Veterinary Technician - Plaquemines Campus

Description

Overview of Job:

The Louisiana SPCA Plaquemine Parish Campus is an open admission shelter that provides medical care, enrichment, and placement to the animals in need of Plaquemines Parish. This position plays a crucial role in keeping the shelter population healthy, providing oversight and guidance to the animal and client care associates regarding shelter animal health. The veterinary technician assists the veterinarian(s) during exams, treatment, and surgery and ensures doctors instructions are followed by all members of the team. The technician actively works to promote and support the LA/SPCA's programs and mission by educating our clients on the various resources and services that we offer. 

Requirements

 Success Criteria & Essential Functions: 

• Collaborative and team oriented, this role supports their peers by proactively identifying ways to jump in to help and ensure that the entire shelter is succeeding and running smoothly. 
• A great multi-tasker with a strong work ethic, the successful incumbent can identify health concerns, draw samples, and restrain animals all while building a positive relationship with the customer. 
• An excellent communicator, the successful incumbent can communicate with a diverse array of customers and help to explain medical procedures and protocols in a non-technical way. The technician is also comfortable communicating medical concerns to the veterinarian or supervisor. 
• Detail oriented and focused on patient care, the technician will be responsible for restraining, prepping, and monitoring animals during and after surgery. Technician must be always alert for changes in animal help and bring concerns to the veterinarian and/or management immediately.  
• Self-Motivated, good at working independently or with a team with excellent communication skills. 
• Ability and willingness to function as a first responder for Hurricanes and other disasters 
• Self-aware and open to feedback, the incumbent will regularly seek out feedback from their peers, supervisors, and veterinary team to improve their technical and customer service skills. 
• Knowledge of administering and filling medications and ability to instruct coworkers, adopters and fosters on medical instructions 
• Knowledge of routine medical procedures for the care and humane treatment of domestic animals. 
• Knowledge of general maintenance and sanitation techniques used in animal shelters and clinic. 
• Knowledge of animal drug use regulations, euthanasia programs, and biohazardous waste disposal. 
• Comfortable with assisting in Humane Euthanasia and willingness to become certified as a CAET 
• Maintain confidentiality regarding all cases. 
• Coordinates the intake of animals from Plaquemines Parish Animal Control officers and citizens including applicable paperwork, data entry and record keeping. 
• Interacts with potential adopters, foster caregivers, & rescues; facilitating meet-and-greet sessions between potential adopters & pets; and explaining basic veterinary care given at the shelter & ongoing care needed 
• Performs daily sanitation and husbandry as assigned by supervisor to ensure proper cleanliness standards are maintained throughout the shelter and clinic. 
• Perform all other duties as needed and requested. 

Education and/or Experience:

• RVT not requested but must have animal handling experience
• Must have high school diploma or GED. Some college preferred.

Minimum Qualifications, Skills and Knowledge:

• Must be able to pass a criminal background check and pre-employment physical and substance screening.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Detail-oriented and comfortable working in a team environment.

Physical Requirements:

• Should not be allergic to animals; and must be able to work around all types of animals;
• Must not be allergic to nuts or nut products.
• Be able and willing to lift high volumes of dogs and cats each day.
• Be able to stand for 8 or more hours at a time.
• Must be able to lift at least 50 pounds; push and pull heavy objects; bend, twist, reach; perform strenuous physical activities including frequent walking and running, standing, bending, and stooping.
• Have good hearing including the ability to distinguish changes in pitch
• Able to move through tightly cramped areas in various situations.
• Acceptable sense of touch and smell
• Working Environment (or Working Conditions):
• Potentially subject to animal bites and scratches.
• Works in an area with a high noise level.