The Arizona Animal Welfare League (AAWL) – the largest and oldest no-kill shelter in Arizona – is seeking an experienced Veterinary Technician for our Community Clinic with strong surgical, interpersonal, and communications skills to join our team. This is a fast-paced shelter/public environment. The Veterinary Technician (Community Clinic) will assist veterinarians by setting up procedures, assisting during appointments, adhering to standards that keep animals safe, and keeping treatment and lab areas clean and orderly. They will assist in the provision of medical and surgical care of patients. Because our shelter animals and Community Clinic patients are being treated by several different veterinarians, the Vet Technician (Community Clinic) also must be a self-motivated team player who communicates well and has great attention to detail.
This position reports directly to the Practice Manager and is a key member of our medical team including clinic veterinarians, shelter veterinarians, volunteers, and the medical director. This position is a full-time non-exempt/hourly position.
Responsibilities
Assist with surgical procedures, prepare animals for surgery, including TPR's.
Pre-medicate and induce patients, including intubation.
Perform dental scaling and polishing.
Provide critical care for patients if the need arises.
Surgical pack preparation.
Perform anatomical and dental radiographs.
Administer medications (IV, SQ, IM, and PO), and vaccinations.
Perform laboratory procedures including fecals, skin scrapes, and using laboratory equipment.
Calculate drug doses and fill medications.
Disinfect and clean kennels, treatment areas, and equipment.
Handling and restraint of animals.
Recognition of animal behavior cues (ex: fear, anxiety, aggression).
Prepare and maintain accurate medical records, in-house record keeping, pharmaceutical logs, and vaccination records.
Provide top-notch customer service.
Being attentive to client and pet needs.
Work across departments to resolve conflicts, identify and work compassionately with clients, foster families and/or other members of the public in various emotional states.
Qualifications
High school diploma or equivalent
CVT preferred, but not required
At least one year experience in a private practice
Two years experience as a veterinary technician; must be skilled in IV catheter placement, anesthesia induction and intubation, monitoring of anesthesia, blood draws, urinalysis, radiographs, and assisting in surgery and dental cleanings.
AZ veterinary technician certification is strongly preferred.
Ability to speak Spanish is strongly preferred.
Experience adhering to established policies, procedures, and protocols.
Able to work collaboratively with multiple health professionals in a busy and complex environment using tact, diplomacy, and discipline.
Ability to work with diverse individuals within the organization and broader community.
Ability to adapt to change and accept new duties within a fast-growing organization.
Requirements
Requires periodic sitting at a computer station with prolonged standing and walking. Use of personal computer, phone, and general office equipment. Must be comfortable handling dogs and cats daily on a continuous basis. Will be exposed to disinfectant solutions and subject to bites and scratches while handling animals of questionable temperament. Requires normal range of hearing and eyesight to communicate with animals, the public, volunteers, and staff. Also requires flexibility to readily adapt to a fast-paced changing environment and the ability to work weekends and holidays.
To Apply for This Position
Please submit a cover letter, resume and three professional references including their email, phone and relationship to Kim Philippsen via email at kphilippsen@aawl.org. Please reference “Community Clinic Vet Tech” in the subject line of your email. No phone calls or walk-ins, please.
Employment Details
The range for this position is commensurate with the Association for Animal Welfare Advancement (AAWA) salaries. Starting pay is 16 - $20 p/h depending on experience. Benefits include employer-paid medical insurance, paid vacation/sick time off, and twelve paid holidays. Additionally, we offer continuing education and management training opportunities.
