Veterinary Technician

Full Job Description

Loudoun County is one of the fastest growing counties in the country, known for its excellent quality of life and strong economy, while embracing its historic presence.

Located 35 miles west of Washington DC, Loudoun County offers a diverse blend of cultural, recreational, and educational opportunities.

Loudoun County government has been included in Forbes magazine’s prestigious ranking of America's Best Large Employers.

Loudoun is recognized for its outstanding commitment to fostering environments where employees can thrive based on various factors, including atmosphere, salary, diversity, working conditions, and workplace environment.

Loudoun County Animal Services resolves to serve our community by promoting public safety and the compassionate treatment of all animals through humane education, community outreach, sheltering, and law enforcement.

Requirements

Are you looking for a rewarding full-time position helping pets in need? Loudoun County Animal Services (LCAS) is seeking a veterinary technician to join our medical team. Once trained, the technician may choose from four-day or five-day workweeks and is eligible for a suite of exceptional benefits including medical, dental, vision, retirement, tuition reimbursement, continuing education reimbursement, professional association dues and more, in addition to generous leave offerings and opportunities for professional development.

LCAS is looking for a compassionate, collaborative, and motivated individual to work alongside our two shelter veterinarians on a team of four veterinary technicians, providing preventative and comprehensive medical and behavioral care to approximately 2,300 animals each year, including exotics and the occasional livestock.

LCAS is the first public shelter to meet 100% of the ASV Animal Shelter Guidelines, and our bright, new facility’s on-site equipment includes a digital radiology suite, ultrasound, in-house Idexx blood machines, digital dental radiography, and a high-speed dental machine.

Routine duties will include:

• Assisting the veterinarian with cross-team daily rounds.
• Active participation in numerous daily surgical cases including patient preparation, monitoring, and recovery.
• Scheduling of medical and surgical cases in the shelter.
• Participating in low-cost vaccine clinics both off-site and within the current building.
• Providing daily treatments and preventative care.
• Supporting animals in foster care.
• Assisting in evaluating and treating cases involving our Humane Law Enforcement Team.

Successful applicants will be proficient in veterinary technician skills, including but not limited to: Venipuncture, anesthesia, IV catheter placement, COHATs, body condition scoring, administration of medications via all routes, neonatal kitten care, vaccination protocols, training our non-medical volunteers in clinic procedures, and physical examination of all animals in our care.

Candidates must be able to demonstrate consistent case management skills and sound judgement, while recognizing the differences between high quality shelter medicine and private practice operations. Once trained, the technician will cover one week per month of paid on-call phone support for our foster pets and humane law enforcement officers. The applicant must have thorough knowledge of the care and handling of companion animals, preferably with some familiarity with exotic animals and livestock.

Hiring salary commensurate with experience.

Qualifications

Associates of Applied Science Degree in Animal Health/Veterinary Technology or related field and two (2) years related experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Currently Licensed Veterinary Technician in the Commonwealth of Virginia or able to obtain licensure within 30 days of hire.
• Bilingual.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.

Additional Information

Although approximately 95% of animals arriving at LCAS are placed, as a veterinary technician you will be called upon to perform or assist with the euthanasia of animals that are deemed irredeemably suffering, dangerous, or are not treatable or manageable within the limitations of the shelter setting.

The successful candidate:

• Must obtain state-required euthanasia certification within six months of employment. The candidate will also be required to obtain certifications in CPR, first aid, and Incident Command System 100 and 200, and attend ongoing trainings throughout the duration of employment.
• Will undergo a criminal background check and medical examination, including a drug screening. A valid Virginia driver’s license is required.
• May not have fears of or unmanageable allergies to common companion animals, exotics or livestock.
• Must have the ability to handle large and potentially dangerous animals over 75 pounds confidently and safely.
• Must complete Fear Free Shelters certification within 90 days of hire and feel comfortable with science-based, low-stress handling techniques.
• Must successfully complete a criminal background investigation.
• Must successfully complete a physical examination.

This position is expected to be physically demanding, with the potential for exposure to infectious diseases, viruses, noxious fumes and chemicals, extended time standing on feet, as well as risk of injury. A rabies pre-exposure vaccination series will commence immediately upon hire unless proof of prior vaccination is provided. Although veterinary staff work a set schedule, they do rotate an on-call coverage for infrequent emergencies and routine (mostly phone) support of pets in foster care, primarily neonatal kittens.