Registered Veterinary Technician

FOOTHILLS ANIMAL SHELTER•Golden, CO

13d•$28 - $32•Onsite

About The Position

Foothills Animal Shelter seeks a skilled Veterinary Technician to join our veterinary team in a high-volume spay/neuter environment. This role puts your full range of technical skills to work every day while caring for thousands of animals on their way to new homes. As an open admissions shelter, we are committed to being here for families and their pets in Jefferson County, Colorado. We identify as a socially conscious shelter, caring for over 9,000 dogs, cats, and small animals every year with a compassionate team of staff and volunteers who are committed to the physical and emotional wellbeing of every pet we serve.

Requirements

Associates 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)
Must obtain and maintain rabies pre-exposure vaccination series within six months of hire
Must obtain Fear Free Shelter and Fear Free Veterinary certification within 60 days of employment
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
Ability to multi-task and maintain composure in a fast-paced environment while providing courteous service to potentially difficult, emotional, or frustrated clients
Ability to maintain the highest levels of confidentiality when dealing with proprietary information and sensitive situations
Ability to communicate and collaborate with a variety of people and personality types
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and strong attention to detail
Must be able to manage the emotional aspect of end-of-life services and humane euthanasia
Working knowledge of animal sheltering practices; highly supportive of open admissions philosophy
Computer proficiency in Microsoft Office including word processing, spread sheets, meeting software and email; proficient with animal management software and databases
Ability to stand and walk for the majority 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 throughout the shift
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 emergency situations requiring immediate physical intervention

Nice To Haves

Experience in animal sheltering, high-volume spay/neuter, or similar preferred

Responsibilities

Keep our high-volume spay/neuter surgery running smoothly: perform pre-surgical exams, calculate and administer pre-anesthetic drugs, administer and monitor anesthesia, and oversee recovery.
Perform daily health evaluations, and medicate, vaccinate, and treat shelter animals as prescribed by our veterinarians, using Fear Free handling every step of the way.
Collect and run lab work, take radiographs (including dental radiographs), and perform dental cleanings.
Administer vaccinations at our public vaccine clinics, keeping pets in our community healthy.
Welcome and support volunteers and new team members, and work closely with our behavior, animal care, and shelter services teams.