Veterinary Technician

About the role

The City of Seattle is seeking a dedicated Veterinary Technician to join a team committed to providing compassionate and quality care to pets and low-cost spay and neuter surgeries to animals in need. The Seattle Animal Shelter (SAS) was founded in 1972 and has grown and expanded its programs and services to make it what it is today – a nationally recognized animal welfare organization.

Job Responsibilities

• Prepares and administers pre-anesthetics, vaccines, microchips, and other drugs/medications to animals under the direction of the Veterinarian;
• Administers and monitors intravenous, intramuscular and inhalation anesthetics;
• Intubates animals for gas anesthesia;
• Restraints animals of varying sizes and temperaments when loading them into individual cages and when administering pre-anesthetics, vaccines, and other drugs/medications and during examinations;
• Cleans, disinfects, or sterilizes surgical supplies and equipment such as towels, wraps, drapes, instruments, clinic attire, and syringes;
• Prepares animals for surgery by shaving, scrubbing, and disinfecting the surgical site;
• Aids veterinarian during surgery by monitoring rate and depth of animal's respiration, heart rate and color of mucous membranes; administering antibiotics and vaccines as indicated; providing supplies and adjusting anesthetic levels;
• Maintains post-operative condition; alerts and assists veterinarian with emergencies;
• Admits and discharges animals and gives pre-and post-operative instructions;
• Cleans, feeds, waters, and exercises animals; cleans animal cages;
• Washes clinic linens; loads washing and drying machines with cloths;
• Maintains supply inventory and orders supplies when needed;
• Operates and oversees the maintenance of the autoclave, anesthesia machines, oxygen generators, and other veterinary equipment;
• Aids the Shelter's veterinarian in examining, diagnosing, and treating various medical conditions related to animals in the Shelter's care;
• Performs collection of laboratory samples includes urine, blood, feces, and other bodily fluids; prepares samples for interpretation or processing; operates in-house laboratory equipment and performs routine equipment maintenance;
• Obtains digital radiographs using proper safety techniques and prepares images for evaluation;
• Performs dental prophylaxis and assists Veterinarian with veterinary dental procedures;
• Performs tonoscopy, tear tests, skin scrapings, fecal and urine microscopic evaluation, ear cleanings, nail trims, and other routine medical procedures under Veterinarian supervision;
• Aids with shelter animal intake as needed;
• Aids with foster and shelter animal medical appointments, medication and food refills, medical record keeping, controlled drug record keeping, and inventory;
• Performs occasional administrative duties commonly found in a clinic setting;
• Sells animal licenses;
• Administers medications and treatments to shelter animals and applies medical protocols under the direction of the Veterinarian; participates in daily shelter health rounds;
• Affords assistance with animal cruelty investigations through animal examinations, documentation, on-scene observations and testifies in court as needed;
• Performs humane euthanasia under the direction of the Veterinarian.

Qualifications

• Must be Licensed as a Veterinary Technician with the State of Washington;
• Proficient with Microsoft Excel, Word, and Outlook and PetPoint;
• Familiarity with small animal medicine, procedures and techniques.

Additional Information

This position is classified as a Veterinary Technician. It is Civil Service represented, FLSA non-exempt and is eligible for overtime. The full range for this step-progression position is $34.42 - $39.97 per hour.

Application Process

Applications are reviewed after the posting closes. You must submit the following items to be considered for this position no later than 4:00pm Pacific Time on the scheduled closed date. Completed NEOGOV online application. Cover letter describing how your skills and experience align with the stated job responsibilities and qualifications. Current resume indicating relevant experience, knowledge, skills, and education. Your application may be rejected as incomplete if you do not include the relevant information in the application. Cover letters and/or resumes are not accepted in lieu of a completed application. Applications and/or Supplemental Questionnaires that state “see my resume” or “see my personnel file” are considered incomplete and will not be accepted.

Background Check

Successful candidates will be required to pass a background check, which will be conducted in accordance with Seattle’s Fair Chance Employment Ordinance, SMC 14.17. Applicants will be given a chance to explain or correct background information and provide verifiable information of good conduct and rehabilitation.

Pre-Employment Physical

Successful candidates will be required to pass a pre-employment physical.