Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) or Veterinary Assistant

HSSV•Milpitas, CA

2d•$22 - $35

About The Position

The Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) or Veterinary Assistant cares for and treats shelter and privately owned animals at Humane Society Silicon Valley’s medical center, which cares for more than 7,000 homeless pets and performs more than 8,800 surgeries each year. The position may involve duties in an onsite spay/neuter/vaccine clinic, in-house shelter medicine, or mobile spay/neuter and wellness clinics. The individual works an alternative schedule of two to three 10-hour days. Hours are based on organizational needs; shifts may begin as early as 6:30 a.m. and end as late as 7:30 p.m. Overtime may be required depending on staffing needs, and the role requires working at least one weekend day because animals are cared for onsite seven days a week. Responsibilities differ by role. The RVT performs veterinary technical procedures under a DVM’s direct supervision, including anesthesia induction, certain surgical procedures, diagnostics, medication administration, radiography, triage, and patient care. The Veterinary Assistant supports procedures and patient care under the direct supervision of a DVM or RVT, including surgical preparation, anesthesia monitoring, prescribed treatments, diagnostics, and triage. Both roles contribute to a collaborative team, maintain safe and sanitary clinical areas, use Fear Free handling techniques, communicate with clients, and follow HSSV protocols.

Requirements

For the RVT role, a California-licensed Registered Veterinary Technician is required.
For the Veterinary Assistant role, ability to acquire a Veterinary Assistant Controlled Substance Permit (VACSP) in compliance with the California Veterinary Medical Board is required.
Experience caring for animals in a medical or animal shelter setting using Fear Free animal handling techniques.
Ability to respond appropriately during emergencies and maintain competency in CPR procedures.
Comfort and competence handling all types of pet animals.
Passion for animal welfare and community impact, with a positive attitude and empathy in an emotional field.
Excellent customer service skills and enjoyment of a fast-paced work environment.
Strong desire to contribute to onsite and mobile clinic needs.
Team-oriented approach and willingness to help in any area.
Motivation to learn and grow, and dedication to saving lives.
Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills, including the ability to build trust, engage internal and external audiences, and influence outcomes with stakeholders.

Responsibilities

Work as part of a team of Veterinary Assistants, RVTs, veterinarians, and volunteers to provide high-quality animal care.
For RVTs, under direct DVM supervision, induce anesthesia; apply casts and splints; perform dental extractions; suture wounds and dental sites; and perform cut-backs for IV catheters.
For Veterinary Assistants, under direct DVM or RVT supervision, assist with preoperative induction and surgical preparation, monitor anesthesia, and care for animals undergoing surgery.
Identify symptoms of common animal illnesses; administer medications, vaccinations, and preventative treatments within the scope of the role; perform diagnostic tests; and triage new shelter intakes.
For RVTs, perform euthanasia procedures on sick and injured animals.
Participate in medical examinations and soft-tissue and orthopedic surgeries.
Prepare daily surgery medications and treatments, maintain controlled drug logs and medical records, and manage the flow of surgical patients.
For RVTs, perform full-body and dental x-rays; for Veterinary Assistants, assist with dental x-rays and prophylaxis under direct DVM supervision.
Complete standing orders for medical treatment under established protocols.
Triage patients needing medical attention, including using telehealth technology.
Keep surgical and treatment areas clean and stocked, and maintain a safe and sanitary environment.
Use Fear Free animal handling techniques and restrain animals for procedures.
Discharge surgical patients and provide customer care and client communications.
Complete accurate and timely data entry and paperwork.
Follow HSSV safety, disinfection, and animal care protocols.
Maintain a professional, collaborative approach with coworkers and staff in other departments.
Perform other duties as assigned.