Shelter Medicine Registered Veterinary Technician II

Job Title: Shelter Medicine Registered Veterinary Technician II

Department: Clinic

Reports To: Managing Shelter Medicine Veterinarian

FLSA Status: Non-exempt

Salary Range (S2): Hiring Range: $26.50 - $29.00 per hour; Salary Range: $26.50 - $33.35 per hour

Overview:

The Sacramento SPCA is a vibrant, well-established and respected non-profit animal welfare organization. Through our nationally-ranked high-volume spay and neuter clinic (we are ranked as one of the top 10 clinics in the country!), successful adoption program, behavior and training programs and commitment to excellent animal care, the Sacramento SPCA is giving more than shelter and saving animals, one life at a time.

Position Summary:

The Shelter Medicine RVT II has the primary responsibility of assisting the Chief of Shelter Medicine in the care and treatment of shelter animals. This position is key to the Sacramento SPCA’s dedication to animal welfare and our commitment to high-quality medical services for the animals in our care. The shelter medicine RVT II position is expected to work collaboratively across all departments and identify opportunities for improving programs, processes and procedures.

Essential Job Functions:

• Examines animals under the direct or indirect supervision of the shelter veterinarian(s), prescribes treatments according to standard and established treatment protocols or as directed by the shelter veterinarian(s).
• Inputs exam results and diagnosis/treatment into designated medical software program.
• Takes temperature, pulse and respiration. Collects and prepares blood, urine, and feces samples.
• Performs diagnostic tests, including x-rays, blood work, urinalysis, swabs, etc.
• Creates medication charts and prepares medications for shelter animals.
• Performs or assists with the euthanasia and disposal of animals in accordance with established laws and Sacramento SPCA policy.
• Under supervision of the shelter veterinarian(s), administers pharmaceuticals such as medications and vaccines by intramuscular, intravenous and subcutaneous injection, topical or enteral administration.
• Assists shelter veterinarian(s) with procedures and surgeries and recheck visits.
• Performs dental prophylactic procedures on shelter animals under the direction of the shelter veterinarian(s).
• Responds to calls from shelter staff when the shelter medicine veterinarian(s) is/are unavailable including injured animals, owner surrenders with health issues, reclaimed animals that need spay neuter status verified, adopters that have questions about an animal’s health status, medical consultations, etc.
• Consults with veterinarians, supervisors and the Animal Health Practice Manager on more serious cases that require more expensive or long-term treatment and/or euthanasia.
• Consults on disease outbreaks with veterinarians, operations, managers and supervisors.
• Assists with writing protocols, training staff on diagnostics and minor procedures.
• Follow all state, local and federal laws regarding the documentation of medical records and tracking of controlled substances.
• Attends in-house meetings with supervisors on protocols, animal health and the organization, etc. Assists in tours, lectures, public education programs, special events and fundraising activities as needed.
• Must be punctual and maintain regular, predictable attendance.
• Must be committed to a high standard of safety and be willing and able to comply with all safety laws and all of the employer’s safety policies and rules and must be willing to report safety violations and potential safety violations to appropriate supervisory or management personnel.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Additional Duties and Responsibilities:

• Collects samples for various outside studies, conducted by various organizations.
• Provides accurate information and friendly professional service to the public and coworkers in a responsive, positive, courteous and truthful manner.