Job Title: Vet Technician
Reports to: Director of Vet Clinic Services
Position Summary:
Provides for the general care and maintenance of companion animals including but not limited to feeding, walking, and kennel cleaning/disinfecting of the clinic facilities at CARE STL. You are also responsible for animal husbandry, filling prescriptions, administering medications, surgical assistance, dental prophylaxis, lab procedures, and other tests, duties as assigned. Each employee is also responsible for advocating for each animal in our care (i.e., Adoption, Fostering, Enrichment, etc.).
Companion Animal Care
Provides adequate food and water to companion animals in Vet Clinic care
Cleans and disinfects clinic and cages daily
Reports companion animal health or temperament abnormalities to the Medical Director
Ensures that the kennel environment is safe for animals and people
Walking and exercising companion animals in the Vet Clinic care
Ensuring that all companion animals in our care have a safe and enriching environment
Report any unsafe working conditions to the Director of Vet Services.
Other duties as assigned:
Clinic/Lab Duties
Responsible for client education
Animal Husbandry
Filling Prescriptions
Administering medications
Surgical assistance from pre-medication to recovery
Dental Prophylaxis
Lab Procedures
Fecal Flotation
Urinalysis
Running CBC & Blood Clot Machine
Ability to professionally advocate CARE STL’s position about mission and goals
Provides quality service to clients, volunteers, and colleagues recognizing their contributions to the success of our organization.
Represents CARES STL professionally and courteously at all times.
Attends and participates in CARE STL training programs as assigned; may attend training opportunities to facilitate advancement within the organization.
SafetyKnowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Follows all safety guidelines to ensure a safe work environment.
Takes immediate action to address any safety concerns or noncompliance with safety rules that could put an employee, volunteer, client, animal, or the organization at risk.
Will be responsible and respectful of all personal protective equipment (PPE)
A highly motivated, outgoing, polite registered vet tech.
Experience in emergency and critical care. A team player, able to work in a fast-paced environment and handle several tasks at once.
This position is responsible for client education and able to effectively communicate with staff and clients.
Knowledge of animal breeds and behavior is helpful.
No allergies to animals. Sincere interest in animal welfare and the mission of the CARE STL.
Work is performed in a kennel/shelter setting. Exposure to disinfectant solutions when in the kennel area.
Subject to animal bites and scratches while handling animals of questionable temperament.
Occasional lifting of up to 50 pounds with reasonable accommodations.
Standing on feet for up to 10 hours per day with walking, bending, squatting, and lifting. Ability to handle/walk dogs over 100lb
Positive collaboration with all teams in the shelter and flexibility and initiative to help out where needed.
Prioritize life-saving best practices in all areas of work.
QUALIFICATIONS
To perform this job successfully, each essential duty must be performed satisfactorily.
Excellent customer service skills, with the ability to remain compassionate and clear-minded when faced with challenging situations.
Effective phone skills and ability to communicate effectively in writing and orally.
Knowledge of dog and cat behavior, training, and animal care is also required.
Must be physically able to stand for long periods, walk large dogs, clean kennels, and lift 50 lbs.
Strong dog handling skills and the ability to observe and interpret animal body language and increasing signs of stress are required.
Ability to identify animal species, ages, and sexes. Ability to identify signs of animal illnesses and injuries. Ability to recognize common animal behavior.
Must be available to work on weekends.
Passion for learning, promoting, and initiating life-saving best practices.
The successful candidate must become shelter fear-free certified as part of the onboarding process.
EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE
Minimum of Vet Technician diploma and 1+ years of experience in animal-related field.
LANGUAGE SKILLS
Must be able to read and interpret policies and procedures. Must be able to communicate effectively to adopters and must provide good customer service. Spanish-speaking is a plus.
REASONING ABILITY
Must have the ability to interpret a variety of instructions in written or verbal form and to follow those instructions correctly.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
While performing the duties of this job, employees may be exposed to a kennel that is loud and may be exposed to unpleasant kennel smells.
SALARY & BENEFITS
Starts at $20/hr.
LOW-COST vet care for personal pets
FREE cat and dog food for personal pets sponsored by an amazing donor
Health, Dental & Vision insurance for Full-time employees
Paid two weeks' vacation for full-time employees
To apply, please send your resume to info@icarestl.org.