Shelter Medicine Lead Veterinary Technician

PAWS Chicago; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, and vision insurance

403(b) retirement plan with employer 2

Paid time off and holidays

Job summary

PAWS Chicago is seeking a Shelter Medicine Lead Veterinary Technician to support the medical care of homeless animals placed into loving homes. You will lead the Shelter Medicine Technicians and Veterinary Assistants, oversee workflow and staff assignments, and collaborate with veterinarians to maximize clinical efficiency and patient outcomes.

You will maintain accurate controlled substance records, stay compliant with DEA regulations, and mentor staff while guiding neonatal care, emergencies,

Qualifications

• Passion for animal welfare and PAWS Chicago's No Kill mission.
• Strong understanding of veterinary nursing principles, including patient assessment, disease recognition, medication administration, laboratory procedures, and animal restraint.
• Experience with blood collection, IV catheter placement, treatment administration, and patient monitoring.
• Ability to remain calm, organized, and compassionate while managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced clinical environment.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• Basic computer proficiency.

Responsibilities

• Provide exceptional medical care to animals of all life stages, including emergency and intensive care.
• Evaluate animals for disease, injury, parasites, and other health concerns; communicate findings to Shelter Veterinarians.
• Provide technical assistance to Veterinary Technicians and Veterinary Assistants and communicate changes in patient condition.
• Collect samples for and perform laboratory testing, including infectious disease diagnostics, ensuring accurate and timely results.
• Place and maintain intravenous (IV) catheters, administer treatments for hospitalized patients, and perform daily patient assessments in collaboration with veterinarians.
• Follow and enforce established shelter medical protocols, including the administration of prescribed medications and treatments.
• Provide emergency triage and urgent patient care as needed.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Teamwork

Multitasking

Blood collection

IV catheter placement

Patient monitoring

Laboratory procedures

Electronic medical records

Basic computer proficiency

Education

Certified Veterinary Technician in Illinois preferred

Job description

PAWS Chicago is seeking a Shelter Medicine Lead Veterinary Technician to support the medical care of homeless animals placed into loving homes. You will lead the Shelter Medicine Technicians and Veterinary Assistants, oversee workflow and staff assignments, and collaborate with veterinarians to maximize clinical efficiency and patient outcomes.

You will maintain accurate controlled substance records, stay compliant with DEA regulations, and mentor staff while guiding neonatal care, emergencies,