Vet Tech Surgical Specialist-Mentorship Pgrm

OPERATION KINDNESS HUMANE SOCIETY•Carrollton, TX

9d•$0 - $24

About The Position

Operation Kindness Humane Society is hiring an experienced veterinary technician for its Vet Tech Surgical Specialist Mentorship Program. The role delivers high-quality surgical care while supporting rotating visiting veterinarians in a high-volume surgical training environment. Reporting to the Surgical Operations Manager and partnering with the Director of Veterinary Mentorships, the specialist provides advanced anesthesia monitoring and surgical assistance, models best practices, reinforces surgical flow and safety protocols, and offers real-time technical guidance to mentees. The specialist is expected to adapt instruction to weekly cohorts while maintaining efficient, calm, and compassionate patient care. The position includes surgical preparation, patient intake and examinations, anesthesia and recovery support, medication administration, laboratory procedures, recordkeeping, equipment and supply readiness, and client communication and education. It also involves keeping surgical areas clean and organized, supporting shelter animal medical needs, and contributing to a supportive learning environment and positive team culture. The stated schedule is Tuesday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. The posting also notes that schedules may vary to include days, evenings, weekends, or holidays. A background check and drug screen are part of the hiring process.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Fluent in English.
Acquire Certified Euthanasia Training within three months of hire.
At least five years of veterinary technician experience, including a minimum of two years in a surgical- or anesthesia-focused veterinary setting.
Strong knowledge of anesthesia, surgical preparation, aseptic technique, and patient monitoring.
Proficiency in placing catheters and drawing blood accurately.
Ability to intubate successfully and independently.
Extensive knowledge of diseases, conditions, and medications.
Ability to identify medical and other issues and determine resolutions independently.
Ability to independently prepare animals and equipment for specialty surgeries.
Ability to communicate medical information clearly and confidently to customers, coworkers, volunteers, and donors.
Extensive knowledge and demonstrated ability in X-ray techniques, positioning, and safety.
Extensive knowledge of preventive care, including vaccines.
Ability to provide compassionate, precise, and safety-conscious patient care.
Strong customer service, organizational, communication, and teamwork skills; ability to manage multiple priorities and remain composed in varied settings.
Comfort working in a learning environment with visiting veterinarians and trainees.
Genuine liking for animals and for working in an animal-care environment.
Support for Operation Kindness's mission and understanding of its nonprofit organization and operations.
Ability to work well with staff, clients, and volunteers and relate to people with varied backgrounds and beliefs.
Positive attitude and openness to new ideas.
Must be eligible to be a driver for Operation Kindness.
Ability to lift and carry animals and shelter materials weighing up to 40 pounds; another staff member assists with items over 40 pounds.
Ability to sit or stand for extended periods and speak over the telephone.
Ability to work in conditions that may include temperature variations, chemicals, unpleasant odors, noise, animal feces, bites, scratches, and zoonotic diseases.
Must complete a background check and drug screen as part of the hiring process.

Nice To Haves

Veterinary Technician Certification.
Experience teaching or training.
Experience in a high-volume surgical environment.

Responsibilities

Perform surgical preparation, patient intake and examinations, pre-operative care, and induction.
Monitor anesthesia and make intraoperative decisions, modeling calm, evidence-based practices.
Provide technical guidance to visiting veterinarians on high-volume, high-quality surgical flow, anesthesia practices, and patient safety.
Monitor surgical-suite workflow, anticipate needs, prevent bottlenecks, and support staff and learners.
Support post-operative monitoring, pain management, and recovery protocols.
Maintain accurate surgical, anesthesia, medication, and patient activity records.
Follow shelter policies and precautions to protect animals from illness or injury.
Dispense medications and administer injections in accordance with shelter and veterinary guidelines and regulations.
Perform clinical laboratory procedures, including fecal exams, urinalyses, fungal cultures, and heartworm checks, and draw blood for laboratory analysis.
Assist with surgical scheduling, patient flow, and preparation of surgical areas.
Set up, clean, and break down assigned areas; prepare and sterilize surgery packs; do laundry; clean animal kennels; and perform other required cleaning.
Clean and sterilize surgical equipment and instruments and ensure they are ready for use.
Monitor medication, consumable, and surgical supply inventory and alert leadership when replenishment is needed.
Report equipment concerns to the Surgical Operations Manager and assist with routine maintenance.
Model surgical and anesthesia protocols for visiting veterinarians and new technicians; answer routine questions about equipment, workflows, and patient preparation.
Foster a supportive and encouraging environment for trainees and provide compassionate care to animals and clients.
Perform humane euthanasia as needed after completing the required certification course.
Adapt instruction and communication to weekly mentee cohorts.
Provide clients with medical records for procedures and vaccinations administered at Operation Kindness.
Counsel clients about animal care, medication dosages and purposes, and home-care follow-up in understandable language.
Communicate workflow, patient status, and resource needs to the Surgical Operations Manager and coordinate with the Director of Veterinary Mentorships on training goals.
Assist the shelter operations team with medical or surgical needs related to shelter animals as requested.
Support cross-departmental communication and contribute to a compassionate, professional, continuously improving team culture.
Report suspected animal abuse or neglect and unsafe working conditions to a manager or above immediately.
Maintain confidentiality, follow safety precautions, complete required training, attend staff meetings, and participate in shelter events as requested.
Perform other duties as assigned or required.