Licensed Veterinary Technician

Position Description

This position works under the general supervision of the staff veterinarian, assisting the veterinarian with providing medical and surgical care for animals at Metro Animal Care and Control. This position is responsible for animal handling, patient care and medical treatments.

If you have any questions about this position please contact MPHD HR at (615)-340-5640.

Typical Duties

• Assist with diagnostic procedures and acquiring laboratory samples, processing in-house and reference lab samples, taking radiographs, anesthesia administration and monitoring, dental prophylaxis, surgical preparation and recovery, hospitalized patient care, critical/emergency care, triage and euthanasia of animals.

• Perform routine medical evaluations and diagnostic procedures, including but not limited to taking digital and dental radiographs, and collecting blood, urine, and stool samples.

• Provide nursing care or emergency first aid to injured or recovering animals.

• Train other shelter staff in proper observation/diagnostic methods, personal and patient safety as well as animal handling techniques.

• Responsible for the daily care of animals, including providing appropriate food and water. and basic grooming and bathing.

• Provide basic grooming and bathing; clean animal cages and runs; and perform general housekeeping of shelter.

• Maintain daily log sheets and treatment histories, complete related animal care reports, and maintain other record keeping as required.

• Maintain inventory of clinic supplies, research specifications, prices and availability of materials and equipment, and establish maintenance schedules for clinic equipment.

• Ensure compliance with applicable laws established by the Tennessee Board of Veterinary Medicine and the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).

• Work cooperatively with the shelter manager and staff and foster a spirit of teamwork.

• Demonstrate MPHD's core values of Professionalism, Respect, Integrity, Dedication, and Equity (P.R.I.D.E.) when interacting with the public and employees of the Metropolitan Government.

• Respond to patron inquiries and performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Associate's Degree in Veterinary Technology or a related field.

3 years of professional veterinary technician or related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Must have and be able to demonstrate knowledge of:

Basic animal care standards, including safe animal handling procedures for domestic and wild animals.

Proper use, secure storage, and disposal of lethal chemicals, syringes and related equipment.

Licensure

Active Veterinary Technician license from the State of Tennessee.

Must be a Certified Animal Euthanasia Technician (CAET), or obtain that certification within six months of hire.

Valid driver's license, use of personal vehicle, and maintenance of valid personal vehicle insurance as required by Tennessee Law.

Environment/Physical Demands

Must receive pre-exposure rabies vaccinations.

Regular walking and standing.

Lift up to 50 pounds, on a regular and recurring basis.

Perform routine keyboard operations.

Lift and move objects and animals weighing up to 50 pounds for short distances. Humanely restrain an animal.

Use protective clothing or gear.

May risk exposure to toxic and caustic chemicals, and animals/wildlife, including exposure to animal bites, scratches, and diseases such as Rabies, Ringworm, Lyme disease and Zoonosis.