Equine Anesthesia Technician

Summary: Performs pre-anesthetic evaluation of the horse, proper administration of anesthetic agents, physical & instrumental preparation and monitoring of the patient during anesthesia and recovery. Oversees the proper maintenance of anesthesia equipment, orders supplies and medications as needed.

We are looking for someone with prior anesthesia experience that has graduated from an AVMA accredited school of veterinary technology and successfully completed the VTNE.

Wages and Benefits: $20-25 per hour dependent on experience. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, 401k with match, competitive PTO accrual, employee discount, and continued education stipend. Full benefit package available upon request with complete application.

Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

1. Perform the induction and maintenance of all aspects of anesthesia administration.
2. Prepare patients for surgery including pre-anesthetic physical examination, blood work evaluation, determination of anesthetic risk classification, understanding of potential complications, intubation and administration of medications and fluids.
3. Advanced skill in all forms of intravenous catheter placement and maintenance.
4. Advanced skill in venipuncture including giving IV medications without a catheter and blood draws.
5. Advanced skill in all forms of endotracheal intubation and maintenance.
6. Ability to calculate and properly administer intravenous fluids.
7. Understand the pharmacokinetics of anesthetic induction drugs including emergency drugs and the ability to determine appropriate doses per individual horse.
8. Client communication as needed.
9. Perform euthanasia as requested by surgeon.
10. Maintain proper anesthetic medical records.
11. Knowledge of LEMC charging system.
12. Supervise and administers medication/sedation as needed for patient during recovery process.
13. Maintain current veterinary technician certification or equivalent.
14. Train interns, technician students and new employees in anesthesia techniques and protocols.
15. Assist with clean-up and maintenance of anesthesia areas including surgery and induction suites.
16. Remain “on call” for surgery emergencies as required by surgeons.
17. Stock anesthesia areas and ensure proper drugs and supplies are ordered.
18. Fill out medication report as requested by the pharmacy.
19. Maintain an accurate controlled drug log.
20. Establish, with surgeons and shareholders, anesthetic protocols.
21. Field anesthesia as requested.
22. Perform maintenance and upkeep of anesthesia equipment. Including ordering parts needed, contacting outside maintenance service to certify anesthetic machines and vaporizers.
23. Participate in clinic projects during AAEP and downtime.
24. Available for assistance/consultation to intern doctors for anesthetic cases.
25. Knowledge of LEMC specific guidelines pertaining to the handling of isolation patients.
26. Assist veterinarians with emergency cases and critical care case admission and triage as needed.
27. Order oxygen tanks, fill empty emergency tanks and work with oxygen vendor to maintain tanks.
28. Produce and process high quality radiographs

Qualifications:  To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Education/Experience: Graduation from an AVMA accredited school of veterinary technology and successful completion of the VTNE. Must be in good standing with state technician governing association (e.g. CACVT). Equine related experience and/or training preferred.

Language Ability: Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from managers, clients, customers, and the general public.

Math Ability: Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as drug doses, dilutions, percentages, rate, ratio and volume. Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra, add subtract, multiply and divide all units of measure using whole numbers, common fractions and decimals.

Reasoning Ability: Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.

Computer Skills: Computer literacy in common computer software programs. Working knowledge of HVMS is a must.

Special Skills: Equine restraint/handling and horsemanship skills.

Work Environment: The work environment characteristics listed here are representative of those an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to outdoor weather conditions throughout all four seasons. The employee is occasionally exposed to wet or humid conditions (non-weather) and work near moving mechanical parts. The employee is frequently exposed to risk of radiation and chemical exposure. Knowledge of MSDS use and personal protective gear including (but not limited to) gloves, masks, respirators and eyewash stations are required. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate

Physical Demands:  The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.  While performing the duties of this job, employee may have to stand for long periods of time, jog horses in hand, restrain difficult horses, and may be required to lift 50-70 lbs.