Veterinary Technician

Location: Kanab, Utah (relocation assistance may be available)

Pay

Hiring range: $23.00 - $25.00 per hour, plus benefits

Schedule

Thursday through Sunday, 7:00am to 6:00pm

About the role

Dogtown Veterinary Technicians (Specialist, Veterinary Programs) provide high-quality medical care for dogs in Best Friends lifesaving and veterinary programs. They are responsible for daily medical activities and supporting Best Friends veterinarians. Specialists act with urgency to accomplish important tasks and play a direct role in achieving Best Friends Animal Society’s no-kill mission and organizational success. They may receive intensive assignments in a particular program based on organizational needs. Senior Technicians have an increased level of responsibility or skills and the ability to make on-the-spot decisions to accomplish tasks.

Culture Statement and Responsibilities

We believe in treating everyone with kindness and compassion, building trust through authenticity, and following through on commitments. We prioritize well-being alongside our mission, fostering strong relationships through open communication and transparent feedback. Diversity and inclusion are integral to our culture, enriching team dynamics by valuing diverse perspectives. Each team member is responsible for creating an inclusive environment where all voices are respected and contributing to a workplace that embodies our shared values and commitment to progress. By consistently aligning our actions with our Guiding Principles, we strengthen our culture and ensure that our values are lived every day.

Responsibilities

• Demonstrate kindness and the Golden Rule in everyday actions by practicing inclusion and respect for every person and the value they bring.
• Be a role model for authenticity, kindness, and positive influence with team members, visitors, volunteers, and animals, including listening, being present, supportive, and demonstrating compassion and curiosity in conflict.
• Perform medical care for dogs, including but not limited to intravenous injections, blood draws, medicating, vaccinating, subcutaneous fluids, catheter placement, and microchipping under the direction of a veterinarian.
• Apply comprehensive knowledge of sterile techniques, basic surgical instruments, general pharmacology, anesthesia monitoring, surgical induction and recovery, and humane restraint for medical procedures and emergency stabilization.
• Maintain a clean and disinfected working environment, controlled substances logs, and accurately enter and maintain patient and client medical data.
• Support, empower, and enable volunteers and foster parents to expand Best Friends' lifesaving capacity; conduct client communications including aftercare and emergency support.
• Provide basic care for dogs such as feeding, cleaning, walking, and socialization for animals temporarily housed or transported within Lifesaving Center vehicles, buildings, or facilities.
• Work collaboratively with Best Friends’ team members in all areas of operations to achieve veterinary services and organizational lifesaving goals.
• Follow Best Friends policies, procedures, and task lists for daily lifesaving outcome assignments, including accurate and timely communications, work completion, data entry, and recordkeeping.
• Maintain a safe workplace, model safe work practices, adhere to organizational safety practices and rules, and communicate unsafe practices and conditions to leadership.

Requirements

• Some formal education from an AVMA-accredited veterinary technician certification program preferred but not required.
• Minimum of two years of working experience in a veterinary medicine setting or equivalent work experience in an animal welfare or nonprofit setting.
• Experience working with a variety of species, including large animals, is strongly preferred.
• Bilingual or multi-lingual skills preferred but not required.
• Customer-centric, non-judgmental approach to engaging with adopters, partners, visitors, volunteers, and colleagues; familiarity and comfort with a conversational adoption process.
• Ability to work with, leash, kennel, walk, and handle cats and dogs, including those with health and/or behavior conditions/concerns; basic ability to identify and speak to medical and behavioral characteristics of dogs and cats.
• Strong interpersonal skills, team-oriented, personable, professional, and able to get along with people from different backgrounds, as well as handle sensitive and confidential situations.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with well-developed organization skills to juggle multiple competing tasks and demands.
• Resourceful, "get-it-done" attitude; initiative to assist in any area or process; problem-solving, seeking answers independently and enthusiastically; flexibility to persist until goals are achieved.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office products; familiarity with shelter software/animal management software or desire to learn.

Physical Requirements

• Routinely lift 40 pounds and perform daily strenuous activity including, but not limited to, lifting, carrying, reaching, stooping, squatting, cleaning, and bending.
• Perform repetitive tasks for extended periods of time including typing, sitting, walking, arm, and hand motion.
• Work indoors and outdoors in a variety of weather conditions including extreme heat and cold.
• Exposure to dogs and other animals of all sizes, temperaments, and medical status.
• Valid driver’s license, meeting Best Friends Animal Society’s driver qualification standards; ability to travel, including overnight stays, when needed.
• Daily hours and days of the week may vary according to the needs of the department schedule; position includes weekends, nights, holiday work, and may include on-call shifts.
• During the selection process, candidates may be asked to participate in an onsite working interview.