Veterinary Technician- Variable Hour Not Benefit Eligible

About the role

The City of Aurora is seeking dedicated and collaborative individuals to join its team of talented and valued employees. The Housing and Community Development Services consist of four divisions: Neighborhood Support, Animal Services, Housing and Community Development, and Community Engagement. The mission of the Housing and Community Development Department is to maintain community appearance and enhance the quality of life in Aurora’s neighborhoods.

Responsibilities

• Performs evaluations on animals including age, gender, general health, and spay/neuter status.
• Notifies DVM of signs of injury and illness in a concise and timely manner.
• Properly documents medical evaluation and medical findings in computer.
• Fills prescriptions as needed on shelter and foster animals, including treatment cards, entering medications in computer.
• Administers medications, vaccinations and microchips according to Veterinarian instruction.
• Educates Patrons about animal’s medical conditions and treatments.
• Communicates with foster parents via email, phone and/or in person, regarding the health and treatment of foster animals.
• Administers anesthesia via IV, IM or SC, monitors animals while under anesthesia using appropriate monitoring equipment, and recovers multiple animals post operatively.
• Record all surgical procedure details, including all drugs given, into patient’s medical record.
• Transfers animals to and from the treatment area, cleaning kennels as needed.
• Cleans and sterilizes surgical equipment.
• Uses, repairs and schedules routine maintenance of medical equipment appropriately.
• Maintains and orders veterinary medical supplies from multiple vendors, for the department and shelter use, all while staying in budget.
• Performs and monitors cleaning and sanitation of veterinary medical areas including treatment, isolation rooms and surgical suite.
• Checks emails daily and sends emails to staff regarding issues that may need to be addressed by other staff members when Vet staff is not available.
• Performs euthanasia.
• Responsible for the technical training and euthanasia certification of other staff members.
• Strict adherence to legal requirements for administering and recording the use of controlled substances.
• Adheres to Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’S).
• Creates appropriate SOP’s and helps with policies for division use.
• Performs Radiographs Support medical issues with shelter, field and foster animals.
• Knowledge of common zoonotic diseases, their transmission and prevention of spread to humans and other animals.
• Absorb and assist with necropsies as needed.
• Supervises and trains volunteers including Veterinary Technician students.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that demonstrates required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered.
• Education: Associates Degree in Veterinary Technology.
• Preferred Qualifications: Shelter and or high volume spay/neuter experience preferred.
• At least (2) years experience as a Veterinary Technician in surgery, animal care and handling.
• Knowledge: Current veterinary standards and practices, dog and cat breed characteristics and knowledge of standard contagion practices in a shelter environment.
• Animal behavior and using positive reinforcement techniques to interact with shelter animals.
• Staying up to date on current shelter medical protocols.
• Vaccination guidelines.
• Skills: Practical application of theoretical knowledge. Capabilities or proficiencies developed through training or hands-on experience.
• Possess safe animal handling and restraint techniques, including feral cats and aggressive dogs.
• Collect samples and perform diagnostic tests, including bloodwork, urinalysis, fecal, cytology, skin scrape and infectious disease testing.
• Knowledge of a variety of surgical procedures including, but not limited to, mass removal, spay/neuter, ophthalmic surgeries and dental procedures.
• Certified as Veterinary Technician (RVT, LVT, CVT) and able to register in good standing with CACVT and DORA or able to obtain within 6 months of hire.
• Valid Colorado Drivers License with a good driving record.
• Euthanasia Certification must be obtained within 3 months of hire.