Employment Opportunities at AWA

Full-Time Veterinary Technician

Job Description:

Objective: Assist with all practices and procedures of medical and surgical support, preparation, monitoring, and release of animals. Assess and monitor overall health, provide initial and routine medications and vaccines. Determine basic animal information at intake and maintain standards and record keeping as directed by the Clinic/Shelter Veterinarian.

Essential Functions:

· Adheres to agency SOPs, including standard best practices on safety and compliance.
· Keeps all work areas, facilities, equipment, and animal cages clean and sanitized at all times.
· Receives animals upon drop-off for surgery, intake, and foster appointments.
· Maintains proper animal identification.
· Checks animals for illness, infestations, injuries, abnormalities, and performs diagnostic tests as directed by the veterinarian.
· Handles and restrains animals—including fractious and feral animals—properly and safely.
· Inoculates, medicates, feeds, and cares for animals as indicated by the veterinarian.
· Performs pre- and post-surgical duties including cleaning instruments, wrapping packs, and maintaining equipment.
· Responsible for efficient induction and prepping of animals for surgery, including monitoring animals recovering from anesthesia.
· Assists with dental procedures, including dental radiographs, anesthesia monitoring, scaling, and polishing.
· Performs post-surgical checks to ensure proper recovery.
· Dispenses prescribed medications.
· Meets and talks with clients during admissions, exams, vaccination clinics, and surgical releases, providing clear post-surgical care instructions.
· Prepares and maintains accurate medical records within agency database systems, including controlled substance logs.
· Stocks clinic and shelter supplies and reports re-stock needs and equipment failures.
· Assists in training new employees and volunteers.
· Works with and observes volunteers/students to ensure proper procedures are followed.
· Participates in euthanasia and disposal of animals as needed.
· Responsible for handling after-hours emergency medical calls.
· Performs other duties as assigned.

Position Requirements:

· Humane treatment of animals.
· Ability to accept and explain prepubescent sterilization, prerelease sterilization for adopted animals, and humane euthanasia.
· Recognize or gain knowledge of normal/abnormal health and behavior conditions pre- and post-surgery.
· Knowledge of animal diseases, disorders, spay/neuter procedures, and safe animal handling/restraint.
· Familiarity with medical terminology preferred.
· Mathematical skills for drug conversions and dosing preferred.
· Knowledge of disinfecting procedures, antisepsis, and asepsis.
· Quick learner and adaptable to change.
· Maintain a clean and professional appearance.
· Effective interpersonal and communication skills.
· Positive and respectful attitude.
· Ability to multitask.
· Flexible and strong time-management skills.
· Reliable and prepared for work daily.
· Problem-solving skills and ability to think creatively.
· Reliable transportation.

Qualifications:

· High School graduate; Associate’s degree as a veterinary technician preferred.
· 1–2 years of veterinary technician experience preferred.

Physical Factors:

· Exposure to cats, dogs, and exotic animals.
· Potential exposure to zoonotic diseases.
· Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. unassisted, and over 50 lbs. with assistance.
· Long periods of standing, bending, stooping, reaching, and outdoor work in varying climates.

Job Type: Full-time
(Rotating Saturday shift required – 8:30am–2:30pm)

Benefits:
Dental insurance
Employee assistance program
Employee discount
Flexible spending account
Health insurance
Health savings account
Life insurance
Paid time off
Retirement plan
Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

To apply, send resume to: ryanc@awanj.org

The Clinic Vet Tech assists with all practices and procedures related to medical and surgical support, preparation, monitoring, and release of animals. This role assesses and monitors overall health, administers routine medications and vaccines, and gathers basic animal information at intake while maintaining accurate records as directed by the Clinic/Shelter Veterinarian.

Objective:

Assist with all practices and procedures of medical and surgical support, preparation, monitoring, and release of animals. Assess and monitor overall health, provide initial and routine medications and vaccines. Determine basic animal information at time of intake and maintain standards and record keeping as directed by the Clinic/Shelter Veterinarian.

Essential Functions:

· Adheres to agency SOPs to include standard best practices on safety and compliance
· Keeps all work areas, facilities, equipment and animal cages clean and sanitized at all times
· Receives animals upon drop off for surgery, at time of shelter intake and fosters
· Maintains proper animal identification
· Checks animals for illness, infestations, injuries or abnormalities, and performs diagnostic tests as directed by the veterinarian
· Handles and restrains animals, including fractious and feral animals properly and safely
· Inoculates, medicates, feeds, and cares for animals as indicated by the veterinarian
· Performs pre and post-surgical related duties including cleaning instruments, wrapping packs, and maintaining machines/equipment
· Responsible for the efficient induction and prepping of animals for surgery, including monitoring animals recovering from anesthesia
· Assists with dental procedures including taking dental radiographs, anesthesia monitoring, and scaling and polishing
· Performs post-surgical duties and checks to ensure proper recovery of the animals
· Dispenses prescribed medications
· Meets and talks with clients during admission, exams, vaccination clinics, and surgical release, providing accurate instructions for post-surgical care and treatments
· Prepares and maintains accurate medical records through agency database systems including controlled substance logs
· Stocks clinic and shelter supplies and reports re-stock needs and equipment failures to management
· Assists in the training of new employees and volunteers
· Works with and observes volunteers or students to ensure proper procedures are followed
· Participates in euthanasia and disposal of animals as needed
· Responsible for handling after hours emergency medical calls
· Performs other duties as assigned

Position Requirements:

· Humane treatment of animals
· Ability to accept and explain the concepts of prepubescent sterilization, prerelease sterilization of adopted animals and humane euthanasia
· Must recognize or be willing to gain working knowledge of normal and abnormal health and behavioral conditions of patients pre- and post-surgery
· Knowledge of diseases and disorders of animals, spay/neuter related procedures, animal handling and restraint
· Familiarity with medical terminology and veterinary medical knowledge preferred
· Mathematical skills for drug conversions and dosing preferred
· Knowledge of disinfecting procedures, antisepsis and asepsis
· Quick learner and adaptable to change
· Maintain clean and professional appearance
· Effective interpersonal and communication skills
· Maintain a positive and respectful attitude
· Ability to multi-task
· Must be flexible and possess efficient time management skills
· Must be reliable and come to work prepared
· Problem solving skills and ability to think outside the box
· Reliable transportation

Qualifications:

· High School graduate required; Associate’s degree as Veterinary Technician preferred
· 1–2 years experience performing veterinary technician duties preferred

Physical Factors:

· Exposure to animals such as cats, dogs, and exotics
· Potential exposure to zoonotic diseases
· Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. unassisted and over 50 lbs. with assistance
· Long periods of standing, bending, stooping, reaching, and working outdoors in differing climate will be required

Benefits:

· Employee assistance program
· Employee discount
· Paid time off
· Retirement plan

Work Location: In person

To apply, send resume to: ryanc@awanj.org

Objective: Provide daily and on-going animal care, facility sanitation, and animal enrichment.

Essential Functions:

Animal Care

• Monitor animals and immediately report any health or behavior abnormalities to supervisor
• Provide adequate food and water to all animals
• Stimulate exercise for animals as required by protocol
• Handle all animals properly and according to organization safety procedures
• Perform bathing and basic grooming as needed
• Explain concepts of pre-release sterilization of adopted animals and humane euthanasia
• Assist in animal care and handling during emergency situations
• Administer animal enrichment following organization protocol and procedures
• Participate in pet adoption meets in Shelter play-yards
• Assist with evaluation and treatment of assigned animals
• Update animal records as needed, ensure all data is accurate
• Greet, welcome, and assist customers and AWA visitors
• Process paperwork as needed

Facility Care & General Functions

• Follow established disease control procedures to daily clean, disinfect, and maintain Shelter rooms, kennels, cages, and general office areas
• Operate laundry and dishwashing equipment
• Restock cleaning areas with supplies and equipment
• Maintain equipment in working condition, report equipment or supply needs to supervisor
• Maintain work and general areas in an organized manner
• Respond promptly and courteously to customer needs
• Handle challenging customer service situations and be able to identify when supervisor should be called to assist
• Respond to requests for service or assistance from supervisors, co-workers, and volunteers
• Identify potential problems, suggest solutions, or seek appropriate person to provide solution

Position Requirements:

• Commitment to the humane treatment of animals
• Working knowledge of animal health and behavioral conditions and basic animal handling
• Knowledge of mathematics for proper and safe chemical dilution procedure
• Familiarity with OSHA standards for cleaning
• Must adhere to all organizational policies and procedures and safety standards
• Ability to quickly learn and adapt to changes in policies, procedures, and safety standards
• Maintain a professional appearance and the ability to tactfully and effectively work with the public
• Maintain a positive and respectful attitude
• Provide and record accurate information
• Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously
• Demonstrate flexible and efficient time management and ability to prioritize workload
• Operate multi-line phone system, basic office machinery, and computers
• Effective communication skills
• Problem-solving skills
• High quality customer service skills
• Ability to learn quickly and efficiently
• Consistently report to work on time and prepared

Qualifications:

• High School diploma or equivalent required
• 1-3 years working experience in animal shelter or clinic preferred
• Working knowledge of PetPoint computer system a plus

Physical Factors:

• Work performed in an animal shelter environment, kennels among the animals, and some outdoors
• Ability to lift and move up to 50 lbs. unassisted, and over 50 lbs. with assistance
• Potential exposure to zoonotic diseases, dangerous and fractious animals, high noise levels, wet surfaces, hazardous chemicals, and sharp objects. Peanut butter used throughout the facility.
• Long periods of standing, bending, stooping, reaching, and working outdoors in varying weather conditions

Working Conditions:

• Varying shifts, weekdays and weekends, and some holiday work required
• Overtime work as necessary for staffing levels or finishing tasks

To apply, send resume to: nancik@awanj.org

Objective: Ensure quality customer service to all visitors including animal adopters and owner surrenders; process and follow-up on adoptions, surrender appointments, and pet rehoming support.

Essential Functions:

Adoption & Intake Program

• Process adoption applications to ensure quality adoption matches
• Follow organization adoption and intake procedures and policies
• Work closely with Supervisor, Managers, and Director to achieve goals for department
• Explain concepts of prerelease sterilization of adopted animals and humane euthanasia
• Input accurate animal information into PetPoint system including medical records
• Update all animal adoption folders, kennel cards, and messages on a daily basis
• Complete adoptions through the PetPoint system
• Become familiar with all adoption animals in order to articulate any issues or special needs animals
• Counsel surrendering owners on animal retention or rehoming
• Answer questions relating to pet surrenders and provide resources as necessary
• Observe and monitor adoption meets and ensure proper procedures are followed
• Participate in developing special adoption promotions as needed
• Assist in animal care and handling during emergency situations

Front Office and General Functions

• Immediately greet all visitors in a friendly and timely manner
• Handle challenging customer service situations and identify when Supervisor should be called in
• Promptly answer all phone calls, take messages and forward as necessary
• Maintain and promote positive public image
• Check and respond to all voicemail and e-mail messages
• Collect and process payments and accurately produce receipts
• Receive in-kind donations according to organization procedures
• Process waivers and remain aware of all organizational promotions
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of designated adoption space, lobby, and office space
• Perform opening and closing duties as required and in timely and efficient manner
• Promote other services including the sale of collars, identification tags, and microchips
• Communicate regularly with Supervisor regarding department and any issues

Position Requirements:

• Commitment to the humane treatment of animals
• Knowledge of health, behavioral conditions, and basic animal handling; or willingness to learn
• Quick mathematics knowledge for chemical dilution procedures
• Adhere to all organizational policies and procedures and safety standards
• Quickly learn and adapt to changes in policies, procedures, and safety standards
• Maintain professional appearance and the ability to tactfully and effectively work with the public
• Maintain a positive and respectful attitude at all times
• Provide and record accurate information
• Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously
• Demonstrate flexible and efficient time management and ability to prioritize workload
• Operate multi-line phone system, basic office equipment, and computers
• Effective communication skills
• Problem-solving skills
• Cash handling skills
• High quality customer service skills
• Ability to learn quickly and efficiently
• Consistently report to work on time and prepared

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or GED required; Bachelor’s degree in business or other related field preferred
• 1-3 years’ experience in customer service field
• Working knowledge of PetPoint computer system a plus; basic computer system experience required
• Familiarity with OSHA, state, and federal laws and regulations with regards to animal sheltering, cleaning, and safety

Physical Factors:

• Work performed in shelter environment, mostly in front office, high exposure to animals, including animal handling and training
• Ability to lift and move up to 50 lbs. unassisted, and over 50 lbs. with assistance
• Potential exposure to zoonotic diseases, dangerous and fractious animals, high noise levels, wet surfaces, hazardous chemicals, and sharp objects. Peanut butter used throughout the facility.
• Long periods of standing, bending, stooping, reaching, telephone and computer work, and working outdoors in varying weather conditions may be required

Working Conditions:

• Friday, Saturday, Sunday and some holiday work required
• Overtime work as necessary for staffing levels or finishing tasks

To apply, send resume to: nancik@awanj.org

OBJECTIVE:

The Veterinary Technician Supervisor is responsible for:

1. Leading the shelter technician team in the provision of daily medical care of all Shelter, Foster and ICU animals, ensuring quality of care.
2. Overseeing the operation and upkeep of the shelter medical suite, including its equipment, inventory, supplies, and medications.
3. Supervising team in performing and performing technician duties as needed for shelter medical department.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

SUPERVISION OF STAFF:

• In conjunction with management, interview, hire, train, review performance of shelter medical staff members (veterinary technicians, veterinary assistants).
• As needed, address performance concerns, develop and implement corrective action plans for shelter medical staff members (veterinary technicians, veterinary assistants)
• Report employee, volunteer or client concerns to management.
• Management of scheduling of shelter medical staff.
• Ensure training of personnel according to professional standards, AWA Clinic/Shelter SOPS, OSHA regulations, and customer service standards.
• Develop and maintain training manuals and SOPs; set up ongoing training sessions in conjunction with management.
• Oversee and evaluate staff performing exams, restraint, inoculations, medicating, feeding, and general caring of animals as indicated by attending veterinarian or per standard operating procedures.
• Ensure staff are able to perform emergency interventions (drugs used, catheter placement, CPR, etc.).

ANIMAL GENERAL VETERINARY CARE:

• Maintain proper animal identification, ensuring that appropriate paperwork accompanies animals throughout their stay at the shelter or in foster care.
• Supervise and/or perform checks and intake exams on animals to identify illness, infectious diseases, infestations, injuries or abnormalities.
• Supervise and/or perform diagnostic tests, procedures and treatments as directed by the attending veterinarian or per standard operating procedures.
• Dispense prescribed medications and/or supervise the medication of all shelter animals.

ANIMAL SURGICAL CARE:

• Provide the veterinarian with equipment and special surgical instruments, surgical packs and lab and clinic material.
• Supervise, perform, and maintain responsibility for proper premedication and induction of surgical patients, ensuring staff follow operating protocols.
• Oversee and perform proper monitoring of anesthetized animals before, during and recovering from anesthesia after surgery.
• Oversee and perform post-surgical duties/checks to ensure proper recovery of the animals.
• Recognize, document and communicate any post-surgical complications to the shelter veterinarian and management.

COMMUNICATION:

• Model positive and active team communications through the day to ensure smooth operations.
• Maintain a collaborative relationship across AWA departments.
• Ensure veterinarian is supported during intake, medical, illness, and surgery exams.
• Meet and talk with foster parents during recheck exams as well as potential or recent adopters, providing accurate and understandable instructions regarding the animal’s diagnosis and treatments.
• Manage relationships and events with educational partners (veterinary, vet tech schools and occasionally partnership practices) in collaboration with the shelter veterinarian.
• Collaborate with shelter management and staff to ensure animals are housed and cared for appropriately for their individual circumstances (i.e. fostering, isolation, adoption floor, etc).

DATA AND FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT:

• Prepare and maintain accurate medical records for shelter animal files, including but not limited to: animal history, treatment and vaccinations records, as well as DEA and pharmaceutical logs.
• Provide statistical reports as required by management.
• Perform inventory management, following SOPs for ordering supplies, etc. for the shelter medical department.
• Understand and adhere to the budget for the shelter medical clinic.

GENERAL HOUSEKEEPING OPERATIONS:

• Ensure all shelter medical suite animal cages are cleaned and sanitized through the day.
• Ensure the shelter medical suite is cleaned through the day and prepared for the next day.
• Ensure medical supplies are stocked for the next day; laundry cleaned and stored; fluids filled and set up; packs prepared, etc.
• Oversee and/or perform the proper pre- and post-surgical related duties including: cleaning instruments and wrapping packs.
• Perform routine maintenance tasks on all shelter medical suite equipment and refer any problems appropriately.
• Management of medical donations for the shelter medical department.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

• Belief in the mission and values of AWA.
• Adherence to all organizational policies, procedures, and safety standards.
• Professional, tactful demeanor with ability to cultivate relationships.
• Must have familiarity with medical terminology and medical knowledge.
• Able to accept and explain the concepts of prepubescent sterilization, prerelease sterilization of adopted animals and humane euthanasia.
• Must recognize or be willing to gain working knowledge of normal and abnormal health and behavioral conditions of the patients, pre- and post-surgery and shelter animals.
• Knowledge of the diseases and disorders of animals including common infectious diseases found in animal sheltering, spay and neuter and related procedures, and animal handling and restraint.
• Able to do mathematics for drug conversions and dosing.
• Knowledge of isolation protocols, disinfecting procedures, and asepsis.
• Self-directed, meets deadlines with minimal support while handling multiple tasks simultaneously, proving an ability to prioritize and maintain complex and overlapping deadlines.
• Successful experience collaborating and leading teams (staff and/or volunteer).

QUALIFICATIONS

• Associate’s degree as veterinary technician desirable but not required.
• 2-5 years’ experience as veterinary technician, including surgical technician experience.
• 2-5 years’ experience in shelter medicine desirable, but not required.
• A minimum of 2 years managing personnel, volunteers and/or teams.
• Working knowledge of computer systems and veterinary software. Knowledge of ShelterLuv helpful.
• Trained (or willing to be trained) to perform euthanasia on a variety of companion and small animals.
• Valid driver’s license and a clean driving record required.

PHYSICAL FACTORS

• Work performed in shelter medical clinic, high exposure to animals.
• Potential exposure to zoonotic diseases, dangerous and fractious animals, high noise levels, wet surfaces, hazardous chemicals, and sharp objects.
• Able to supervise, and to properly handle and restrain, scared, aggressive and feral animals properly and safely.
• Able to lift up to 50 lbs. unassisted, and over 50 lbs. with assistance.
• Long periods of standing, bending, stooping, reaching, holding, restraining are required as are leading groups in discussion and entering data in computer.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Movement to and from various facility and off-site locations is required which will result in exposure to temperature changes (rare).
• A varying schedule, sometimes exceeding 40 hours per week, may be required to ensure adequate staff coverage.
• On-call hours required, both after hours and as emergency phone contact
• May be required to drive AWA mobile clinic van for participation in offsite community events

To apply, send resume to: stacyb@awanj.org