About the position
Assist in the provision of medical and surgical care of animals in the shelter. Manages treatment plan of hospitalized patients, performs diagnostics (x-ray, in-house laboratory) and obtains sampling (blood, swabbing), administers medications via all routes, and leads the surgery team. Must be a self-starter with the ability to think critically in order to be a stakeholder in the patients’ treatment plans. Works well independently but as part of a team to ensure timely, quality medical care for all animals in the shelter. This position is based within the medical department at a specific ACC location but flexibility to work at other locations may occasionally be required.
• Responsibilities
• Administer drugs and vaccines by all routes as directed by the staff veterinarian.
• Perform LVT examinations in SOAP format as needed.
• Interpret clinical information and think critically to act swiftly and accordingly.
• Handle, restrain and triage all animals entering shelter.
• Regularly perform peripheral blood sampling and IV catheter placement.
• Assist with all aspects of surgery – pre, intra, and postoperatively which include administration and monitoring of anesthesia.
• Demonstrate knowledge of pharmacology when preparing and administering drugs – including drug class, medical dosing calculations, contraindications, and adverse reactions.
• Obtain diagnostics as ordered by veterinarians (radiographs, bloodwork, urine sampling, cultures, etc.).
• Collect appropriate samples and perform basic laboratory tests, including decapitation for rabies testing.
• Assist in performance of necropsy, as needed.
• Properly record all drug activity, DEA logs, and statistics, as required by law and ACC policy.
• Aging, sexing, and accurate disease process recognition.
• Implantation of microchips.
• Under the direction of a veterinarian, accurately document medical exam findings, vaccinations, medications, surgery information and treatments in Shelter Buddy medical records.
• Assist in the documentation of cruelty cases.
• Facilitate transfer of animals from intake or medical areas and into appropriate housing.
• Work cooperatively with ACC volunteers and partners and all departments.
• Communicate effectively, cordially, and promptly within and outside of the department.
• Cleaning of medical areas, kennels and cages as needed.
• Maintain medical equipment.
• Required to obtain ACC-provided euthanasia certification in order to perform the humane euthanasia of animals when needed.
• Fear Free certification within 30 days of hire.
• Complete other duties as assigned by Supervisor.
• Requirements
• Must be Licensed- If you are not licensed, we encourage you to apply to our Veterinary Assistant position.
• Associates or bachelor’s degree in veterinary technology, or foreign equivalent recognized by NYS.
• Licensure in NYS to practice veterinary technology.
• Must be able to lift at least 50 lbs and stand for prolonged periods of time.
• Nice-to-haves
• Eligibility for and willingness to apply for euthanasia technician certification.
• Good written and oral communication skills.
• Critical thinking and problem-solving skills, able to multi-task and prioritize.
• Dependable, reliable, and efficient.
• Benefits
• Generous paid-time-off (PTO) package that includes vacation time, birthdays off, personal days and sick pay.
• Open access Cigna medical, dental and vision insurance at a low premium to our employees.
• 401K and Pension
• Life Insurance
• On-the-job training for 2-4 weeks
• Periodic all staff training to include safety, DEI, cross training, and other growth opportunities.
• Eligibility for loan forgiveness, cancellation, and/or consolidation under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program (PSLF).