Shelter Medicine Veterinary Technician

Maryland SPCA

Shelter Medicine Veterinary Technician

Full time/40 hours a week/four 10 hour days including one weekend day

Description:

As one of the oldest animal welfare organizations in the country, the mission of the Maryland SPCA has always been protecting and promoting educational about proper care of animals. The shelter medicine team is an integral part of the success of MD SPCA, as they provide direct care to our shelter pets, allowing healthy animals to find forever homes. If you are excited about the idea of improving the lives of our community's pets and people and long to be part of a fun, passionate team, this job is for you.

Position Summary:

Shelter Medicine Veterinary Technician assists the exam team in all aspects of the intake exams, patient care, emergency care, and case management for our shelter pets. Technicians are expected to be able to work in a fast-paced team environment, using safe animal handling practice with a focus on low stress techniques. They will follow directives and protocols created and approved by our Chief Veterinarian of Shelter Medicine. Technicians will be responsible for cleaning of animal and administrative areas to keep up with disease management standards.

Essential duties and responsibilities:

• Conduct intake exams including administering vaccines, treatments and diagnostics by following approved protocols and notifying staff veterinarian of anything abnormal

• Assist veterinarian staff in examinations and complete treatment plans including ensuring daily medications are given timely and documented appropriately
• Handle and restrain a wide variety of animals safely and effectively in a humane manner with an emphasis on fear free or low stress techniques
• Accurately record medical information into our shelter database
• Perform lifesaving triage and first aid in an animal emergency
• Accurately collect specimens and perform laboratory procedures as well as paperwork for sending to an external laboratory

• Assist with radiographs
• Perform humane euthanasia for shelter and community pets at owner's request for end of life services
• Use Personal Protection Equipment when necessary, according to our disease management protocols
• Clean and care for shelter pets daily needs by following protocols with an emphasis on disease management
• Maintain clean and organized exam rooms and administration areas in the exam department

• Clearly and positively communicate with team members, managers, volunteers, and clients
• Prioritize cases and assist in daily shelter rounds to ensure that pets are moving towards outcomes with a focus on length of stay

Qualification Requirements:

• Experience or education as a Veterinarian Technician required, experience in an animal shelter medical setting and/or licensed as a registered veterinary technician preferred.
• Experience and ability to demonstrate safe animal restraint, drawing blood, and administering medication, (I.V and sub-cutaneous)

• Ability to evaluate problems accurately while displaying good, sound judgment when working with limited supervision and under emotional stress
• Ability to prioritize, multi-task and be self-motivated
• Possess a high level of professionalism, strong interpersonal skills, and be a team player.
• Skilled in utilizing computer software including Microsoft Office Programs, Word, Outlook, and Excel
• Certified in Euthanasia by Injection for the state of Maryland or willing/able to become certified in first year of employment

• Committed to and enthusiastic about the mission, programs, and services of the Maryland SPCA

Physical Demands:

• Standing or walking 8 or more hours per day with frequent bending, kneeling, stooping, and reaching
• Able to see fine detail in a variety of situations
• Must possess good hearing, including the ability to distinguish changes in vocal pitch

• Must have a reasonable degree of agility to move through tightly cramped areas in various situations
• Possess excellent eye-hand coordination
• Physically capable of performing all duties in the shelter including moderately heavy work, to include lifting and/or carrying up to 50 lbs

Working Conditions

• Work is performed in a shelter clinic setting with prolonged, standing and kneeling.

• Regular exposure to animals, animal waste, and potentially hazardous conditions, including the risk of animal bites
• Potential exposure to zoonotic diseases, sharp objects, hazardous chemicals, dangerous and fractious animals
• Prolonged exposure to various aqueous solutions, including but not limited to dish soap, chlorhexidine, and Rescue Disinfectant
• Potential prolonged exposure to isoflurane gas
• Exposure to disinfecting solutions when cleaning the workspace

• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate

The Maryland SPCA is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. The MD SPCA is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees and to providing employees with a work environment free from discrimination and harassment.

All employment decisions at the MD SPCA are based on the organization's needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion/beliefs, age, or any other protected status. The MD SPCA will not tolerate discrimination based on any of these characteristics. We encourage all applicants with a passion for our mission to apply.

The MD SPCA strives to provide a safe work environment and encourage personal health. Therefore, it is a substance-free, drug-free workplace.