Veterinary Technician- Exotic Animals- AZ - Animal Health Institute at Midwestern University in Glendale, Arizona

Job Description:

Summary

The Veterinary Technician, Exotic Animals will be responsible for providing veterinary technician services in support of the College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM) exotic animal medicine service, typically performed at off-campus facilities. Technical duties include, but are not limited to, assistance with laboratory, surgical, and emergency care procedures. The individual must take initiative and responsibility for completion of assigned tasks, with or without direct supervision. This position reports to the Manager of the Companion Animal Clinic at the Animal Health Institute.  The individual must have excellent communication skills, patience, compassion, a willingness to teach students, and the ability to work flexible hours based on clinical support needs. This is a day shift full-time position.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities   

• Support faculty and students in the delivery of patient care at a variety of facilities


• Assist in setting up surgical and treatment areas and restraining exotic animals for procedures and treatments


• Ensure facilities are properly equipped to handle exotic species, including husbandry and nutrition. Assist with husbandry of patients in clinic


• Follow guidelines and protocols established at on-site and off-site facilities


• Assist with anesthesia administration and monitoring which includes sedation, intubation, recovery and post-operative monitoring of exotic species.


• Assist with surgical procedures as needed


• Responsible for performing or overseeing and providing direction for students during radiography, venipuncture, catheter placement, bandage changes, administer medications, IV fluids, etc. for exotic species.


• Monitor physical and medical conditions of hospitalized patients including pain assessment


• Administer medications and fluid therapy as directed


• Process laundry/linen as needed to assure adequate and neat supply at all times


• Assist in the sterilization department as needed


• Assist veterinarians in running of routine lab samples


• Recordkeeping - Adding appropriate patient notes into electronic medical record


• Assist in instructional support of students in conjunction with the faculty during discussions and labs


• Follow protocols in working with patients with infectious diseases


• Feed and exercise hospitalized animals as directed


• Admit patients to clinic and follow protocols as requested


• Create accurate hospitalization and treatment estimates as needed


• Ensure correct charges are completed in EMR as requested


• Proper handling and restraint of multiple exotics species


• Assist veterinarian during physical examinations and diagnostics for multiple exotic species


• Demonstrate medical knowledge across multiple species


• Collecting and processing laboratory samples from multiple species


• Be familiar with advanced imaging modalities across multiple species


• Understand behavior patterns of multiple exotic species


• Be prepared to recognize and respond to emergencies and critical care situations involving exotic species


• Other duties may be assigned

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. This individual must have the ability to work in a constant state of alertness and safe manner and must have regular, predictable, in-person attendance. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 



Other Qualifications

• The position requires strict compliance with all policies and procedures.


• The individual must be able to develop positive rapport effectively.


• This position may require some early morning, evening and occasional Saturday hours.


• Excellent organizational skills, efficiency, and ability to prioritize order of assigned tasks.


• Must be capable of working in an animal healthcare environment which typically involves sick and injured animals along with animal products and wastes including feces, urine, blood, vomit, and other body fluids. 


• Must be willing and able to handle and/or transport deceased animals and animal parts as well as collect and transfer bio-hazardous waste. 


• Must treat all employees, students, and clients with a high level of respect and follow customer service guidelines and protocols.


• Must exhibit good customer service skills.

General Knowledge 

• Know the range of services the practice provides and the species it serves.


• Be familiar with common procedures performed in exotic animal practice


• Know the basics of working safely with birds, reptiles, and exotic mammals including hoofstock.


• Follow OSHA standards. Be able to find Safety Data Sheets quickly.


• Know and use standard medical and business abbreviations.


• Use proper medical terminology and spelling when speaking and writing.


• Be familiar with infectious diseases, including their prevention and steps to reduce or eliminate transmission.  Know the most common zoonotic diseases (infections from animals to humans). 

Education and/or Experience              
High School diploma or GED is required.  Must have a minimum of 5-7 years of experience working in an animal hospital or veterinary clinic setting. Must have at least 3-5 years of solid experience handling exotic animals.  CVT certification from the State of Arizona is preferred.  This position requires working in a team environment with a high focus on customer service with the ability to maintain a professional demeanor in a fast paced environment.  Detail oriented with the ability to promote a welcoming atmosphere is essential.  The ability to speak Spanish will be considered an asset.

Computer Skills                                             
The individual must have the ability to learn the StringSoft Veterinary Management system, and have basic proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook). 

Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.


While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand or sit for long periods. The employee must regularly use hands to handle or feel and reach with hands and arms. The employee is required to stand and walk. Have the physical strength and ability to stand for long periods, and be able to regularly lift pets and objects weighing up to 40 pounds

Animal allergies statement: No inhibiting allergies to animals, hay, or dust.

Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Midwestern University is a private, not-for-profit organization that provides graduate and post-graduate education in the health sciences. The University has two campuses, one in Downers Grove, Illinois and the other in Glendale, Arizona. More than 6,000 full-time students are enrolled in graduate programs in osteopathic medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, physician assistant studies, physical therapy, occupational therapy, nurse anesthesia, cardiovascular perfusion, podiatry, optometry, clinical psychology, speech language pathology, biomedical sciences and veterinary medicine. Over 500 full-time faculty members and 400 staff members are dedicated to the education and development of our students in an environment that encourages learning, respect for all members of the health care team, service, interdisciplinary scholarly activity, and personal growth.

We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance plans as well as life insurance, short/long term disability and pet insurance.  We offer flexible spending accounts including healthcare reimbursement and child/dependent care account.  We offer a work life balance with competitive time off package including paid holiday’s, sick/flex days, personal days and vacation days.  We offer a 403(b) retirement plan, tuition reimbursement, child care subsidy reimbursement program, identity theft protection and an employee assistance program.  Wellness is important to us and we offer a wellness facility on-site with a fully equipped fitness facility. 

Midwestern University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer that does not discriminate against an employee or applicant based upon race; color; religion; creed; national origin or ancestry; ethnicity; sex (including pregnancy); gender (including gender expressions, gender identity; and sexual orientation); marital status; age; disability; citizenship; past, current, or prospective service in the uniformed services; genetic information; or any other protected class, in accord with
 all federal, state and local laws, including 41 C.F.R. 60-1.4(a), 250.5(a), 300.5(a) and 741.5(a). Midwestern University complies with the Smoke-Free Arizona Act (A.R.S. 36-601.01) and the Smoke Free Illinois Act (410 ILCS 82/).  Midwestern University complies with the Illinois Equal Pay Act of 2003 and Arizona Equal Pay Acts.