Floating Vet Technician

Humane Society of South Mississippi Floating Vet Technician Department: Shelter medical, clinic, hourly Job Relationships: This person works closely with shelter staff, other technicians, veterinarians, adoptions team, foster team, and supervisors. Has limited, daily contact with the public. Position Summary: Surgical Prep Technicians are primarily responsible for administration of pre-anesthetics and anesthetics to animals prior to spay/neuter. They perform induction, intubation and preparation of dogs and cats for surgery. Surgical Prep technicians assist veterinarians with cursory examinations at intake and assist the public during the intake and discharge process. Wellness Vet Techs assist with Wellness appointments. Recovery Vet Techs monitor animals waking up from surgery. Shelter Veterinary Technicians are primarily responsible for administering medications, vaccinations, and monitoring the wellness of the animals in their care. Knowledge/Skills/Abilities: This person must be a team player who is able to work in a fast-paced environment. Having knowledge of animal care, behavior, and handling is preferred. Experience working in a veterinary clinic or animal shelter environment is beneficial. Veterinary technicians must possess excellent customer service skills although public contact is limited. This person must be committed to the mission and goals of the HSSM. Veterinary Technicians must be able to communicate in English. Qualifications: Must be 18 or older, able to lift 50 lbs., stand and bend for entire work shifts. This job is physically and sometimes emotionally demanding. Responsibilities: Shelter Properly administer medications to animals housed in the shelter as prescribed. Follow established protocols regarding the vaccination and ongoing wellness care of animals. VTs must ensure that adequate supplies are available and supply needs are communicated in accordance with established procedures. VTs need to minimize waste of supplies to ensure we are making the most of available resources. Accurately perform diagnostic tests as requested by the veterinarians. These tests include, but are not limited to, fecal flotation, fecal smears, ELISA tests (parvovirus, heartworm, FeLV/FIV), TiterChek tests, urinalyses, skin scrapes, and Woods lamp evaluation Collect samples for diagnostic testing, including blood draws, feces and urine collection, etc. VTs must keep their respective work areas clean and well organized. Utilize PetPoint to enter information about diagnoses, vaccinations, and medications for each animal. Monitor animals in the shelter for signs of illness and report to the veterinarian for further instruction. Collaborate with shelter staff to ensure animals are properly cared for during their time at HSSM. Collaborate with Transport department to ensure animals are properly prepared for transport. Collaborate with Foster department to ensure foster parents receive medications in a timely manner. Collaborate with Adoption and Animal Care departments to ensure animals in need of surgery (spay/neuter, other as needed) are identified and appropriate paperwork is completed. Other duties as assigned Clinic Assisting the public and their pets with the intake process. Assisting the public and animals with the discharge process. VTs /Surgical Prep must ensure that adequate supplies are available and supply needs are communicated in accordance with established procedures. VTs/Surgical Prep need to minimize waste of supplies to ensure we are making the most of available resources. VTs/ Surgical Prep must ensure that all animals in their care are medicated on time and all medications are administered correctly. VT’s must be able to perform proper nebulization techniques VTs /Surgical Prep must ensure that adequate supplies are available and supply needs are communicated in accordance with established procedures. VTs/Surgical Prep need to minimize waste of supplies to ensure we are making the most of available resources. VTs/ Surgical Prep must ensure that all animals in their care are medicated on time and all medications are administered correctly. VT’s must be able to perform proper nebulization techniques VTs must keep their respective work areas clean and well organized. They must sanitize surgical tables between animals to minimize the risk of disease spread. VTs are responsible for washing, preparing, and autoclaving surgical packs. VTs also make sure other individual instruments and surgical supplies are properly sterilized and available for surgery. VTs are responsible for washing, preparing, and autoclaving surgical packs. VTs also make sure other individual instruments and surgical supplies are properly sterilized and available for surgery. Assists Veterinarian with Wellness Appointments Other duties as assigned. General Expectations: Must be willing to work some overtime if needed. Available Sun-Sat for various schedules Must be willing to sign a 2 year agreement Must have the ability to work independently and often without direct supervision. Promotes integration and engagement of volunteers. Promotes communication and cooperation between HSSM departments. Must be able to communicate effectively to the veterinarians and execute instructions correctly and in a timely manner. Provides a high level of care to animals in our charge. Must be willing to work in other areas of the shelter if properly trained. Able to lift up to 50 lbs unassisted, be on feet all day, no issues with repetitive movement. Supports the goals and mission of the HSSM. Working Conditions: Work is performed in a fast-paced shelter setting. Exposure to high noise levels and cleaning agents when in kennel area is likely. Due to extensive animal handling, this person is subject to animal bites and scratches. Veterinary Technicians must be able to handle animals of questionable health and temperament. Occasional lifting of up to 50 pounds with reasonable accommodation will be necessary. Standing, bending and stretching for 8-10 hours per day are the norm. Exposure to zoonotic diseases can occur due to extensive contact with animals that are sometimes of questionable health. Job Type: Full-time Pay: From $12.00 per hour Benefits: Dental insurance Employee discount Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off Retirement plan Vision insurance Schedule: 10 hour shift 8 hour shift Weekends as needed Application Question(s): This job requires weekends and holidays. Are you available? Work Location: In person