About Rockingham Harrisonburg SPCA
Since 1973, the RHSPCA has been providing compassionate animal care to help pets and people live happier, healthier lives. We offer a full range of services, including adoption options for companion pets and barn cats so that local animals can live better lives in the spaces that suit them best. We also work with a vast network of volunteers who help us care for animals in our shelter and individuals willing to foster pets in their homes. In addition to our pet matchmaking services, we partner with community members to help manage the outdoor cat population through our Community Cat Program. Across all of these services is our commitment to providing the resources and tools our community needs to improve animal welfare.
JOB TITLE: Animal Health Technician
DEPARTMENT: Animal Health
ACCOUNTABILITY: Animal Health Manager/Director of Veterinary Services
SALARY: $16 - $17/hour
EMPLOYMENT TYPE: Part-Time, Non-Exempt
SCHEDULE: Tuesday - Thursday 7:30am - 4:30pm
Please note that the RHSPCA is unable to employ anyone under the age of 18.
Objective
Under direct supervision of the Animal Health Manager, the Animal Health Technician’s primary responsibility is assessing and providing for the medical needs of the animals in the care of the RHSPCA. This position plays a critical role in optimizing the flow of animals and ensuring their medical wellbeing while they are in our care. This position is based in the main RHSPCA, not the Veterinary Care Center.
Duties and Responsibilities
Animal Care
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Ensures treatments, vaccines and tests are scheduled appropriately, dispensed and administered on time.
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Performs intake exams, vaccinations, and treatments for animals coming into the shelter.
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Performs medical exams, microchipping, blood draws, blood testing (Idexx SNAP Tests), and other basic tasks safely and humanely in accordance with RHSPCA protocols.
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Performs daily tasks as assigned in shelter management software. [These include exams, vaccinations, treatments, diagnostic tests and miscellaneous to-dos.]
Identifies illness and dispenses medications in accordance with medical protocols established by the Director of Veterinary Services. -
Performs baths, nail trims and ear cleanings as needed.
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Assists with movement of animals to and from clinic areas and sick animal housing areas.
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Ability to identify illness and determine severity according to medical protocols established by the Director of Veterinary Services.
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Responsible for daily medical monitoring and observation.
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Immediately brings to the attention of Animal Health Manager medical concerns needing prompt attention.
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Responsible for daily cleaning and sanitation of clinic areas including dog and cat intake rooms.
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Responsible for maintaining a sanitary workspace.
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Assist Animal Care Team with kennel cleaning as needed.
Recordkeeping
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Responsible for accurate record keeping, maintaining data integrity of animal records and statistical reporting for all program(s) related activities.
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Maintain proper paperwork and accurate control of medical supplies.
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Assists with veterinary exams and enters veterinarian notes in shelter management software.
Transportation
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Schedules off site veterinary appointments and transports animals for appointments as assigned by Animal Health Manager.
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Drops off samples for off site lab testing to shipping couriers, as needed.
Communication
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Work closely with Animal Health Manager and shelter veterinarians to ensure the health of animals in our care and optimize flow of animals through the shelter.
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Communicate with and work closely with RHSPCA shelter staff regarding people service (including customers, volunteers, fosters, veterinarians) and animal care.
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Communicate well in person, via email and telephone with individuals within the organization and outside to ensure success of the programs.
Other Responsibilities
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Utilizes volunteers effectively and as needed.
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Assists Animal Health Manager with scheduling appointments with veterinarians in house and off site as directed.
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Responsible for daily ‘status’ reviews and updates of animal records..
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Makes recommendations to the Animal Health Manager for animals in need of foster or rescue placement.
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Responsible for restocking medical and cleaning supplies, assisting with inventory counts, and bringing to the attention of the Animal Health Manager supplies that need to be ordered.
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Serves as primary contact for shelter operations staff regarding medical concerns and observations in the absence of Animal Health Manager.
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Assist with restraint for euthanasia when necessary. Position is not required to perform euthanasia.
General
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Performs duties in a manner which promotes a positive culture and encourages attainment of RHSPCA goals.
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Ensures quality care and humane treatment for the animals in the care of the RHSPCA.
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Works courteously and cooperatively with the staff, volunteers, fosters, adopters, partners and donors to ensure that all RHSPCA policies and procedures are followed, and new ones are implemented successfully.
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Able to multitask, adapt and accommodate to changing demands in a fast paced environment.
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Able to prioritize tasks appropriately and receive and follow instructions both verbal and written.
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Performs all duties in a manner that ensures humane treatment, staff safety and minimal stress on the animals during medical handling.
Job responsibilities and opportunities may change as organizational needs change and grow.
Qualifications
RHSPCA is seeking a progressive, quick thinking, dynamic individual who brings animal handling and people skills along with passion, commitment and enthusiasm for our mission and accountability for their work. We are seeking someone who can work well with a team.
Independent thinking and resourcefulness to overcome roadblocks are a must.
The ideal candidate will have two years of animal care and/or veterinary setting experience, excellent time management, and oral and written communication skills.
The Animal Health Technician needs to be able to perform the essential duties satisfactorily. The qualifications listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and ability required:
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Two years experience working in a veterinary clinic.
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Familiarity with google workspace. (Gmail, Sheets and Docs)
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Ability to work independently without close supervision.
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Ability to work collaboratively with a positive and upbeat attitude.
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Knowledge of dog and cat behavior and safe handling practices is required.
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Must be available to work weekends. Available to work some holidays to administer medical treatments. Flexibility in scheduling is a must.
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Ability to use sound judgment in all decision making while working independently in a fast-paced environment.
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Hold a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.
Physical Requirements
Ability to lift up to 35 pounds, move throughout the shelter, and work around animals. The shelter environment may include loud noises, animal odors, cleaning products, and other chemicals.
Why Join RHSPCA?
We're a forward-thinking, optimistic team that values attention to detail, collaboration, and initiative. If you enjoy working with talented people, thrive under deadlines, and want your work to make a tangible difference every day, we'd love to hear from you.
Part-Time Perks
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All employees with the RHSPCA can take advantage of the Hill’s Pro Staff Feeding program, which offers significant discounts on their products.
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Discount offerings to multiple businesses throughout the valley
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Staff and volunteer appreciation events
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$0 adoption fee on your first pet adopted through the RHSPCA
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PTO accrual
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Meaningful work with visible impact on animals and the people who care for them.
Compensation
This is a part-time, non-exempt position offering an hourly range of $16.00 - $17.00.
Nature of Employment
The Animal Health Technician is anticipated to work approximately 25 - 28 hours per week.
There is no minimum period of employment guaranteed or implied by acceptance of an offer of employment. It is the policy of the RHSPCA that employment for this position is at will, which means that employment for no specified term and the employee or agency may terminate that employment at any time without cause. This job description serves as a guide.
