Job Postings

Veterinary Technician/Clinic Manager for big cats

Facility

The Wildcat Sanctuary

Closing Date
January 4, 2020
Description

Purpose: Under general direction of the Operations Director and works closely with TWS’ veterinarians., the primary role for the Clinic Coordinator is to ensure hospital operation and medical treatments run smoothly and that proper veterinary care is prioritized and provided based upon urgency and in accordance with TWS’ philosophies. They are the liaison to the veterinarian. The wellness plan should also encompass the overall mental health, happiness and safety of residents and work collaboratively with daily husbandry practices to ensure the best outcome for the resident.

Provide leadership and direction in the clinic including enthusiastically growing hospital staffing and resources through increased partnerships with veterinarians, veterinary technicians, vet assistants and volunteers. Embrace the strategic vision of an onsite teaching facility that mentors, engages and teaches current interns, staff, pre-vet students and broader audiences through social media.

Assist in medical treatments and procedures, under the direction of the veterinarian.

Responsibilities
• Improving the lives of rescued residents while positively encouraging and mentoring those working in the hospital
o Grow and establish staffing resources in line with TWS’ vision of a teaching facility, succession and 24/7 emergency care
 Foster relationships and support recruitment of volunteers with special skills to assist in the hospital and provide relief work including additional veterinarians, veterinarian technicians and vet students
 Work with Operations Director and Donor Services Coordinator to ensure volunteers are on-boarded and trained per TWS standards, mentored appropriately and receive a positive experience
 Train and positively engage current caretakers in the hospital while training them to be vet assists
 Engage all staff, interns and core audiences for teaching/mentoring opportunities onsite and through social media
o Coordinate and schedule outside paid and volunteer veterinary staff for vet procedure days
o Works with Operations Director to schedule caretakers into vet assistant shift weekly
o Supervises and assures that all hospital personnel are properly trained for their position and understand and adhere to TWS’ safety protocol. Including vet assistants and volunteer vet techs and veterinarians
• Veterinary Records, Policies and Care
o Work in conjunction with Executive Director regarding policies, procedures, budgets, etc.
 Establish, update and maintain protocols and work flow plans for ED review and approval
 Is aligned with ED on standards of protocol and strategic anchors and receives appropriate approvals
o Ensure that all veterinary medical records are being properly documented and maintained by veterinarians
 Manage and update treatment forms
 SOAPS – veterinarian
 Observations – train and ensure caretaking staff are documenting animal observations
o Ensure that all protocols and safety procedures are followed in hospital and when providing medical treatments or care
o Ensure prompt and humane care is provided to all animals in a timely manner in accordance with TWS philosophies and standards
o Performs weekly rounds and observations of all animal on site to ensure every animal is doing well and getting what it needs: prompt medical intervention, proper diet, appropriate enrichment and habitat. Ensure coordination with husbandry responsibilities to ensure the best outcome for the animal.
o Performs medication rounds or assigns to caretakers as appropriate.
o Cares for hospitalized and/or quarantined animals.
• Oversee and coordinate veterinary treatments and procedures and communicates information to appropriate parties
o Performs or oversees all medical treatments and procedures, under the direction of the veterinarian when staff vet is not on site. All treatments must be prescribed by a veterinarian.
o Schedules wellness exams for appropriate animals on a three-year cycle
 Works with vet to see which animals can just get vaccination (healthy, young)
o Creates and communicates animal lists for weekly vet days with Vet, Vet Tech, Vet Assistant and ED via email at minimum 1 days prior to vet day
o Discuss animal conditions, treatment plans and recommendations with veterinarian to make decisions and provide direction in animal care, ensuring timely communication to ED and necessary team members
o Oversee veterinary procedures, sedation and monitoring as needed. Responsible for animal and staff’s safety during veterinary procedures and ensures clear communication and training to all that could be affected.
o Coordinates shipping of biological samples that are sent to outside reference lab
o Performs daily care observations on all hospitalized animals or animals being monitored and assigns caretakers as appropriate
o Responsible for communication of medical updates, medication/diet changes and animal status to all staff and ED in a timely manner
• Clinic Management and Inventory
o Ensure hospital is clean, organized and maintained always
o Work with facilities to ensure all maintenance and repairs are completed in timely manner
o Order all necessary medications, equipment and necessary supplies for hospital according to budget
o Recording and stocking of controlled substances every month along with veterinarian of record
o Work with veterinarian to inventory and order-controlled substances
o Dispense controlled substances to keeper safe
o Coordinates and maintains inventory of all clinic supplies, pharmaceuticals, vaccines, laboratory and sterilization equipment. Rotate stock, check expirations dates
o Responsible for the upkeep, maintenance and recertification of hospital equipment in tandem with vet of record
o Perform routine cleanings
o Have equipment serviced on annual basis
o Ensure staff is properly trained
• Responsible for compliance with all state and federal regulatory agencies including, but not limited to following DEA, USDA, OSHA, DOT and EPA requirements for waste management, Bloodborne Pathogen Protocol, SHARPS, inventory, drug labeling and disposal
o Manage USDA binder
 Draft staff and intern bios – keep updated
 Animal count
 Acquisition/disposition of all animals upon intake or death
o Manage TWS documents and provide to entire team
 Vet Exam Vaccination Spreadsheet
 Birthdates Spreadsheet
• Safety
o Conduct safety trainings required by law for all staff, volunteers, interns working in hospital
 Manages and executes safety drills, fills out logs – scheduled on google calendar
o Perform quarterly safety audits of hospital
o Record all accidents/injuries that happen in the hospital and maintain records and requirements for OSHA logs and standard
o Maintain stock of all safety supplies (personal protective equipment, first aid supplies)
• Serve as Radiation Safety Officer per Minnesota Department of Health
o Manage and maintain all radiographic equipment including machine, plates and lead protective gear
o Perform quarterly quality assurance audits per MDH
o Fill out and maintain radiology use logs
o Conduct radiation training for all workers using equipment
o Maintain radiation safety program for facility (written program, audits)
• Research to keep on top of Best Practices and professional standards in relation to Veterinary Assistance
• Foster relationships with other sanctuaries to ensure that we are learning from their veterinarians and animal care departments
• Engage other members within the field to discuss issues and potential solutions including current staff. Respect and be eager to learn from those with different skillsets than you.
• Participate in special events, marketing, and other promotional activities as assigned
• Perform other duties as assigned

Education and Pre-requisites

Training/Knowledge
• Trained as a vet assist. Ability to draw blood, give IV, IM and Sub-Q injections and/or fluids, place catheters and perform other necessary medical treatments. Vet tech is preferred but not required.
• Trained in chemical immobilization and firearms within 6 months of start date
• General knowledge of Zoonotic Disease and Sanctuary standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• General knowledge of all species at The Sanctuary
• Maintains professional knowledge by accessing appropriate educational workshops, reviewing professional publications, and establishing professional networks with other sanctuaries and animal care facilities.

Required Qualifications and Experience:
• Minimum four (4) years’ experience in work related to veterinary medicine and animal husbandry.
• Minimum two (2) years’ experience in supervising, coaching, and appraising staff in a formal supervisor or manager role, preferably in a veterinary hospital or similar
• Adhere to Sanctuary policies, procedures, and protocols.
• Foster an open and inclusive work environment by modeling TWS behaviors and values, consistent with the vision, mission and strategic anchors of the organization.
• Professional respect, empathy and kindness toward coworkers, managers, and subordinates, as well as donors and volunteers.
• Friendly and outgoing personality with a willingness to guide, teach and learn from others, including interns and volunteers.
• Understanding that this is a non-traditional, full-time position requiring a flexible, non-traditional schedule and commitment.
• Ability and desire to work in a fast-paced, ever-changing environment and embrace flexibility.
• Must be able to handle the physical and emotional aspect of work in a sanctuary and have high level of resiliency.
• Critical thinker who can offer recommendations and creative solutions.
• Willingness to do what is needed in the moment to benefit the animals and organization. (Regardless if this falls under job description)
• Must be results-oriented, self-reflective and take responsibility for actions.
• Attention to detail as it pertains to animal wellness and safety. Always going above and beyond for the animals.
• Reliable transportation to our rural location in all four seasons is required. Possession of a valid driver license.
• Willingness to accommodate TWS dogs and domestic cats in the work place.
• Broad knowledge of veterinary clinic management, practices, and procedures
• Critical thinking and logical reasoning skills, including complex problem solving, troubleshooting, and decision making
• Ability to work varied schedules including weekends, evenings, overnights and holidays
• Ability to lift up to 60 pounds and bend, stoop, crawl and walk on uneven surfaces
• Ability to work in extreme weather conditions from 100-degree days to freezing temperature
• Must have tetanus vaccine
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions
• Ability to operate vehicles such as trucks, vans, and utility vehicles

Compensation and benefits

$40,000 salary plus health insurance, simple IRA and paid-time off

Application instructions

Please send cover letter, resume and 2 references to cat@wildcatsanctuary.org