Are you looking for a job where you can truly change lives, have an impact and make a difference every day? The Ulster County SPCA is looking for an organized, enthusiastic team member with a passion for animal welfare and great people skills for our fast-paced animal shelter.

The Veterinary Surgical Technician is a licensed veterinary technician (LVT) who provides high quality medical care to all shelter clinic patients, assisting in all tasks related to veterinary medicine, both technical and administrative, for shelter and community animals, specifically providing patient care, diagnostic procedures, client education and surgical assistance under the supervision of the veterinarian, ensuring the smooth and safe execution of veterinary operations.

Specific Duties:

Perform patient assessments, including physical exams, pre-operative vital signs and medical history review

Assist the veterinarian by preparing, positioning and restraining animals for surgical operations/procedures, catheterization, intubation and recovery observing all clinic procedures to ensure sterility and safety of patients

Administer anesthesia protocols for surgery, including pre-meds, induction, maintenance and recovery of anesthesia; monitor patient’s response to anesthesia

Assist the veterinarian throughout surgical procedures, including tissue handling and hemostasis as needed and immediately address any complications or emergencies that may arise during surgery

Monitor patient vital signs throughout surgery and recovery

Administer medications and treatments according to established protocols and veterinarian prescriptions including full documentation in the animal’s record

Intake and discharge patients, including screening/intake procedures, providing client education, information and post-op instructions, dispensing medications and establishing recheck appointments

Assist the veterinarian with medical examinations, vaccinations, screenings, tests and other medical procedures as directed, providing Fear Free humane restraint of animals

Clean, sterilize and maintain shelter medical spaces, exam rooms, storage areas and associated equipment including surgical instruments, packs and drapes

Clean and fold surgical laundry

Maintain surgery and controlled substance logs, update patient files and complete controlled drug quarterly reporting

Complete general administrative duties, e.g., recordkeeping, inventory management, restocking, cleaning, organizing, filing, phone calls, etc., as directed

Train and oversee medical tasks of the Veterinary Assistant

Follow and adhere to medical department SOP/protocols as established by the Medical Director/DVM, as well as continuity of care with specific treatments prescribed by a veterinarian

Provide first aid to animals in emergency, stabilizing until a veterinarian is available

Provide clear, complete communication of any concerns for an animal’s health/wellbeing

Minimum Qualifications:

Education

High school graduate or equivalent

New York State license as licensed veterinary technician (LVT), in good standing

Experience

2 or more years of experience in veterinary surgical care, preferably in a high volume shelter clinic environment

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Fear Free humane animal care/husbandry and handling skills, to include safe handling/restraint techniques with animals of all temperaments and ability to interpret animal body language

Proficiency in surgical instrument handling, aseptic techniques, patient monitoring, anesthesia administration, schedule of routine vaccinations/preventatives, euthanasia procedures and basic surgical procedures and techniques.

Ability to draw blood, place catheters, properly handle blood and specimens and administer intravenous drugs and anesthetic agents, including understanding basic mechanics of an anesthesia machine

Knowledge of general veterinary medical practices and procedures for the treatment of injured/ill animals

Excellent verbal and written communication skills, to include effectively handling high-stress, emotionally-charged situations

Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and organize, prioritize, and manage multiple tasks simultaneously while meeting deadlines; must be detail-oriented, reliable, and able to rapidly and accurately process information

Ability to create and sustain positive working relationships with staff, volunteers, and the public, and be a team player while also working independently; must work well with people from a variety of backgrounds

Strong customer service/sales skills

Proficiency in computer applications, including MS Office, etc.

Additional Requirements:

Veterinary Surgical Technicians work a standard work week, but additionally may work evening, weekends, and additional hours to accommodate specific activities (emergencies); flexibility is key and work schedule is as assigned, based on the needs of the shelter.

Possess valid, unrestricted driver’s license and submission to a background check

Must have good vision (close, distant, color, peripheral, depth, and focus) and hearing skills, and speak clearly

Required to frequently sit, stand, walk, reach with arms and hands, stoop, kneel and/or crouch. Must be able to regularly lift and/or move 50 pounds or more.

Constantly moving about the shelter/clinic to handle animals of all sizes in a variety of areas and positions

Daily exposure to animal odors and/or airborne particles, as well as potential zoonotic diseases and animals of unknown temperament

Noise level in the work environment is moderate

Pay & Benefits:

Pay rate shown is the starting rate of $18.32/hr; pay is competitive and commensurate with experience Work schedule is a 4-day work week, 10-hour work day, 7am-5:30pm (no evenings or weekends) Holiday Pay/Bonus Health Insurance Life Insurance Paid time off and paid sick time Paid Family Leave Other Paid Leaves Employee discount Uniforms provided LVT license fee reimbursement Employee Assistance Program Employee Appreciation/Recognition Program