Lead Veterinary Technician

The Lead Veterinary Technician is responsible for performing surgical support operations in a high-volume, high-quality, low-cost spay/neuter clinic for cats. This position will ensure that clinic operations at The Feline Fix are held to the highest standard. This position also performs certain supervisory roles as assigned and leads the clinic staff in professionalism and acts as a role model and leader to assist the Executive Director in staff oversight.

Adheres to The Feline Fix’s mission: “To champion the welfare of all cats, especially the most vulnerable.” 

Principal Duties and Responsibilities:

•        Schedules relief staff, both veterinarians and technicians, and coordinates shifts as needed.

•        Authorizes timecards for relief and regular staff.

•        Contributes to clinic staff evaluations and career growth planning.

•        Supervises clinic supply ordering performed by clinic staff and assists management with budget process for clinic.

•        Follows all procedures for tame and feral cat care and ensures cat handling and staff safety is adhered to at all times. 

•        Formulates medications for surgery and maintains and follows procedures set forth by the Drug Enforcement Administration. 

•        Administers pre-op drugs, pain medication, and other medications/vaccinations as needed.

•        Prepares cats for surgery, making sure all appropriate steps have been followed to ensure safe surgical procedures including but not limited to intubating when necessary, shaving, expressing bladders, etc.  

•        Performs anesthesia maintenance and monitoring throughout surgery. 

•        Oversees clinic staff and volunteers who monitor patients post-surgery and during the recovery process.  

•        Tracks and maintains documentation for each cat to ensure accuracy of medical records documentation, treatment, and return of patient to proper owner/caregiver.  

•        Oversees the preparation and maintenance of clean and sanitized surgery and prep areas. Ensures sterile surgery environment, including prep area and surgery suite prior to surgery, between surgeries and at the end of the day.

•        Assists with the sterilization of surgery instruments and surgery laundry as needed.

•        When medically necessary and under the direction of the Veterinarian, oversees the humane euthanasia process. Supervises the storage of euthanized cats and coordinates pick-up by crematory service.

•        Provides additional support to team, including client check-in/out, answering phones, scheduling clinic appointments, and other clinic duties as needed during high-volume times. 

•        Maintains awareness of the HQHVSN industry and identifies opportunities to improve standards and practices.

•        Provides oversight of patient medical records, ensuring client/patient records are entered consistently and correctly into Clinic HQ software. 

•        Works with the clinic staff and leadership to develop and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs) and MSDS information.

•        Collaborates with Foster and Adoption Coordinator to provide support for the foster kitten program, including revising medical SOP’s, scheduling specialist appointments, consulting on complex medical cases, and managing the on-call protocols. 

•        Develops and trains clinic personnel on new safety procedures adhering to applicable state and federal laws governing the practice of veterinary medicine and OSHA compliance policies and procedures.

•        Participates in the cleaning, security, and the safety and maintenance of the clinic and general facilities.

•        Provides quality service to clients, volunteers, and staff recognizing their individual contributions to the success of the organization. Treats all clients, volunteers, and staff in a professional and courteous manner.

•        Always promotes the humane care and treatment of cats. Adheres to the AAFP “Fear Free” feline handling guidelines.

•        Participates in all-staff scheduled meetings, fundraising and special events, and performs other duties as assigned.

•        Recognizes the importance of and commits to furthering the mission of The Feline Fix whether on duty or off.

Job Specifications:

Qualifications:

•      Registered/Certified Veterinary Technician credential a plus, but not required. 

•      Minimum three years’ experience working in veterinary care. Experience working in a shelter and/or spay/neuter clinic strongly preferred. Experience working with feral cats strongly preferred. 

•      High-school diploma or GED required. Bachelor’s degree preferred, but not required. 

•      Bilingual (Spanish) a plus and may earn a premium rate.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

•      Strong leadership, conflict management, and mentorship skills.

•      Familiarity with high quality, high volume spay/neuter practices. Experience working with feral cats helpful.

•      Knowledge of generally accepted veterinary hospital policies and procedures, including working knowledge of veterinary technology, administering and formulating medications, administration of viral tests, evaluating, and treating medical problems, identifying different breeds of cat, aging, etc.

•      Technical ability to perform all veterinary technician functions including but not limited to intubating cats, administering injections, and drawing blood.

•      Exceptional customer service skills with internal (staff) and external (collaborators, clients, donors, volunteers, etc.) constituents.

•      Excellent teamwork skills, dependability, dedication, and willingness to work in a fast-paced environment while maintaining a high level of care and compassion. 

•      Self-motivation to follow through on all responsibilities in a timely manner. Takes initiative to find creative solutions to challenges as they arise. 

•      Strong attention to detail and the ability to work independently.

•      Able to take direction and constructive criticism with openness and cooperation and be flexible to the changing needs of the clinic and the nonprofit goals.

•      Ability to utilize Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook (email) and basic math skills.

•      Must be aware of the possibility of and be supportive of medically necessary euthanasia of cats, kittens, and fetuses as a recognized humane practice at The Feline Fix.

Working Conditions:

•      This position requires being able to stand for prolonged periods of time (up to 10 hours). 

•      Regular exposure to isoflurane as well as potentially infectious agents, zoonotic diseases, and other hazards that accompany handling cats in a clinic setting, including cat bites and scratches. 

•      This position features a 4-day work week, additional days as needed for special projects. Must be willing to work long or irregular hours under high pressure conditions. Community involvement, including participation in fundraising and charity events will occasionally be required.

•      Must be able to manage the emotional aspect of end-of-life services and humane euthanasia, and support teammates during highly emotional situations.

•      This position works with all members of a small, tight-knit staff.

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. The employee may be required to perform other related duties to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.

TO APPLY: Please email your resume and a customized cover letter to [email protected]. Applications without a cover letter will not be considered.

Please use the subject line: “Lead Veterinary Technician” for your email.

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled, with priority consideration given to applications received by November 10, 2023.

No phone calls, please.