Shelter Licensed Veterinary Technician

Salishvet; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 47,416 - 55,062; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vacation

Eligible for overtime

Job summary

The Animal Emergency & Specialty Center in Seattle is inviting applications for the role of Veterinary Technician. This position focuses on providing essential care and medical assistance to shelter animals, ensuring their health and wellbeing through various responsibilities.

Candidates should possess a Veterinary Technician license in Washington and have proficiency in relevant software and animal medical procedures. The role requires full-time onsite work and offers a comprehensive benefits package.

Qualifications

• Licensed as a Veterinary Technician in Washington State.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications and small animal medical procedures.

Responsibilities

• Prepares and administers medications and anesthesia to animals.
• Cleans and sterilizes surgical instruments and equipment.
• Monitors and assists the veterinarian during surgeries.
• Cares for and exercises animals in the shelter.
• Operates veterinary equipment and maintains inventory.

Skills

Proficient with Microsoft Excel

Proficient with Microsoft Word

Proficient with Microsoft Outlook

Familiarity with small animal medicine

Education

Licensed as a Veterinary Technician with the State of Washington

Job description

The City of Seattle is seeking a dedicated Veterinary Technician to join a team committed to providing compassionate and quality care to pets and low‑cost spay and neuter surgeries to animals in need. The Seattle Animal Shelter (SAS) was founded in 1972 and has grown into a nationally recognized animal welfare organization. SAS promotes public safety and animal welfare, protects animals from cruelty and neglect, runs adoption programs and a spay and neuter clinic serving more than 4,000 animals per year and manages pet licenses in Seattle.

Job Responsibilities

• Prepares and administers pre‑anesthetics, vaccines, microchips, and other drugs or medications to animals under the direction of the Veterinarian; administers and monitors intravenous, intramuscular and inhalation anesthetics; intubates animals for gas anesthesia.
• Restrains animals of varying sizes and temperaments when loading them into individual cages and when administering pre‑anesthetics, vaccines, other drugs or medications and during examinations.
• Cleans, disinfects, or sterilizes surgical supplies and equipment such as towels, wraps, drapes, instruments, clinic attire, and syringes.
• Prepares animals for surgery by shaving, scrubbing, and disinfecting the surgical site; assists the veterinarian during surgery by monitoring rate and depth of the animal's respiration, heart rate and color of mucous membranes; administering antibiotics and vaccines as indicated; providing supplies and adjusting anesthetic levels; monitors post‑operative condition and alerts and assists the veterinarian with emergencies.
• Admits and discharges animals and gives pre‑and post‑operative instructions.
• Cleans, feeds, waters, and exercises animals; cleans animal cages; washes clinic linens; loads washing and drying machines with cloths; monitors supply inventory and orders supplies when needed.
• Operates and oversees the maintenance of the autoclave, anesthesia machines, oxygen generators, and other veterinary equipment.
• Assists the Shelter's veterinarian in examining, diagnosing, and treating various medical conditions related to animals in the Shelter's care.
• Performs collection of laboratory samples including urine, blood, feces, and other bodily fluids; prepares samples for interpretation or processing; operates in‑house laboratory equipment and performs routine equipment maintenance; obtains digital radiographs using proper safety techniques and prepares images for evaluation.
• Performs dental prophylaxis and assists the veterinarian with veterinary dental procedures.
• Performs tonoscopy, tear tests, skin scrapings, fecal and urine microscopic evaluation, ear cleanings, nail trims, and other routine medical procedures under the veterinarian's supervision; assists with shelter animal intake as needed.
• Assists with foster and shelter animal medical appointments, medication and food refills, medical record keeping, controlled drug record keeping and inventory; performs occasional administrative duties commonly found in a clinic setting; sells animal licenses.
• Administers medications and treatments to shelter animals and applies medical protocols under the direction of the Veterinarian; participates in daily shelter health rounds.
• Assists with animal cruelty investigations through animal examinations, documentation, on‑scene observations and testifies in court as needed.
• Performs humane euthanasia under the direction of the Veterinarian.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Must be Licensed as a Veterinary Technician with the State of Washington.

The most successful candidates will possess the following:

• Proficient with Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook, and PetPoint.
• Familiarity with small animal medicine, procedures, and techniques.

Work Environment / Physical Demands

• This position requires full‑time onsite work.
• The work involves frequent exposure to x‑rays, hazardous chemicals, frightened or aggressive animals, feces, blood, and diseases.
• Ability to lift and carry 40 pounds.
• Ability to lift and carry over 40 pounds with mechanical and/or personnel assistance.

Additional Information

This position is classified as a Veterinary Technician. It is Civil Service represented, FLSA non‑exempt and is eligible for overtime. The full range for this step‑progression position is $34.42 – $39.97 per hour.

Benefits

The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and long‑term disability insurance for employees and their dependents. More information about employee benefits is available on the City's website at: https://www.seattle.gov/human-resources/benefits

EEO Statement

Who May Apply: The City of Seattle values diverse perspectives and life experiences. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, medical condition, or pregnancy. The City of Seattle encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experiences. FAS promotes diversity and inclusion in employment. If accommodations are needed during the selection process, please contact us.