Veterinary Technician

Gfoat; Longview (TX); On-site; USD 38,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Gfoat seeks a Veterinary Technician to assist in all phases of shelter veterinary care, maintain medical records, and manage medical inventory for authorized animals. The role supports daily shelter operations and performs related duties as required.

Qualified candidates will have an Associate's Degree in veterinary studies, two years as a licensed Veterinary Technician, and a valid Texas Driver's License. LVT certification is preferred; TVMA CVA I must be completed within one year of hire.

Qualifications

• Associate's Degree in veterinary study or equivalent education/experience.
• Two years of experience as a licensed Veterinary Technician.
• Valid Texas Driver's License.
• LVT certification preferred; TVMA CVA I test within one year of hire.

Responsibilities

• Prepare surgical equipment and pass instruments to veterinarians during procedures.
• Assist veterinarian in surgery and restrain animals as needed.
• Prepare examination and treatment rooms; sterilize equipment and instruments.
• Administer and monitor anesthetics during surgery and recovery.
• Monitor post-operative patients and report changes to the veterinarian.
• Collect lab samples and perform routine tests as required.
• Document medical records using correct terminology and abbreviations.
• Assist with well-check exams and care of intake animals.
• Support shelter operations and respond to public inquiries.

Education

Associate's Degree in veterinary study

Texas Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT)

TVMA CVA I certification (preferred)

Job description

Description

Assists in all phases of shelter veterinary care; creates and maintains all records associated with animal medical care; maintains medical inventory of authorized animals; assists with daily shelter operations; and performs other duties as assigned or required.

Examples of Duties

• Prepares surgical equipment and passes instruments/materials to veterinarians during surgical procedures.
• Acts as a sterile or non-sterile assistant to the veterinarian in surgery, and is familiar with surgical equipment and techniques as appropriate.
• Holds or restrains animals during veterinary procedures.
• Prepares examination or treatment rooms by stocking them with appropriate supplies; cleans, maintains, and sterilizes surgical equipment and instruments.
• Administers and monitors anesthetics during surgery and recovery.
• Monitors animals recovering from surgery and notifies the veterinarian of any unusual changes or symptoms.
• Provides routine post-operative care, administers medications, and/or prepares samples for laboratory examination.
• Collects laboratory specimens such as blood, urine, and feces for testing.
• Performs routine laboratory tests or diagnostic tests such as, but not limited to taking and developing x-rays.
• Provides assistance with necropsies.
• Charts medical records according to practice protocol using correct medical terminology and abbreviations.
• Performs and supervises "well-check" examinations of intake animals.
• Assists veterinarian in examining animals to determine the nature and extent of illnesses or injuries, behavioral changes or clinical symptoms that could indicate illness or injury.
• Observes and records behavior.
• Isolates sick animals as required.
• Performs hygiene-related duties such as clipping animals' coats, claws and performs dental cleanings.
• Cleans and maintains all Animal Shelter facilities to control the spread of disease.
• Performs or assists in the euthanasia of animals, including transporting of animals to euthanasia area, restraint of animals during euthanasia, checking for vital signs subsequent to euthanasia, and removal of deceased animals to storage areas.
• Prepares food/special dietary requirements for animals.
• Respond to or re-direct public inquiries in person and by phone to provide assistance, direction, or explanation of shelter programs and/or policies.
• Perform other related duties as required.

Minimum Requirements

• Associate's Degree in a field related to veterinary study; and two year's experience as a licensed Veterinary Technician; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Must possess a valid Texas Driver's License.
• Certification as a Texas Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT) is preferred.
• Maintain possession of euthanasia certificate.
• Successful completion of TVMA's CVA I test within one year of hire.