Veterinary Technician III – ECC Weekend Warrior

Tufts University•Grafton, MA

3d•Onsite

About The Position

Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University provides 24-hour care for pets 365 days of the year. Since 1985, we have offered high quality medical care, consultation, referral, and emergency veterinary services for the care of dogs, cats and exotic pets. In addition, the hospital creates a positive learning experience for Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University students and student technicians with regard to small animal ECC medicine and supports the training of specialized ECC technicians. This position qualifies for a $2,000 sign on bonus following successful completion of 6 months of employment for newly hired employees. Are you an experienced veterinary technician who thrives in the excitement of Emergency & Critical Care—but wants a schedule that gives you more of your week back? We’re looking for an advanced-level Veterinary Technician III to join our Emergency & Critical Care team as a Weekend Warrior. This unique part-time position offers the best of both worlds: two 13-hour weekend shifts, full Tufts benefits and perks, and an additional weekend shift differential. You’ll work in a fast-paced, high-acuity environment where your expertise, clinical judgment, and ability to stay calm under pressure truly make a difference. The Emergency and Critical Care Veterinary Technician III performs advanced and more specialized technical procedures with limited supervision from the attending veterinarian or supervising technician. Under minimal supervision, the ECC Veterinary Technician III makes decisions and provides advanced veterinary patient nursing care, respecting the directions of the attending veterinarian. This role requires coaching and mentoring junior staff, as well as training new technicians. The Veterinary Technician III is responsible for teaching and supervising veterinary and technician students performing more advanced technical skills and nursing care. The Emergency and Critical Care Veterinary Technician is considered an essential employee within the hospital and the schedule may include providing University and calendar holiday coverage on a rotating basis.

Requirements

Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT/LVT/RVT) in good standing.
Associate or bachelor's degree from an AVMA-accredited Veterinary Technology program, or an equivalent degree in a related field.
Minimum of three years of experience as a credentialed veterinary technician, preferably in an emergency, critical care, specialty, or large referral hospital setting.
Demonstrated knowledge of veterinary medical terminology, emergency and critical care nursing principles, and veterinary pharmacology, including recognition and reporting of adverse drug reactions.
Working knowledge of controlled substance handling, documentation, storage, and regulatory compliance requirements.
Demonstrated ability to independently prioritize and perform advanced technical and nursing procedures with minimal supervision in a fast-paced environment.
Strong clinical judgment, critical-thinking skills, and the ability to identify and respond appropriately to changes in patient condition.
Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with a diverse team of clinicians, technicians, students, and support staff.
Ability to thrive in a high-volume, fast-paced emergency environment while maintaining professionalism, compassion, and attention to detail.
Proficiency with electronic medical record systems and standard Microsoft Office applications.
Ability to lift and safely restrain patients weighing up to 50 pounds with or without reasonable accommodation.
Advanced technical proficiency in emergency and critical care nursing, including venipuncture, intravenous catheter placement, patient triage, medication administration, blood product administration, advanced monitoring, and emergency patient stabilization.
Ability to obtain diagnostic samples and perform point-of-care laboratory testing.
Ability to recognize cardiopulmonary arrest and independently initiate CPR and other life-saving interventions in accordance with hospital protocols until a veterinarian assumes direction of the case.

Nice To Haves

Exotic animal handling skills
Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) certification in Emergency and Critical Care, or active pursuit of specialty certification, is highly desirable.
Fear Free Certified level 1
Demonstrated leadership abilities, initiative, and resourcefulness in a veterinary clinical setting.
At least three years of dedicated experience in Emergency and Critical Care medicine within a high-volume specialty, referral, or emergency hospital.
Experience managing emergency triage, critically ill patients, trauma cases, and inpatient hospitalization care.
Previous experience mentoring, training, and developing veterinary technicians, veterinary technician students, and veterinary students in a clinical environment.
Proven ability to serve as a technical resource and clinical leader during emergency situations.
RECOVER CPR Certification and demonstrated proficiency in veterinary cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
Experience working in an academic teaching hospital, specialty referral center, or collaborative multidisciplinary practice environment preferred.

Responsibilities

Provide high quality patient care including the following: Monitor, manage and implement treatment plans as ordered by clinicians to insure prompt delivery of high-quality patient care.
Assist clinicians with procedures.
Collaborate with administrative and clinical care team members throughout the hospital to coordinate and prioritize patient care.
Complete diagnostic testing as ordered by clinicians including bench-top lab tests.
Instruct veterinary students and student technicians in all technical aspects of patient care.
Assist in training, orienting, and mentoring new Veterinary Technicians in all aspects of the department.
Coach and mentor junior staff members as directed by supervisory staff.
Participate in provision of formal CE training.
Assist in studies and projects as needed including treating research/laboratory animals
Maintain adequate inventory of medical supplies and pharmaceuticals.
Clean and maintain clinical areas including nurses’ stations, wards, induction, intensive care unit, emergency room and operating rooms.
Provide coverage for other sections of the hospital as needed.
Participate in service and hospital wide initiatives as required.
Complete at least 6 hours of RACE approved CE annually.
Effectively communicate with clients to provide education, explain treatment plans, and review discharge instructions including medication administration.