of Medical Operations and has no direct reports.

The role includes providing nursing care; assisting veterinarians with examinations, treatments, and diagnostic testing; and performing clinical care in accordance with shelter medicine protocols and low-stress handling principles. The LVT also maintains accurate medical records, communicates animal-care information to staff and caregivers, supports volunteers and other staff, and helps maintain clean, orderly, appropriately stocked work areas. Fear Free Shelter and Fear Free Veterinary certification must be obtained within 60 days of hire.

Requirements

• Associate’s or bachelor’s degree in Veterinary Technology or a related field is required; the posting also specifies a degree from a school of veterinary science technology for training animal health technicians.
• New York State veterinary technician licensure is required in the education and work experience section; current NYS licensure is strongly preferred. The posting also states NYS license in Veterinary Technology is required.
• At least one year of clinical experience working as a veterinary technician.
• Eligibility for certification as a euthanasia technician in New York State.
• Knowledge of animal care, handling, and disease recognition, and familiarity with veterinary hospital and/or shelter protocols and procedures.
• Ability to appropriately care for and handle fearful, aggressive, or fractious animals and work effectively with a highly vulnerable population with a naturally higher mortality rate.
• Proficient technical nursing and low-stress animal handling and restraint skills.
• Critical thinking, multitasking, organization, and diligence; ability to adjust focus and priorities quickly based on patient and program needs.
• Ability to work efficiently and calmly both independently with minimal supervision and as part of a team, including under challenging conditions and with flexibility around assignments.
• Willingness to learn, implement, and teach new protocols and maintain high standards of care, work ethic, and performance.
• Strong, courteous communication and customer-service skills in person, by phone, and by email; professionalism in stressful, urgent, and time-sensitive situations.
• Basic computer skills, including Excel, Microsoft Office, and email.
• Ability to lift up to 40 pounds and to walk, bend, stand, and reach constantly for at least an 8-hour workday; ability to walk, bend, stand, and reach consistently for 10 or more hours.
• Ability to exemplify ASPCA core values and behavioral competencies.
• English language required.
• Fear Free Shelter and Fear Free Veterinary certifications required within 60 days of hire.
• High school diploma is listed as required in the additional education and work experience information.

Nice To Haves

• Experience working in a shelter setting.
• Training and/or experience caring for neonatal and orphaned kittens.
• Familiarity with PetPoint or other shelter software systems.
• Current New York State veterinary technician licensure is strongly preferred.
• One to three years of veterinary hospital and/or shelter experience is listed as preferred in the additional education and work experience information.

Responsibilities

• Provide a safe, compassionate environment for animals, staff, and clients using low-stress handling techniques.
• Deliver nursing care and technical services, including venipuncture, catheter placement, medication administration, diagnostic testing, triage, and basic examinations.
• Perform examinations and provide clinical care for healthy and medically compromised animals on-site and in foster care according to protocols, including initial intakes.
• Assess animals’ age, health, and behavior to help determine suitable shelter or foster placement.
• Handle, administer, and log controlled substances under veterinary direction and according to protocols.
• Feed and medicate patients according to veterinary instructions and standard operating procedures; assist with bottle, syringe, and tube feeding and kitten growth-stage transitions.
• Coordinate, assist with, or perform humane euthanasia under staff-veterinarian supervision.
• Follow protocols to prevent infectious disease and assist with cleaning and disinfection as requested.
• Support other ASPCA departments in New York City during the Kitten Nursery off-season, as assigned.
• Coordinate and perform sedated examinations and perform DOH exit examinations.
• Enter information accurately and promptly in medical records, including information from other ASPCA systems and outside laboratory results.
• Document observations and relevant information to maintain complete and accurate medical records in accordance with ASPCA policies and applicable laws and regulations.
• Explain animal-condition information clearly and compassionately to staff, volunteers, foster caregivers, and adopters.
• Attend and actively participate in daily rounds and review medical charts.
• Provide input and feedback on operational changes; learn, implement, and follow departmental policies and protocols.
• Keep examination rooms and medical work areas clean, orderly, stocked, and ready for use; take inventory and stock supplies as needed.
• Follow personal protective equipment and cleaning protocols, as well as OSHA policies and requirements.
• Complete continuing education as required by the ASPCA and state licensing board.
• Provide training and oversight to volunteers and support staff.

Benefits

• Affordable health coverage, including medical, employer-paid dental, and optional vision coverage.
• Flexible time off, including vacation, sick and bereavement time, paid parental leave, 10 company-paid holidays, and paid personal time off.
• 401(k) plan with dollar-for-dollar employer matching up to 4% and an additional 4% employer contribution.
• Professional development opportunities, including classes, on-the-job training, coaching and mentorship, internal mobility, and opportunities to support in the field.
• Signing bonus.
• Relocation bonus.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree