Job Summary:
The Humane Rescue Alliance seeks a Veterinary Technician Training Coordinator to join a dynamic team of medical professionals dedicated to providing consistent high-quality medical care to animals in the nation’s capital. The Veterinary Technician Training Coordinator will work closely with the medical leadership team to develop an industry-approved technician training program and will be responsible for providing training for technicians and assistants, both in practical skills and medical understanding. In addition, the Veterinary Technician Training Coordinator will also perform the duties of a Veterinary Technician including rotations in the medical center, surgery, and community clinic. This role offers a unique opportunity to support animals in need, deepen your understanding of shelter and community medicine, and to grow your leadership and team-building skills. The ideal candidate will have significant practical technician experience and should possess an advanced knowledge of veterinary medical practices, as well as familiarity with animal shelter procedures, animal care, and behavior. We are looking for someone with a passion for animal welfare, great people skills and a can-do attitude.
Join an organization dedicated to fostering personal growth, providing opportunities for learning, and serving both the animals and owners of our nation’s capital. Candidates must be committed to providing incremental levels of support to owned animals, with an emphasis on improving access to care and strengthening the human-animal bond.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Work with medical leadership to develop a training program for veterinary technicians to ensure standardization of skills and knowledge.
- Provide advanced training of technical skills for veterinary technicians and veterinary assistants following industry-accepted guidelines.
- Monitor progression of trainees throughout their program, by holding regular reviews and ensuring training goals are met.
- Act as a resource and mentor for team members.
- Work as a key member of the technician team, alternating rotations as assigned between our medical center, surgery center, and community medicine clinics.
- In the shelter, perform intake exams, provide treatment for shelter patients following our protocols and standard operating procedures; administer vaccinations, parasiticides, and routine screenings on a variety of species.
- Assist Veterinarians with appointments, including obtaining patient histories, addressing client or foster parent concerns, and performing indicated treatments.
- Work in the community clinic running vaccine clinics and wellness checks.
- Collaborate with other departments to determine the correct pathway for incoming animals i.e.; Adoption, Transfer, Medical Treatment, Spay/Neuter etc.
- Assist in surgery, including but not limited to induction, intubation, anesthesia monitoring, and recovery.
- Perform shelter rounds and monitor population health.
- Update and maintain population management software, patient files, review care plans, and handle other administrative duties, as necessary.
- Perform diagnostics and collect and prepare laboratory samples for analysis.
- Calculate, administer, and record medications; complete controlled drug logs; fill prescriptions.
- Perform and assist with euthanasia of shelter animals.
- Maintain departmental procedures and protocols regarding humane care and treatment of animals, exam area cleanliness, and safety guidelines.
- Always represent HRA in a professional and courteous manner. Provide quality service to the public, volunteers, and employees recognizing their individual contributions to the success of the organization.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications and Requirements:
- A passion for training; compassion and patience when engaging with coworkers.
- Advanced knowledge and technical skills of veterinary technology in emergency, general practice, or shelter settings including, but not limited to, anesthesia, surgical support, inpatient care, running and interpreting laboratory tests, diagnostic imaging, knowledge of pharmacology.
- Experience training veterinary staff in basic and intermediate technical skills and techniques.
- Knowledge and skill in restraint and handling techniques, general animal safety practices, and ability to recognize animal behavior patterns.
- Previous Fear Free Certification or successful completion of Fear Free Shelter certification within 6 months of hire.
- Knowledge of or ability to learn animal shelter procedures and protocols.
- Successful completion of HRA Euthanasia Certification program within 6 months of hire.
- Ability to routinely work evenings, weekends, and holidays as scheduled.
- Work collaboratively and with confidence in a high-stress, fast-paced work environment.
- Ability to work effectively independently and in a team environment, in an atmosphere of multiple projects, shifting priorities, and deadline pressures. Ability to be flexible, detail-oriented, and able to prioritize.
- Excellent interpersonal skills with a customer-service orientation. Ability to communicate in a friendly and professional manner with a variety of individuals representing the public, board members, volunteers, donors, and employees.
- Proficient use of programs including Microsoft Office programs, the internet, and database management software to efficiently accomplish work.
- Passion for the HRA mission, and for caring for all animals regardless of age, breed, temperament, or species, and supporting and educating members of the public, free of judgment or bias.
- Ability to manage the emotional aspect of work in an animal shelter environment in a positive, professional manner.
- Must be comfortable and proficient (or willing to become proficient) in animal-handling situations and have a strong desire to help animals and people, and commitment to life-saving programs and services.
Physical Requirements and Work Environment:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
- Ability to lift 50 pounds unassisted regularly, 50+ pounds assisted.
- Ability to be comfortable working with cats, dogs, small animals, reptiles, fish, and wildlife.
- Ability to perform strenuous physical activity daily, including but not limited to lifting and carrying, reaching, stooping, squatting, and bending. Regularly moves about the facilities to coordinate work. Typically stands, bends, stoops, and crouches while working special events.
- Due to the nature of shelter work, may be exposed to deceased, fractious, or aggressive animals; common allergens; hostile or irate persons; zoonotic or other diseases; unpleasant noises, odors, or sights; and extreme temperatures.
Education and Experience:
- Five or more years of experience as a veterinary technician in a supervisory or training role.
- Certified or licensed Veterinarian Technician preferred.
The Humane Rescue Alliance (HRA) offers a comprehensive benefits package including healthcare, vision, dental and select offerings for pets. Additional information may be provided upon request.
Multilingual candidates are encouraged to apply. A salary premium may be offered for multilingual candidates who demonstrate proficiency in written and oral testing.
HRA is committed to being an Equal Opportunity Employer, and does not discriminate because of race, color, creed, gender, religion, national origin, disability, age, pregnancy, genetic predisposition or carrier status, marital status, citizenship status, or sexual orientation. Accommodation will be provided to qualified individuals requiring them.