Registered Veterinary Technician

FOOTHILLS ANIMAL SHELTER • Golden, CO

8d • $28 - $32 • Onsite

About The Position

Foothills Animal Shelter is seeking a skilled Registered Veterinary Technician to join its veterinary team in a high-volume spay/neuter environment. The role uses a broad range of technical skills while caring for shelter animals. The shelter is an open-admissions organization serving families and pets in Jefferson County, Colorado, and cares for more than 9,000 dogs, cats, and small animals each year.

The technician performs surgical and clinical care, including pre-surgical exams, anesthesia administration and monitoring, recovery oversight, daily health evaluations, medication, vaccination, treatment, laboratory work, radiography, and dental cleanings. The role also supports public vaccine clinics and collaborates with behavior, animal care, and shelter services teams. The technician welcomes and supports volunteers and new team members and uses Fear Free handling practices.

This position offers a compressed schedule of four 10-hour shifts, with at least one weekend day required and possible holiday work. The work environment includes high noise, animal-related odors and allergens, infectious agents, cleaning chemicals, emotionally challenging situations, fluctuating temperatures, and limited climate control. Physical requirements include standing and walking for most of each shift, frequent bending and kneeling, lifting up to 50 pounds, and handling animals of varied sizes and temperaments.

The stated pay range is $28.00–$32.00 per hour, depending on relevant experience. Additional compensation may be available for euthanasia technician certification or passing a Spanish-language oral proficiency assessment. Full-time employees receive employee benefits; the posting identifies the position as full-time/part-time.

Requirements

• Associate degree in veterinary technology from an AVMA-accredited program.
• One year of work experience as a veterinary technician.
• State of Colorado registration as a Veterinary Technician (RVT).
• Obtain and maintain a rabies pre-exposure vaccination series within six months of hire.
• Obtain Fear Free Shelter and Fear Free Veterinary certifications within 60 days of employment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to multitask and maintain composure in a fast-paced environment while providing courteous service to potentially difficult, emotional, or frustrated clients.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality when handling proprietary information and sensitive situations.
• Ability to communicate and collaborate with people with varied personalities.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and strong attention to detail.
• Ability to manage the emotional aspects of end-of-life services and humane euthanasia.
• Working knowledge of animal sheltering practices and strong support for an open-admissions philosophy.
• Computer proficiency with Microsoft Office, including word processing, spreadsheets, meeting software, and email; proficiency with animal management software and databases.
• Ability to stand and walk for most of a 10-hour shift on hard surfaces, with minimal sedentary work.
• Ability to bend, twist, kneel, and squat frequently throughout the shift.
• Ability to lift, carry, and move up to 50 pounds regularly.
• Ability to physically restrain and handle animals of all sizes and temperaments, including dogs weighing over 100 pounds.
• Manual dexterity to handle veterinary equipment, including needles, syringes, and restraint tools.
• Ability to respond quickly to emergencies requiring immediate physical intervention.
• Availability for ten-hour shifts, including at least one weekend day; the schedule may include holidays.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in animal sheltering, high-volume spay/neuter, or a similar setting.
• Certification as a euthanasia technician or ability to pass a Spanish-language oral proficiency assessment may qualify for additional compensation.

Responsibilities

• Perform pre-surgical examinations for high-volume spay/neuter surgery.
• Calculate and administer pre-anesthetic drugs; administer and monitor anesthesia; and oversee patient recovery.
• Conduct daily health evaluations and provide prescribed medications, vaccinations, and treatments using Fear Free handling.
• Collect and run laboratory work.
• Take radiographs, including dental radiographs, and perform dental cleanings.
• Administer vaccinations at public vaccine clinics.
• Welcome and support volunteers and new team members.
• Collaborate with behavior, animal care, and shelter services teams.
• Respond effectively to emergency situations and support the physical and emotional well-being of patients.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance for full-time employees.
• Health savings accounts and flexible spending accounts.
• Retirement plan with a 4% employer match and immediate vesting.
• Two medical plans and employee-only dental and vision coverage are currently offered at no cost.
• Reimbursement of job-specific licensing, certification, and renewal fees.
• Continuing education reimbursement of up to $500 annually, prorated for part-time employment.
• Compressed work week of four 10-hour shifts.
• Generous time-off benefits.

What This Job Offers

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