Veterinary Technician II

Washington Humane Society • Washington, DC

5d

About The Position

The Humane Rescue Alliance seeks a Veterinary Technician to join a dynamic team of medical professionals to provide consistent medical care to animals in the nation’s capital. This role offers a unique opportunity to support animals in need, deepen your understanding of community medicine and shelter, and develop your veterinary skills. The veterinary technician provides a wide range of medical care and guidance, from basic wellness and care information to surgical support for shelter animals and owned animals. Candidates should have an advanced working knowledge of veterinary medicine and animal care and behavior.

Join an organization dedicated to fostering personal growth, providing opportunities for learning, and serving both the animals and owners of our nation’s capital. Candidates must be committed to providing incremental levels of support to owned animals, with an emphasis on improving access to care and strengthening the human-animal bond.

Requirements

• Two or more years of experience as a veterinary technician in an animal hospital or shelter. Certified or licensed Veterinarian Technician are encouraged to apply.
• Proficient technical skills including administering medications, phlebotomy, IV catheter placement, anesthesia monitoring, and lab diagnostics.
• Knowledge and skill in restraint and handling techniques, general animal safety practices, and ability to recognize animal behavior patterns.
• Proficient in Microsoft 365, shelter and practice management software, and internet applications.
• Strong interpersonal skills with a customer-service orientation; able to communicate in a professional, empathetic manner with staff, clients, and volunteers.
• Successful completion of Euthanasia Certification program within 6 months of hire.
• Previous Fear Free Certification or successful completion of Fear Free Shelter certification within 6 months of hire.
• Ability to routinely work evenings, weekends, and holidays as scheduled.
• Work collaboratively and with confidence in a high-stress, fast-paced work environment.
• Ability to work effectively independently and in a team environment, in an atmosphere of multiple projects, shifting priorities, and deadline pressures. Ability to be flexible, detail-oriented, and able to prioritize.
• Knowledge of, or ability to learn animal shelter procedures and protocols.
• Passion for the HRA mission, and for caring for all animals regardless of age, breed, temperament, or species, and supporting and educating members of the public, free of judgment or bias.
• Ability to manage the emotional aspect of work in an animal shelter environment in a positive, professional manner.
• Must be comfortable and proficient (or willing to become proficient) in animal-handling situations and have a strong desire to help animals and people, and commitment to life-saving programs and services.

Nice To Haves

• One to two years of progressively responsible experience in an open admittance animal shelter preferred.
• Multilingual candidates are encouraged to apply. A salary premium may be offered for multilingual candidates who demonstrate proficiency in written and oral testing.

Responsibilities

• Rotate between the medical center, surgery center, and community clinic as assigned.
• Perform intake exams and begin treatments on patients following our protocols and standard operating procedures; administer vaccinations, parasiticides, and routine screenings on a variety of species.
• Perform surgical support, including but not limited to surgery prep, anesthesia induction, intubation, monitoring, recovery, emergency intervention, as well as general cleaning and equipment management.
• Assist Veterinarians with patient appointments for illnesses, including obtaining patient histories, addressing client or foster parent concerns, performing indicated diagnostics, administering treatments, and reviewing discharge instructions.
• Perform diagnostics and collect and prepare laboratory samples for analysis.
• Perform advanced clinical procedures, including but not limited to digital radiology, dental scaling, polishing, and radiology, cystocentesis, enema placement, and advanced wound care.
• Calculate, administer, and record medications; complete controlled drug logs; fill prescriptions.
• Perform and assist with euthanasia.
• Perform shelter rounds and monitor population health.
• Work with other departments to determine the best pathway of incoming animals, i.e.; Adoption, Transfer, Medical Treatment, Spay/Neuter etc.
• Assist with training new and existing veterinary support staff on technical skills and veterinary knowledge.
• Update and maintain population management software, patient files, review care plans, and handle other administrative duties, as necessary.
• Maintain advanced knowledge of veterinary pharmacology, including drug classes, indications, dosing, and potential side effects.
• Maintain departmental procedures and protocols regarding humane care and treatment of animals, exam area cleanliness, and safety guidelines.
• Always represent HRA in a professional and courteous manner. Provide quality service to the public, volunteers, and employees recognizing their individual contributions to the success of the organization.
• Adhere to expectations for punctuality and attendance.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• The Humane Rescue Alliance (HRA) offers a comprehensive benefits package including healthcare, vision, dental and select offerings for pets. Additional information may be provided upon request.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed
• Number of Employees: 1-10 employees