Vet Assistant/Technician

Animal Clinic of Santa Maria seeks a hardworking, motivated, and reliable Veterinary Technician/Assistant to help us provide the exceptional patient care we are known for! The work we do is exciting, challenging, and extremely rewarding. SUMMARY: The Veterinary Technician/Assistant works hand-in-hand with Veterinarians to ensure quality patient care and to aid the Doctors in achieving greater efficiency by relieving them of technical work. The Veterinary Technician/Assistant assists in multiple procedures providing animal care, including physical examinations, dental procedures, surgeries, immunizations, and euthanasia, as well as client education, marketing, and inventory maintenance. Technician/Assistants may also see their own appointments for procedures such as suture removal, nail trim, vaccine administration when a Doctor exam is not required, lab work, surgery admission and discharge, and boarding entrance exams. In addition, this position requires a working knowledge of pharmaceutical drugs, common diseases, their symptoms, means of transmission, treatment and prevention, and other basic preventive health care recommendations. This is an overview of the position; the job responsibilities listed do not encompass the entire position. The Veterinary Technician/Assistant is under the direct guidance and supervision of the Lead Veterinary Technician and Veterinarians. POSITION REQUIREMENTS: Physical Effort: Work requires lifting and carrying records and equipment weighing up to 40 lbs.; requires sitting and standing for extended periods. Working conditions: May be exposed to unpleasant odors, noise, and animal feces. May be exposed to bites, scratches, and contagious diseases. Strong communication skills and a positive attitude are a must FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Can provide compassionate care to patients and clients. Can conduct oneself confidently and professionally even when stressed and focused on individual tasks. Can legibly keep accurate medical records in accordance with hospital policy. Can prepare and maintain the exam rooms and treatment areas. Can effectively restrain pets even when large or difficult. Understands all common vaccinations and vaccination protocols and can explain them to clients. Understands the importance of a clean and orderly facility and does not hesitate to clean or organize as part of a regular job duty. Maintains positive, cooperative relationships with other employees. Gives SQ, IM, and IV injections. Can confidently handle clients’ medical questions and direct them to Veterinarians when appropriate. Can prepare procedure estimates and discuss financial commitments with clients supporting hospital financial policies. Can explain necessary follow-up and homecare instructions. Understands usage, dosage, and common side effects for commonly used prescription drugs and can readily explain them to the clients. Can maintain an appropriate inventory of all medical supplies Can assist the Veterinarian in medical, surgical, and dental procedures; prepares patients for surgery; administers anesthesia; monitors patients during surgery and recovery; administer fluids. Can adequately care for all surgical materials; keep the operating room properly stocked and prepared for surgery. Can perform clinical laboratory procedures such as fecal flotation exams, heartworm checks, skin scrapings, urinalysis, and fungal cultures; draws blood for laboratory analysis; maintains a file of lab test results and ensures that test results are recorded in patient records. Can effectively position for and take radiographs.. Can admit patients following hospital policy and doctors’ written orders. Can discharge patients based on the veterinarian’s orders, ensuring that patients are well-groomed and in a medically appropriate state. Performs other duties as assigned. Salary: Pay depends upon experience Benefits: 401(k) and 401(k) matching Health insurance Dental Insurance Vision insurance Health savings account Life insurance Employee discount Paid time off Paid Birthday Paid Holidays Parental leave Scrub allowance No after-hours emergency calls