Veterinary Technician

The Veterinary Technician, under the general supervision, performs professional work by implementing veterinary protocols designed to improve the well-being and health of animals entering the care of the Animal Shelter. Duties with the shelter will include implementing veterinary protocols, ensuring treatment plans are followed, performing behavioral assessments alongside shelter staff, supporting surgical programs to sterilize animals, and assisting in rabies control through the planning and implementation of rabies clinics as well as the administration of rabies vaccinations to animals entering the shelter. This position will also play a key role in various other programs being developed including but not limited to working with the Sheriff's Office K-9 Officers, Foster programs, Veterinary Intern and Veterinary Technician Intern Programs, Emergency Management support, and any additional programs designed to reduce euthanasia, enhance life expectancy, and educate the public stakeholders regarding the importance of the human-animal bond.

Provides high quality and fast paced veterinary care of animals at the shelter.

Provides clinical and laboratory support for sheltered animals.

Assists with examinations and the implementation of treatment plans as well as emergency triage for sick or injured animals entering the shelter.

Ensures accurate and thorough record keeping for each individual animal treated and prepares reports as needed.

Performs euthanasia procedures when appropriate and required.

Assists in providing a high level of veterinary care to canines employed by the Sheriff's Office.

Participates in the planning of daily veterinary activities at the shelter to ensure efficient and effective operation.

Interacts with staff pertaining to issues associated with the health, feeding, husbandry, nutrition, reproductive status, diseases and injuries to keep all parties informed of the status of the animals.

Conducts staff training on recommended practices on topics involving animal health, well-being, euthanasia, or other related topics.

Assists with oversight of maintenance of shelter drug and supply inventories to ensure NCDA and DEA requirements are followed.

Assists with oversight of Veterinary Intern Program including day-to-day interactions with students and teaching basic shelter medicine protocols and procedures alongside County Veterinarian.

Assists in the design, modification, and construction of teaching simulation models for veterinary education to include but not limited to appropriate injection skills, cystocentesis model, canine and feline aural and otoscopic examination models, retinal ophthalmologic viewing model, Fine Needle Aspirate sample collection model, full Ovariohysterectomy and Neuter models, multiple suture pattern models, dental scaling and polishing models and 3-layer body wall surgical closure model.

Collaborates with County Veterinarian in enhancing educational opportunities for Veterinary Interns and Veterinary Technician Interns by improving the quality and enhancement of clinical skills development models as well as treatment plan development.

Coordinates and organizes all needed surgical and clinical supplies for Veterinary Intern Program.

Ensures that surgical areas are maintained in an organized and clean manner to facilitate a safe spay/neuter program.

Assists animal care specialists in care and feeding of animals and in sanitation of pens if needed and time permitting.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience:

Associate's degree in Veterinary Medical Technology from a college or university accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association and 2 years of experience providing veterinary care to a variety of animals as a licensed Veterinary Technician.

Licenses or Certifications:

North Carolina Veterinary Technician license.

Must have a valid Driver's License and be able to maintain a safe driving history as defined by the Union County Vehicle Use Policy.

Special Requirements:

In order to perform work in this role, within (30) thirty days of employment you must provide immunization records, provide proof of immunity, or receive/start the required vaccination series, as applicable, along with complying with any necessary screenings, as required by the Union County Division of Public Health and its Healthcare Personnel Immunization and Tuberculosis Screening Policy, in accordance with applicable law.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Must be physically able to operate, maneuver and/or control the actions of equipment, machinery, tools, and/or materials used in performing essential functions including computers, stethoscope, scales, telephones, imaging equipment, etc. Must be able to exert up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. Physical demand requirements are in excess of those for Light Work. Light Work usually requires walking or standing to a significant degree.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work is performed in an environment where errors on their part can lead to significant physical or mental consequences for them or others. The employee will be exposed to risks involved in handling animals (e.g., animal bites or scratches), hazardous chemicals, and animals that may be aggressive or dangerous to handle.