Licensed Veterinary Technician
7 days ago
Reno
Job DescriptionSalary: $30 - $40 About the Organization: Liberty Dogs is a premier Service Dog training program whose goal is to empower Veterans with disabilities to lead more independent and fulfilling lives - enhancing their well-being through the unconditional support that Liberty Service Dogs provide. Located on a 27-acre campus, it includes a training facility, dog housing, an administrative and multipurpose building, and accommodations for Veterans staying on campus to train with their Liberty Service Dogs. Position Summary: The Licensed Veterinary Technician is responsible for providing high-quality care to animal patients by assisting veterinarians with medical procedures, performing laboratory tests, and educating pet caregivers. This role requires a strong knowledge of veterinary medicine, excellent technical skills, and a compassionate, detail-oriented approach to animal care. This position plays a key role in maintaining a positive, professional, and collaborative clinic environment, ensuring efficient workflows, and upholding the highest standards of safety and animal welfare. Key Responsibilities: Clinical and Patient Care: • Patient Assessment: Observe and monitor the behavior, condition, and vital signs of animals., • Medical Procedures: Assist veterinarians during examinations, diagnostic procedures, and surgeries., • Medication Administration: Prepare and administer medications, vaccines, and treatments as prescribed by the veterinarian., • Anesthesia: Induce, monitor, and maintain anesthesia during surgical procedures under the direction of the veterinarian., • Emergency Care: Provide emergency first aid and critical care to injured or ill animals., • Nursing Care: Provide nursing care, including wound care, fluid therapy, and -operative monitoring., • Daily Monitoring: rounds in the dog housing facilities., • Fear Free Practices: Implement and champion Fear Free techniques and protocols to reduce stress and anxiety for dogs during all aspects of their care, from initial intake to post-visit. Laboratory and Diagnostic Services: • Sample Collection: Collect and prepare samples for laboratory tests, including blood, urine, feces, and, • Laboratory Procedures: Perform routine laboratory procedures such as blood counts, urinalyses, and fecal exams., • Equipment Maintenance: Maintain laboratory equipment such as microscopes and analyzers., • Diagnostic Imaging: Operate and maintain diagnostic equipment, such as X-ray and ultrasound machines, and participate in imaging procedures. Surgical and Dental Assistance: • Surgical Preparation: Prepare patients, surgical instruments, and the operating room for surgery., • Surgical Assistance: Assist the veterinarian during surgical procedures including anesthetic monitoring and record keeping., • Monitoring: Monitor dogs during procedures and throughout recovery., • Dental Procedures: Perform dental cleanings (prophylaxis) and assist with other dental procedures as necessary including dental radiographs. Client Communication and Education: • Client Relations: Communicate with caregivers in a friendly and helpful manner, obtaining patient histories and answering questions., • Client Education: Educate caregivers on proper animal nutrition, preventive care, and post-operative care. Administrative and General Duties: • Record Keeping: Maintain accurate and detailed medical records for each patient., • Inventory Management: Aid in inventory management, order supplies for the clinic, and ensure all rooms are stocked with appropriate supplies., • Hygiene and Safety: Clean and sterilize surgical instruments and equipment and maintain a safe and sanitary environment. Cleaning of exam, treatment, surgical and other clinic rooms and enclosures between patients as needed., • Animal Handling: Safely and compassionately handle and restrain animals of various sizes and temperaments., • Scheduling: Schedule appointments and follow up with caregivers. Leadership and Collaboration • Leadership & Mentoring: Serve as a mentor to veterinary assistants and other support staff, sharing knowledge and demonstrating best practices in patient care and clinic procedures., • Relationship Management: Foster and maintain positive, collaborative relationships with veterinarians, fellow technicians, and other staff members to ensure a cohesive and supportive team environment., • Workflow Management: Oversee and optimize the daily clinical workflow, proactively managing tasks and prioritizing patient care to ensure efficiency and effective time management. Required Skills & Qualifications: Education: Completion of an Associate or Bachelors degree from a veterinary technology program accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). Licensure: Must be licensed, certified, or registered as a Veterinary Technician in the State of Nevada. This typically requires passing the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE). Certification: Fear Free Certification or a willingness to obtain certification within the first 6 months of employment is required. Skills: • Strong technical skills in veterinary medicine., • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills., • Compassion and empathy for animals and their caregivers, • Ability to work well under pressure in stressful or emergency situations., • Attention to detail and strong organizational skills., • Physical stamina to lift and handle animals and equipment. Experience: Must have previous experience in a veterinary clinic or hospital setting Physical Demands & Work Environment: • Ability to lift and carry materials and animals weighing up to 40 lbs. regularly and assist with larger animals (up to 90 lbs.)., • Ability to stand, walk, bend, stoop, kneel, and twist for extended periods throughout the workday., • Ability to perform repetitive motions of legs, arms, and hands., • Comfort working in an environment with potential exposure to unpleasant odors, noises, animal waste, and the risk of bites or scratches., • Must not have allergic conditions that would be aggravated by working with animals. Why Join Liberty Dogs? At Liberty Dogs Foundation, we live by a simple truth: We take care of those who have taken care of our great nation. This role will provide the successful applicant with an exceptional opportunity to shape a program that will set a national standard in Veteran wellness and service dog partnershipschanging lives, one Veteran and one dog at a time. We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.