Veterinarian technician job description

We are located in Southeast Michigan and are one of the fastest growing counties in Michigan. Livingston County consists of 16 townships, 2 villages and 2 cities. The county contains a diverse mix of rural agricultural areas, historic downtowns, suburban development, lake-side living and large recreational lands. Home to two metro parks (Kensington and Huron Meadows), 3 state recreation areas (Island Lake, Brighton, and Pinckney), 1 state park (Lakelands Trail), 2 state game areas, 1 wildlife area, 2 Livingston County parks (Lutz and Fillmore), and numerous local parks, Livingston County has an abundance of recreational opportunities. Livingston County offers 163 park acres per 1,000 residents, more than any other county in Southeast Michigan.

Position Summary:

Under the supervision of the Animal Shelter Director is responsible for assisting the Veterinarian with surgery and care of shelter animals, assessing and reporting symptoms and problems of shelter animals to proper personnel, performing triage and examinations of animals, administering medication and vaccinations, and performing euthanasia as needed.

Pay Rate Information:

The Veterinary Technician position is a temporary, part-time, non-union position and starting pay is $19.1115/hr . This position is a Non-Union Grade 4 position. This position does not require a Veterinary Technician license.

Essential Job Functions:

An employee in this position may be called upon to do any or all of the following essential functions. These examples do not include all of the duties, which the employee may be expected to perform. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily.

1. Assists the Veterinarian with surgeries including surgical prep, running the anesthesia machine, placing IV catheters, drawing blood, running lab tests, and other duties as needed.
2. Assists the veterinarian in a wide range of duties for the care and well-being of the animals including, but not limited to, performing basic examinations, evaluations, triage, and restraining of animals as needed.
3. Vaccinates animals and administers medication as necessary.
4. Cleans, sterilizes, and maintains all surgical instruments and equipment.
5. Assists in monitoring the care and behavior of animals and documents observations.
6. Performs euthanasia on animals following prescribed humane procedures.
7. Answer questions, reviews discharge instructions and responds to follow-up questions for clients.
8. Stocks and maintains medicines and surgical supplies under the direction of the Veterinarian.
9. Properly cleans, maintains, refills and stores all medical equipment.
10. Performs other duties as directed.

Required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Minimum Qualifications:

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, abilities and minimum qualifications necessary to perform the essential functions of the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the job.

Requirements include the following:

• The County, at its discretion, may consider an alternative combination of formal education and work experience.
• Michigan Vehicle Operator's License.
• Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of providing medical care assistance for animals in a shelter environment, assisting with surgeries, and performing humane euthanasia.
• Considerable knowledge and skill in assisting with surgical procedures, drawing lab specimens, administering exams, performing euthanasia, observing the behavior of animals, and maintaining medical records.
• Skill in assembling and analyzing data and preparing comprehensive and accurate reports.
• Skill in effectively communicating ideas and concepts orally and in writing.
• Ability to multi-task.
• Ability to establish effective working relationships and use good judgment, initiative and resourcefulness when dealing with County employees, contractors to the County, representatives of other governmental units, professional contacts, elected officials, and the public.
• Ability to assess situations, solve problems, work effectively under stress, within deadlines, and in emergency situations.
• Skill in the use of office equipment and technology, including Microsoft Suite applications and ability to learn software used by animal shelter.
• Skill in the use of a variety of veterinary medical equipment including, but not limited to, anesthesia machines, pulse oximeters, autoclave, surgical instruments, refractometer, X-ray and X-ray processor, microscope, and stethoscope.
• Ability to respond to emergencies or service needs on a 24-hour basis.

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of the 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 required to communicate in person and by telephone, read regular and small print, view and produce written and electronic documents and enter data on a computer keyboard with repetitive keystrokes. The employee must be mobile in an office setting, stand, sit, stoop and kneel, use hands to finger, handle, or feel and reach with hands and arms. The employee must lift or push/pull objects of up to 40 lbs. without assistance. Accommodation will be made, as needed, for employees required to lift or move objects that exceed this weight.

The typical work environment of this job is a clinical or office setting where the noise level is quiet and sometimes moderate. Though applicable safety procedures are documented and utilized, the incumbent may be exposed to unsanitary or unhygienic materials, individuals and situations in the course of performing required duties.

Veterinary Technician

Banfield aspires to be a practice where, as a team, we make a positive impact on pet health care in hospitals, communities, and the field of veterinary medicine. And we believe hiring people with diverse perspectives, ideas, and cultures permits us to deliver the highest quality of preventive care.

As a Banfield veterinary technician, you will work alongside pet health care industry experts to make a difference in the lives of the pets and clients we serve. With the chance to utilize your veterinary knowledge, communication skills, and love for pets, this role will afford you the opportunity to define a clear career path for continued growth and learning.

Responsibilities:

· Support veterinarians to ensure quality veterinary care, advocate for pets, and educate clients.

· With each hospital function, assist veterinarians and the medical team to maximize productivity and maintain positive patient flow.

· Assist with surgeries and procedures in accordance with your state's Veterinary Practice Act outlined for credentialed veterinary technicians.

· Communicate with clients about individualized pet health concerns and offer guidance on Optimum Wellness Plan options, medications, and additional treatments.

· Assist in maintaining relevant, comprehensive medical records with the support of practice systems, including Banfield's database, PetWare, designed to obtain data for population research.

· Obtain relevant health history and information from clients and maintain medical charts.

· Use safe restraining techniques, follow standard protocols, and sustain clean, sterile, organized treatment areas, exam rooms, and labs.

· Be willing to guide, mentor, and support fellow team members.

Requirements:

· Veterinary Technician Certification or Licensure (CVT, RVT, LVT, or LVMT)

Commitment beyond qualifications

Being a veterinary technician requires much more than AVMA certified credentials. It means bringing your talents, skills, dedication, and a desire for developing alongside your peers. But, most importantly, it means showing up each day with a passion for pets

and working with others who believe preventive care is the key to helping pets achieve long and healthy lives. As we do with all our associates, we look to our vet techs to adopt our Five Principles - Quality, Responsibility, Mutuality, Efficiency, and Freedom. And, while your on-paper qualifications are of course important, we actively seek out vet techs who thrive on delivering outstanding client and pet experiences.

Your wellbeing matters.

We know that your real passion for pet well-being is why you chose this profession. At Banfield, we believe it is just as important to support the well-being of those who devote their lives to this cause. Through our extensive network and support structure, Banfield offers a wide array of benefits and programs, empowering you to focus on yourself and your family, as you care for pets and clients As a Banfield vet tech, we want you to take full advantage of work and play through:

· Competitive salary with paid time off

· Medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug benefits for you and eligible dependents

· Company matching 401(k) Savings Plan

· Paid parental leave

· 100% practice paid short and long-term disability - includes maternity leave

· Optimum Wellness Plans (OWPs) for up to three pets

· A variety of discounts including Mars, PetSmart, Royal Canin, fitness, cellular, and so much more

Potential as Big as Your Passion

Whether you are a newly certified or experienced vet tech, a job at Banfield opens the door to exploring the next best move in your career. We are committed to helping you grow as a vet tech by providing:

· Performance Development Plans (PDP) are designed to help you define and achieve your career goals

· Annual CE allowance

· Practice-paid continuing education opportunities along with the opportunity to attend partner conferences

· Free membership to NAVTA, practice-paid subscriptions to VetFolio, and VetGirl. Fear-free certification discount.

· Ability to grow into leadership roles at the field and practice level

Support that helps you thrive

We've created a structure that includes leadership and support at the hospital level, in the field, and at our headquarters, all with one goal in mind: helping you deliver quality care for all pets.

Commitment to community wellness

Through volunteering efforts, and our programs designed to benefit local shelters and rescues, we strengthen the pet-human connections in our communities. Discover how we support the wellbeing of our people and profession through the Mars Volunteer Program (MVP).

So, what are you waiting for? Make your move and apply today!

Banfield Pet Hospital strongly supports and values the uniqueness of all individuals and promotes a work environment where diversity is embraced. Banfield Pet Hospital is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, genetic information, or protected veteran status. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know. Banfield Pet Hospital follows all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every Banfield location.