Position: Part-Time Vet Tech
All Kind is a non-profit organization that seeks to improve animal welfare in the city of Abilene by building a new animal shelter facility, decreasing homeless pet overpopulation through accessible spay/neuter programs, increasing pet retention through expanded foster programming and adoption events, and offering greater education and resources through community outreach.
All Kind seeks motivated and mission-driven individuals with a passion for animal welfare to provide day-to-day medical care to the animals in the shelter.
Location: Abilene Animal Shelter, 925 S. 25th St.
Compensation: Part-Time $19/hr
GENERAL DESCRIPTION AND EXPERIENCE
Responsible for oversight of the day-to-day animal care and medical care within the shelter. Assess the health of animals and participate in medical care and surgical procedures of shelter animals. Assists with shelter operations and all aspects of treatment and care of animals and monitoring of health and welfare of animals. The veterinary technician will work in conjunction with the Pet Care Supervisor, Kennel Tech Leads and Shelter Veterinarian to ensure a high level of care is offered to all shelter animals.
Vet techs have access to controlled substances in the performance of their job duties. Therefore, employees are required to not have any previous felony convictions related to a controlled substance.
Must be able to communicate in a way that demonstrates and promotes collaboration, cooperation, problem solving and interpersonal skills to foster a positive work environment, teamwork and productivity.
A passion for animal welfare.
Certification as a Euthanasia Technician for the State of Texas will be required within 6 months of employment.
This position has no direct supervision over other staff members, but will train staff and students on veterinary care, and may have occasional supervision over volunteers.
One (1) year of Vet Tech experience working under a licensed veterinarian in a high volume, fast paced veterinary or animal shelter setting is required.
Two (2) years of similar experience is preferred.
Previous training in the care of animals and hands-on clinical work including taking blood samples, recording animal case histories, vaccinating animals, etc. is preferred.
High School Diploma or GED is required.
LICENSE AND CERTIFICATES
A valid Texas driver’s license is required.
Texas Department of State Health Services approved course in Euthanasia within 6 months of employment is required.
Euthanasia certification renewal every three (3) years is required.
Texas Veterinary Medical Association CVA is preferred.
Veterinary Assistant Certification is preferred.
Texas Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners Licensed Veterinary Technician is preferred.
IMPORTANT AND ESSENTIAL DUTIES
The primary duties are to ensure high animal care standards, high medical and surgical standards, and to promote animal welfare.
Responsible for performing health assessment upon intake, administration of vaccinations, medication and preventatives, monitoring injured/ill animals, daily health observation and recording, maintaining medical supply inventory and perform euthanasia when needed.
Performing diagnostics, medical and surgical procedures, and treatments under direction of veterinarian and pet care supervisor. Surgical room pre and post preparation and care of animals' pre and post op.
Ability to recognize behavior and signs of medical conditions, symptoms of illness, physical and mental distress.
Responsible for record keeping and documentation of controlled/specialized items; processing invoices and documentation of veterinary services product inventory.
Dispense medications with proper labeling, prescribed by the veterinarian and administer treatment as directed. Maintain an inventory of all drugs/supplies, ensure expired materials are disposed properly, and follow all USDA/DEA/OSHA regulations
Responsible for the organization and cleanliness/presentation of the veterinary services area.
Share responsibility for after-hours call-out to respond to emergency situations with staff and foster families.
Interact, educate, communicate, and provide assistance to the public regarding a variety of animal control matters on proper animal care, and promote and support the services offered by All Kind.; must be able to maintain positive working relationships with outside agencies, community partners, volunteers, general public, and all coworkers.
Clean and disinfect kennels, suites, cages, equipment, runs and other areas of the facility; makes daily rounds with simple observations regarding sickness and/or injury.
Humanely handle and kennel all animals and identify shelter animals with appropriate tags or bands before kenneling. This includes animals which may be ill, injured, quarantined, or aggressive.
Provide food, water and proper care for all shelter animals by adhering to schedules and protocols within departmental policy.
Provide vaccination, micro chipping, FIV/FELV and heartworm testing and treatment of all animals.
Monitor all animals, including those that may be isolated or quarantined, for signs of illness or unusual behavior; make notations and report problems regarding health and behavior of animals to the appropriate supervisor or medical staff member.
Maintain accurate and legible case files and records for each animal in the shelter; use a computer to input, update and access information regarding shelter animals and to produce written documents.
Assist management, the veterinary staff and other individuals in animal care, surgery or related procedures.
Assist with diet preparation when needed.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of:
Basic animal care and identifying domestic animal breeds, animal behavior, proper housing, common health problems and safe animal handling.
Administering vaccines and medications. (Various types of medications, especially their use and the risk of human exposure).
Techniques for various medical procedures.
Rehabilitation of companion animals.
OSHA/safety regulations in a veterinary setting.
Computer skills including databases, and medical recordkeeping to accurately update and maintain detailed records.
The treatment of common ailments in canine and feline.
Basic veterinary procedures and practices; animal anatomy, and basic surgical techniques.
Methods and procedures of animal care; safety procedures and techniques used in dealing with animals and laboratory samples.
Tools and instruments associated with veterinary medicine
Skill to:
Assess the health of animals.
Operate a variety of animal control equipment and tools including control pole, lead rope, portable cage, euthanasia by injection and compressed air sprayer.
Operate a two-way radio.
Operate a motor vehicle safely for transport of animals to and from veterinary clinics as needed.
Provide professional customer service.
Operate office equipment, including computer equipment.
Ability to:
Adapt to unforeseen situations and frequent changes in priority.
Work in a fast paced, high demand environment.
Perform basic examinations of animals; to handle animals under all types of conditions and situations, and to perform injections.
Learn occupational hazards and standard safety precautions in handling animals.
Understand and carry out oral and written instructions.
Prepare and maintain routine records.
Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work, both internally and externally.
Essential duties require the following physical skills and work environment:
With or without accommodation, ability to lift up to 50 pounds and team lift up to 100 pounds.
Withstand exposure to animal noise, unpleasant odors, cold, heat, outdoors, vibration and chemicals.
Ability to maneuver and walk on wet floor surfaces.
Essential duties require the following physical skills and work environment:
Ability to work closely with all types of domestic animals. Exposure to bites, scratches, and animal wastes.
May be required to use strength and/or agility in capturing and restraining stronger, more active animals.
Walking and/or standing for extended periods of time. Frequently work in a bent over or squatting position.
Ability to use fine dexterity in the fingers and hands and have good hand-eye coordination. Must have a good range of motion in joints especially wrist, knees, and elbows.
Ability to stand or sit for 8 hours or more.
Possible rabies exposure. Pre-exposure vaccines and boosters offered to all employees at All Kind’s expense.
Exposure to disinfectant solutions and chemicals related to animal care.
To apply, email a cover letter and resume to shelby@allkindabilene.org