Veterinary Technician

City of Burlington NC•Nc 27258, NC

19d•Onsite

About The Position

This role is for a credentialed (or soon-to-be) Veterinary Technician who wants to expand beyond basic, routine care and work in high-volume surgical and medical services with state-of-the-art equipment. The position is in a flexible, fast-paced, highly collaborative, and supportive environment, working alongside a positive, professional team that prioritizes pet lifesaving and maintains the highest care standards. The Veterinary Technician will be a vital member of the veterinary medical team supporting pet health and wellbeing at Burlington Animal Services’ (BAS) Pet Adoption and Resource Center (PARC). They will utilize advanced veterinary technical skills in administering medical and surgical care for diverse pet health needs. Responsibilities include working collaboratively with other staff, veterinarians, fosters, adopters, and leaders to address pet health needs with a focus on achieving positive outcomes. After-hours, there are opportunities to earn supplemental on-call pay through rotational on-call responsibility for providing virtual and on-site support for foster pet health emergencies. The role involves administering DVM-directed veterinary care within the scope of permitted practice for RVTs in North Carolina. BAS is a department of the City of Burlington, NC, dedicated to enhancing the well-being of pets and people through pet lifesaving, public service, proactive support, community collaboration, and solutions-oriented, positive outcomes. BAS is committed to a no-kill philosophy and practice, aiming to save every pet that can be saved, caring for over 6,000 pets annually at the PARC and maintaining a 90% or greater level of pet lifesaving.

Requirements

In-depth understanding of relevant regulations and industry guidelines, including NC G.S. Chapters related to animal protection, veterinary practice, rabies control, controlled substances, and animal welfare standards.
Comprehensive knowledge of the competencies expected of veterinary technicians, particularly in shelter medicine, high-volume sterilization, and veterinary practices.
Proficient in performing both basic and advanced veterinary procedures, utilizing proper techniques to ensure optimal care for animals.
Skilled in using Microsoft Office (Word, Outlook, Excel) and other relevant software applications (Chameleon, Acuity, Digital Radiology, Canva) to support daily operations and responsibilities.
Able to stay flexible and responsive to frequent changes in priorities, workload, and assignments, maintaining efficiency in a fast-paced environment.
Effective in listening, reading, and comprehending complex information; capable of clear and professional communication in both written and oral formats, with a focus on interpersonal relations.
Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment and make informed decisions, especially in high-pressure situations.
Capable of working both independently and as part of a team, adapting to various work environments and project needs.
Graduation from an accredited college or university with an associate degree in any field and current enrollment or completion of veterinary medical technology program and one year of directly related work experience.
Valid Driver’s License

Nice To Haves

Candidates licensed by the NCVMB as a registered veterinary technician (RVT).
Previous work experience with shelter medicine and high-volume surgery.

Responsibilities

Monitor and evaluate pets' physical and mental well-being through observation, data review, and physical examinations, addressing health abnormalities as needed.
Collaborate with DVMs for case reviews, examinations, diagnoses, and treatment plans for pets requiring medical attention.
Provide treatments as directed by DVM recommendations or standing orders from the Chief DVM.
Perform anesthesia administration, intubation, surgical preparation, monitoring, assisting, and post-operative recovery for high-volume surgeries.
Conduct various medical tasks, including catheterization, fluid therapy, dental work, and in-house diagnostics (e.g., CBC, viral testing, cytology, digital radiographs, and ultrasound).
Administer humane euthanasia for pets experiencing irremediable suffering.
Ensure the cleanliness, organization, and sterility of the medical and surgical suites, equipment, instruments, and pharmacy.
Manage medical supply inventory, track metrics, and prepare reports to identify trends and ensure efficiency.
Create and maintain accurate, detailed digital health records, documenting all treatments, medications, procedures, and DEA-scheduled drug usage.
Adhere to guidelines set by NCVMB, NCDA&CS, NCGA, and BAS policies within areas of responsibility.
Provide thorough health-related guidance to fosters and adopters, ensuring the well-being of pets’ post-adoption or fostering.
Offer instructions and guidance to staff, volunteers, and student interns regarding pet care and handling.
Foster positive relationships and maintain professional, cooperative interactions with internal and external stakeholders.
Employ Fear-Free© methods to reduce stress and ensure the safety of pets during care.
Follow established safety protocols in all aspects of work.
Take on additional tasks as needed to support the organization's mission and ensure effective operations.