POSITION SUMMARY:  Responsible for daily care of all shelter animals and surgical patients, assisting Veterinarians with pre-, peri-, and post-operative care of patients, running diagnostic test, general cleaning, following patient care protocols, and providing positive guidance to the Veterinary Services Team.

WORKING RELATIONSHIPS:  Works closely with Veterinarians, Shelter Clinic Manager, other staff, and volunteers to provide guidance and positive motivation to the Veterinary Services team.

KEY OR ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Know basic veterinary concepts
• Knowledge and ability to intake and release patients, including delivering and relaying important information in a friendly and competent manner
• Communicate in a professional and effective manner with the public, Seattle Humane Staff, and all volunteers
• Represent Seattle Humane in a professional and courteous manner at all times
• Follow all written and verbally communicated departmental standard operating procedures
• Provides a leadership example of collaborative teamwork for the Veterinary Services team and with all Seattle Humane Departments
• Trains and mentors staff and volunteers to successfully integrate them as productive members of the team
• Serves as point person under the Shelter Clinic Manager for rest of the veterinary service staff, and is able to appropriately speak for the Shelter Clinic Manager in his/her absence
• Animal husbandry duties including: cleaning, feeding, watering, medicating and monitoring all animals in the veterinary clinic to maintain high standards of veterinary care
• Ability to maintain and direct an adequate surgical flow for all surgical patients
• Able to accurately calculate and draw medications for patients
• Responsible for pre medicating, inducing, intubating, and prepping patients for surgery
• General duties in the Veterinary Clinic, assisting with movement of patients, recovery of patients, and general flow
• Able to monitor anesthesia with a clear idea of abnormal conditions
• Ensure accurate paperwork procedures are followed each day
• Able to respond appropriately during an emergency, able to take directions from a Veterinarian or Licensed Veterinary Technician and maintain competency during CPR procedures
• Able to work independently taking care of patients and provide proper medical care as assigned by a Veterinarian
• Able to work closely with all department and communicate effectively the medical needs of shelter animals
• Works closely with volunteers in the department and related programs and provides support and training as needed.
• All other duties as assigned

KNOWLEDGE/EXPERIENCE/EDUCATION OR TRAINING:

• Animal health and behavior
• Low Stress animal handling skills as related to a clinic/shelter environment
• Must be able to read, write, listen and communicate effectively
• Experience in the animal welfare or veterinary field preferred

LICENSES/CERTIFICAITON REQUIRED:

• Must have high school diploma or GED
• Must be a Licensed Veterinary Technician in the state of Washington

ANIMAL HANDLING:

• Will be asked to handle up to 40 dogs and cats per day
• Able to learn characteristics of animal behavior
• Able to learn and use appropriate safety equipment for fractious or feral animals
• Should be able to identify personal limitations and be willing to ask for help
• Become proficient at animal restraint for various procedures

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be able to work standing or sitting for 10 or more hours
• Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 pounds repeatedly with assistance
• Must be able to bend and kneel repeatedly
• Must be able to work and reach on hands and knees
• Must be able to use a ladder and step stool
• Must have an acceptable degree of dexterity in hands and fingers

EMOTIONAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENT:

• Must be able to work efficiently under stressful conditions
• Must be able to respond quickly to a variety of medical situations
• Ability to rapidly and accurately process information
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team

POTENTIAL AND PROLONGED EXPOSURES:

• Prolonged exposure to various aqueous solutions
• Potential exposure to formalin solution
• Potential/prolonged exposure to isoflurane gas
• Potential exposure to sharps including needles and surgical blades
• Potential exposure to X-rays

WORKING ENVIRONMENT:

The operations of an animal shelter and veterinary clinic can be a high stress environment at times.  This position is scheduled for 40 hours per week scheduled over four 10 hour shifts.  The Shelter and Veterinary Clinic are open 7 days per week and on holidays.  Candidate must be flexible with schedule.